Arcotec offers individually designed pre-treatment systems for all four physical surface activation processes. This wide range of products enables us to develop an application-specific optimised solution for each customer.
The purpose of each pre-treatment system is to improve the wettability of the treated substrate. For this purpose, the non-polar molecular chains of plastics must be broken up so that free radicals can accumulate. In this way, polar molecules are produced, to which the molecules of the substance to be applied (paint, varnish, glue, etc.) can bind.
Arcotec offers you systems for all physical surface activation processes. Together with you, our experts will find the process that best suits your requirements and design a system that is fully optimised for your needs.
Corona pre-treatment systems enable the safe and reliable activation of films and sheet material in particular.
With Arcotec plasma systems, even the most demanding geometries can be pre-treated safely and at high speed.
The arcogas® flame treatment systems are ideally suited for the activation of any solid bodies with the proven flame plasma in in-line or manual operation.
The addition of a volatile silane compound during flame treatment can significantly increase the activation.
All four physical processes for surface pre-treatment have in common that they work with a plasma; i.e. an ionised gas. In corona and plasma systems, the plasma is generated by a high-voltage discharge, and is generated in the hot flame during flame treatment.
In contrast to wet-chemical processes, physical surface activation does not produce hazardous waste materials that have to be disposed of at great cost. In addition, the drying phases, which are essential for chemical activation, are eliminated. The physical pre-treatment is usually integrated into the ongoing production directly before the coating.
The use of a pre-treatment system is always useful when hydrophobic surfaces are to be wetted with a liquid such as paint, varnish or adhesive. Such surfaces can be found in many common plastics, but metals, ceramics, glass and many types of paper also have low surface tensions. Only through pre-treatment can adhesives and finishing coats permanently bind with such substrates.
Pre-treatment systems are an elementary component of many production processes. As shown, they guarantee the long-term durability of paints, varnishes and adhesives. In addition to the most well-known application area, the activation of plastic and metal foils, there are also numerous other applications.
The pre-treatment of moulded parts before plastic coating is one of these other established fields of application, for example in the automotive industry. However, pre-treatment systems are also used for the powder coating of aluminium.
In addition, pre-treatment systems can also improve the adhesive properties on glass and paper. Corona pre-treatment is often used for paper as a surface pre-treatment before gluing, for example at the bonding points of folding cartons.
However, no matter which substrate you want to activate, the following always applies: in order to achieve optimal results at economic costs, it is essential to adapt the system to your individual requirements. Our experts are at your disposal for detailed advice. Send us your no-obligation enquiry!
