In many cases, pre-treatment is an essential prerequisite for the secure adhesion of adhesive and finishing coats on plastics, metals, ceramics, paper and glass. Arcotec pre-treatment systems enable you to quickly and reliably activate the surfaces of films, paper and moulded parts to a consistently high quality.
With over 50 years of experience, Arcotec GmbH is a successful manufacturer of all four methods of physical pre-treatment under atmospheric pressure (corona, plasma, flame with silica coating). The Arcotec pre-treatment systems used worldwide are a testament to our consistently high quality and our unique expertise in the field of surface pre-treatment.
The surface of many films and moulded parts made of polymers has a non-polar surface. Metals and glass also often exhibit low surface tensions. As a result, adhesives, paints and other finishing layers adhere poorly to them. The surface tension can be increased through appropriate pre-treatment. During the pre-treatment of plastics, the molecular chains on the surface are broken up, which increases the adhesion forces.
Four different physical processes are available for surface activation: corona, plasma and flame treatment, as well as silica coating. Corona and plasma systems generate a plasma through high-voltage discharges. Flame treatment, on the other hand, uses a burner with a specially adjusted flame. Precursors containing silane are used for silica coating.
During pre-treatment with plasma or flame treatment, process gases can also be added to enhance the activation effect. Flame treatment systems also offer the option of silica-coating the treated surfaces to further improve adhesion. Our experts will advise you personally to find the most suitable pre-treatment method for you. Feel free to get in touch with us!