Plasma Treatment: What It Is and Why You Need It
Plasma is more than a high-energy state of matter or the dazzling display in lightning storms and neon signs. Plasma treatment comprises a cutting-edge solution with extensive applications in surface preparation. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, keep reading to learn what plasma treatment is and why you may need it for your industrial process.
Plasma Treatment Explained
Plasma treatment is a surface modification technique that utilizes a low-pressure gas to create a highly reactive environment. It’s both an art and a science, harnessing the fourth state of matter to achieve results that surpass many traditional methods.
Plasma treatment modifies surface energy to improve wettability, adhesion, and bond strength. It makes surfaces more receptive to printing, coating, and painting. This highly customizable process is crucial for bonding in various industries, including aerospace and medical device manufacturing.
How It Works
Traditionally, plasma treatment uses a vacuum chamber that fills with gas and bombards the material surface using ions and radicals. At Tri-Star Technologies, we use atmosphere plasma treatment for easier application with wire surface activation and cleaning.
Essentially, the wire enters through a plasma channel (roughly four inches in length); the longer the wire is in the chamber, the greater the surface modification. This gives users greater in-line versatility and ease within their production process.
Benefits of Plasma Treatment
We’ve explained what plasma treatment is, but why do we need it? Plasma surface treatment is popular for many industrial applications for numerous reasons.
Enhanced Adhesion
One of the most significant advantages of plasma treatment is its ability to improve adhesion. With tailored plasma chemistry, you can ensure adhesives, inks, and coatings form a secure bond that resists environmental stressors and the rigors of use.
Surface Activation and Cleaning
Contaminants and dull, non-reactive surfaces can be barriers to effective bonding processes. Plasma treatment acts as a cleanser, removing organic impurities and activating the surface to promote adhesion and printability.
Influence on Material Functionality
Plasma treatment is akin to a designer tool that can mold and refine surface properties. It can give the following qualities to surfaces:
- Hydrophilic or hydrophobic, repelling or attracting water
- Oleophilic or oleophobic, affecting oil repellency
- Biocompatible, essential for medical devices
Industrial Applications
The versatility of plasma treatment has led to its adoption in many industries. In aerospace, we use it for composite bonding; in automotive, for headlamp assembly; and in electronics, for improving wire bonding efficiency.
A closer look at industry-specific applications reveals how plasma treatment is becoming non-negotiable in the manufacturing process, transcending boundaries, and redefining the capabilities of various materials.
Find a Plasma Treatment System for Your Process at Tri-Star Technologies
If you believe your process could benefit from surface cleaning and activation, consider a plasma surface treatment system from Tri-Star Technologies! Our systems epitomize quality and serve the exacting needs of industries where performance and reliability are mandatory.
Are you ready to witness the electrifying potential of plasma in action? Browse our inventory or contact our staff to learn more about our systems. Trust Tri-Star Technologies to be your conduit to excellence.