Pretreatment with atmospheric plasma is well established in many painting processes. At PaintExpo 2026 (Hall 1, Booth 1210), Plasmatreat is presenting further developments of its Openair Plasma technology for industrial applications. The focus is on the new RD8450 plasma nozzle, which is designed for the uniform treatment of larger component surfaces. The company is also presenting automated solutions for the pretreatment of battery cells.
Pretreatment as the Basis for Stable Painting Processes
Paint adhesion depends to a large extent on surface condition. Contaminants such as oils, release agents, or dust, as well as low surface energy, can lead to wetting defects. Targeted cleaning and activation are therefore prerequisites for reproducible painting results.
When Openair Plasma is used, reactive species are generated that remove organic residues and create functional groups on the surface. This increases surface energy and improves wettability. The process is dry and can be integrated inline into manufacturing operations, both for selective areas and for large-area applications.
Alternative to Flame Treatment
Atmospheric plasma is often used as an alternative to flame treatment. The process results in lower thermal stress and is therefore also suitable for temperature-sensitive plastics. In addition, the treatment is carried out without an open flame.
Other cited aspects include reproducible process conditions and the possibility of integration into automated systems. Since neither wet-chemical primers nor flammable gases are required, there are also differences in terms of emissions and plant operation.
New Nozzle for Large-Area Components
With the RD8450, Plasmatreat is introducing a rotating plasma nozzle designed for large-area applications such as vehicle components. The rotating motion is intended to ensure uniform treatment along the process path.
The trade fair booth will also feature an automated application: a SCARA robot handles the pretreatment of cylindrical and prismatic battery cells. Activation of the metal surfaces can then be verified using methods such as contact angle measurement or test inks.