Plasma Treatment Gives "Clean" A Whole New Meaning

In regards to the treatment of product surfaces, plasma treating is the process by which plastic and metal form an adhesive bond.   To insure this process is done properly it is important to clean the surface or etch it before applying the treatment.  Either process may be used which helps the functionality of the product surface which was treated.

In the Manufacturing world as we know today, there are many useful applications for plasma treating.  Listed below is a detailed examination of 7 common applications – fabric, flexible packaging, RFID tagging, battery technology, printed circuit boards, flexible circuitry, and solar thin film technology.  All of these applications are explained below with the benefits that plasma treatment will provide for each application.  

Fabrics and Textiles:   Fabrics and textiles are a great candidate for this type of treatment because it cleans the fibers of the fabric and allows then print to adhere to the material.  If done correctly the pre-treatment allows the dyes or inks to connect faster to the material and absorb deeper.  This helps prevent fade over the life span of the fabric (in comparison to the non- treated materials).

Flexible Packaging:  If water- based ink is applied to polyester in flexible packaging, plasma treatment is renowned for the improvement in the ability of the ink to bond to the polyester.  

RFID Tagging:  A surface of which an RFID tag is attached instantly becomes more functional with plasma treating.  Any foil debris or ink is removed from the surface following the treatment so the main location of the tag is cleaned allowing for the RFID tag to efficiently track its target.
 
Battery Technology:  Plasma treatment improves the battery cell’s efficiency because the treatment increases the batter separators ability to dissolve in water.  The treatment also allows the batter cell to pass through to the surface point faster.  

Printed Circuit Boards:  Circuit boards including stainless steel or copper that are cleaned using a plasma treatment before the liquid coating consisting of ions and electrons is applied helps improve the connectivity between components.  Plasma treatment removes oils and other contaminants from metals like steel or aluminum before being cut or rewound.

Flexible Circuitry:  Plasma treatment helps improve the ability of the surface to handle adhesion once it has been cleaned.  Also, multiple surface layer circuits see an overall improvement in functioning after getting cleaned using a plasma treatment.

Solar Thin Film Cells: Plasma treating provides a cleaning and activation solution when used on film cells.  Economically, plasma surface treatment systems are a clever idea in the case of saving a company money in comparison to other adhesion processes for film, sheets and foils.  Prior to the coating of the film, atmospheric plasma treating solutions can be effective at treating a range of substances.

Corey Mathews has developed a strong interest in the technologies behind high quality manufacturing after getting involved in the world of industrial business as a marketing freelance consultant last year.  Social media, forums and the blogosphere have allowed him to continue his education in manufacturing.  In addition to covering various aspects of the industrial world through leading trade publications, Matthews also regularly contributed to a training and resource site about plasma treatment.  That training site is currently offering a free download (for a limited time) with interesting details and information on how plasma treating can improve the process of treating industrial product surfaces.  

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