Improve Adhesion and Bonding With Advanced Plasma Treatment
Many industries and manufacturers use adhesives and bonding for the assembly of critical parts that cannot withstand the structural damage that can accompany the use of drills, nuts, or bolts, for assemblage. For these manufacturers of delicate and sensitive components and materials, quality adhesion and bonding are critical, but how do they approach materials with low-wettability characteristics? Below, we’ll explain how manufacturers can improve adhesion and bonding with advanced plasma treatment.
Overcoming Adhesion Challenges in Wire Assemblies
One of the applications most in need of adhesion and bonding improvement is wire assemblage. Common challenges include issues with wire marking and low wettability, which can hinder the adhesion of inks and other coatings. Much like water beading on a freshly waxed car, the lack of wettability on certain materials prevents adhesives from forming strong bonds.
These problems are particularly prevalent in materials with low surface energy, such as plastics. The goal is to enhance the surface properties of these materials to ensure adhesives, inks, and other coatings adhere properly.
Industries Applicable for Plasma Surface Treatment
Industries that benefit from plasma surface treatment include aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical device manufacturing. Aerospace manufacturers can capitalize on its adhesion and bonding qualities to ensure the reliability of critical components. Plasma treatment enhances the bonding of composite materials, metals, and polymers common in aircraft structures, engine components, and interior fittings.
Improving surface energies allows for more effective use of lightweight materials without compromising on strength, thus accommodating the sector’s stringent regulatory requirements and pursuit of fuel efficiency. This advancement ensures strong, durable bonds that stand up to extreme temperatures, pressure changes, and mechanical stress.
Understanding the Plasma Treatment Process
To understand how advanced plasma treatment improves adhesion and bonding, we must first understand the plasma treatment process. Plasma treatment uses ionized gas to create a highly reactive environment that alters the surface of materials. This process breaks down C-C bonds in polymers and can add reactive species to surfaces, creating microscopic hills and valleys that enhance bonding potential.
Plasma treatment machines vary based on the application, with options ranging from in-line systems for continuous processing to batch systems for more controlled treatments. Unlike chemical etching, operators can tailor plasma treatment to specific materials and applications, providing a level of precision and repeatability that’s difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
Traditional Chemical Etching vs. Advanced Plasma Treatment
Chemical etching has long been a method to alter the surface properties of plastic materials to improve adhesion. However, it comes with its own set of drawbacks, including environmental hazards, inconsistent results, and additional handling and time requirements.
Plasma treatment offers a more effective solution by modifying the surface of materials at the molecular level, improving their wettability and adhesion properties without the need for harsh chemicals. This process is faster and more environmentally friendly, providing a cleaner, more sustainable option for manufacturers.
Experience the Advantages of Plasma Treatment With Tri-Star Technologies
We hope you can now see the many benefits that plasma treatment provides for various applications to enhance the wettability of certain materials. Tri-Star Technologies has over 25 years of expertise in offering cutting-edge plasma treatment solutions and expert guidance to help businesses integrate this technology into their operations. Reach out to our team to discover how plasma treatment can elevate your manufacturing capabilities and product offerings.