SKZ expands its surface treatment facilities
The SKZ Plastics Center has expanded its pretreatment capabilities for plastic components with a high-performance excimer module from Ushio Germany. The rapid surface cleaning and activation by VUV radiation leads to significant improvements in adhesion.
Dr. Jörg Söllner (Ushio Germany), Yuki Sashiwa (Ushio Inc.), Christian Eck and Michael Heilig (both SKZ) at the handover of the VUV excimer system (from left). (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
High-performance excimer module enables rapid surface cleaning and activation with VUV radiation
The SKZ has recently acquired a high-performance excimer module from Ushio Germany, thereby expanding its existing pre-treatment options for plastic components. The technical data includes the high radiation intensity of over 200 mW/cm2 at a wavelength of 172 nm, a maximum treatment width of 30 cm and a very homogeneous radiation field. Thanks to the combination with a linear traversing unit and the option of varying the atmosphere between the emitter and the component, the module offers a high degree of flexibility and is suitable for process-related applications.
Numerous advantages of VUV radiation
Vacuum ultraviolet radiation (VUV radiation) offers numerous advantages, including the combined ultra-fine cleaning of organic contaminants and activation, even with thermally sensitive substrates. Instant-on operation avoids lead times and thus ensures high efficiency.
"Applications are very diverse
"The applications for the excimer module are very diverse, ranging from activation in bonding, printing and coating processes to adhesion improvement in injection molding or direct joining of plastics and metals. I am convinced that this solution gives our research a great deal of flexibility and enables us to carry out very practical tests for our customers - from in-process experiments to the upscaling phase," says Christian Eck, project manager for surface technology at SKZ.
More about the surface technology research area at SKZ
