Surface Treatment
Surface Treatment is a proven method to modify the molecular structure of a surface to make it interact with an adhesive, ink, paint, coating to create a strong bond between the two. It is a chemical reaction that occurs between top 1-3 molecular layers of surfaces coming together. It is very effective on a wide variety of surfaces including ABS, ASA, EPD, ETFE, EVA, HDPE, LDPE, PC, PE, PET, PMMA, PP, PS, PTFE, PU, PVC, PBT, TPU TPO and many more.
The different types of Surface Treatment Technologies are
(I) CORONA, (II) PLASMA & (III) FLAME.
Corona treatment is a surface modification technique that uses a low temperature corona discharge plasma to impart changes in the properties of a surface. Materials such as plastics, cloth, or paper may be passed through the corona/plasma curtain in order to change the surface energy of the material.
Atmospheric plasma systems are also ideal for clean-room applications. The overall plasma density is much greater which enhances the rate and degree that the ionized molecules are incorporated onto a materials’ surface.
Flame-plasma treatment generates more heat than other treatment methods, but creates greater surface energies with a longer shelf life. Flame treatment is commonly used to process injection and blow-molded products because of the thickness, size, and shape of the parts.
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SURFACE TREATMENT
Features :
- Gasless, Works in an open ambient environment, no vacuum required
- Utilizes Standard Industrial Grade Argon
- Turnkey System Easily Interfaces With Any Production Line
- Conveyor System Makes Parts Handling Simple and Easily Controllable
- Works In-Line with any Marking/ Striping Equipment
- Split Electrode Design Allows Easy Threading
- All Solid-State Electronics Makes Unit Safe And User Friendly
- Stand-Alone Unit, No Encoder Signal Required
- Higher treatment levels
- Longer lasting, uniform treatment
SURFACE TREATMENT
As power is supplied to the electrodes, the electric arc only occurs between the points of the electrodes that are closest to each other. A constant flow of air supplied by a blower deflects the arc, causing it to spread and follow the hook-formed curvature of the electrodes. A constant supply of arcs is produced at a rate of 50 to 60 cycles per second.
The ability of the arc to spread depends on the secondary voltage of the transformer, the air velocity generated by the blower, and the geometry (shape) of the electrodes. The higher the voltage and air velocity, the further the arc can be spread. Too much air velocity can break up the arc prematurely, reducing the useful treatment width.
The continuous arc provides a Corona discharge loaded with highly energized ions. This energy field is capable of increasing the wet-ability of the surfaces exposed, providing the necessary cross-linking between polymer surface and inks, coating, or adhesives.
SURFACE TREATMENT
Blown-arc air plasma is formed by blowing atmospheric air past two high-voltage powered electrodes and is sometimes referred to as corona treatment.
The electrical discharge positively charges the ion particles surrounding it. through direct contact, these particles positively charge the treated area of the object’s surface. This makes the surface more receptive to any applied substance such as inks.
Air plasma is a popular surface-treatment technology because it is effective, easy to use, and inexpensive to operate.
SURFACE TREATMENT
Printing – Surface treating parts prior to printing enhances ink adhesion. It makes printing easier, and for others, it makes printing possible.
Painting – Injection molded or thermoformed parts and often treated prior to painting. Surface treatment allows the paint to adhere and also increases the life and durability of the paint on the object’s surface.
Coating – Products are coated to protect their surfaces from harsh environments or as decoration. Doors, frames, and extrusions/profiles are often coated. The medical industry uses surface treating to improve the adhesion of antimicrobial/antibiotic coatings.