Plasmatreat GmbH, manufacturer of atmospheric plasma technology systems, presented a new EPDM station with open-air plasma technology at Fakuma 2024. The new system offers manufacturers in the automotive industry an efficient, clean, environmentally friendly and compact solution for the surface pre-treatment of EPDM/TPE profiles for door seals and similar applications.
Pre-treatment to activate the surface
The non-polar EPDM/TPE material makes further processing, such as bonding with flock or applying bonded coatings, more difficult. For this reason, the plastic profiles must be pretreated to activate the surface: The plasma jet introduces hydroxyl groups to the surface. The activation of the profile surface leads to improved adhesion of adhesives and coatings.
EPDM station - compact and flexible
Plasmatreat is now introducing a new EPDM station that further optimizes and simplifies the process thanks to its compact design and diverse functions. For example, it offers greater efficiency and improved adjustment options for the plasma nozzles for flexible usability in production. The system can provide up to 12 individually controllable nozzles in the housing. Rotating plasma nozzles can also be used for particularly gentle pre-treatment in bonded coating applications.
Precision and flexibility
Each nozzle of the new EPDM station from Plasmatreat can be controlled individually via the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) with individual recipes. The nozzles can be selected automatically. Automatic detection of product movement enables intelligent nozzle activation and ensures efficient, safe processes. The system treats EPDM/TPE profiles selectively and precisely with a homogeneous plasma jet.
Clean processes, simplified maintenance
For optimum energy-saving climate control, the system can be equipped with energy-efficient Rittal Blue e+ climate control technology on request. The new EPDM station is also equipped with an optimized extraction system.