Fakuma 2014: Plasma energizes tired plastics

Plasmatreat will be exhibiting at Fakuma 2014, the international trade fair for plastics processing, from 14 – 18 October. The incredible versatility of Openair® atmospheric plasma technology will be demonstrated live using a number of fascinating applications.

no-img

The most likely cause for the inability of additive-free plastics to be bonded or coated effectively, or indeed at all, despite having clean surfaces, is their low polarity and resultant low surface energy. At the trade fair Plasmatreat will demonstrate how to boost this weak energy in a matter of seconds to enable downstream processes such as bonding, painting, printing or foaming  — without resorting to any chemicals whatsoever.

The exhibition will focus on the structural bonding of lightweight fiber composites. The non-polar surfaces of carbon- or glass fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP/GFRP) cannot be bonded without effective pretreatment. Visitors to the stand will be able to watch the plasma pretreatment of a CFRP hood: This involves a Yaskawa six-axle robot which guides the plasma nozzle with millimeter precision to the exact areas that are to be subsequently bonded to the chassis. What works inside, works on top as well: Visitors can observe how the plasma nozzles, despite their diminutive size, can likewise be used to pretreat large areas of the CFRP part prior to painting or printing.  

A further attraction is in store for those with an interest in the sealants industry: Plasma-Tube, a new, fully automated plasma system incorporating up to 12 nozzles for pretreating over 1000 different profile geometries. This device minimizes profile changeover times and service interruptions, thereby making the plasma process  — already very rapid — even more efficient.

 Anyone wishing to put to the test the activation power of Openair® plasma on their own plastic component is invited to perform a test ink or contact angle measurement in the 'plasma bar' to determine the surface tension of their component before plasma treatment. The component will then be remeasured after plasma treatment. At the next test booth, visitors can test how well print has adhered to a tin of mint pastilles before and after plasma treatment using a tape adhesion test.

And as for the freebies, they’re in a class of their own! Visitors will be able to design their own plastic-encapsulated fridge magnets with the aid of an ITW Morlock digital printing system. The plastic will be pretreated with a rotary plasma nozzle before the PC prints directly onto the substrate. 

We look forward to your visit!
Friedrichshafen Trade Fair, 14 – 18 October 2014
Hall A1, Booth 1424

contact

We are looking forward to your inquiry

In case of questions or suggestions, we are happy to help you. We look forward to your challenge. Here you find your personal contact for your inquiry or fill out the contact form.