New automatable cold plasma surface treatment technology

Designed specifically for integration into semi-automated or automated production lines, the unit gives manufacturers control over the process variables ─ positioning, power, time, and input gas pressure ─ for a repeatable, controllable, and recordable process.

The Piezobrush PZ3-i is the world’s smallest cold active plasma unit developed for integration into industrial processes. Cold plasma technology can be an effective method for increasing adhesion, wetting, and cleanliness on difficult to bond surfaces, by providing surface treatment and activation prior to bonding, printing, or laminating. It is suitable for use in semi-automated and automated production lines in the medical, automotive, electronics, food and beverage, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Capable of effectively processing areas at speeds of up to 150mm/s, the system allows the efficient treating of components without delaying subsequent processes, improving productivity. The system’s digital IO gives power output adjustment and on/off function. The device is intuitive to operate and can be maintained without tools.

“The PZ3-i combines the effectiveness, ease of use, and affordability of the handheld Piezobrush PZ2 with the improved productivity and repeatability of automation,” said Ben Swanson, Sales Manager at Intertronics. “Manufacturers can quickly and easily integrate the PZ3-i into a partially or fully automated system by mounting it onto a robot or into a machine. For the treatment of larger areas, its modular design allows multiple units to be mounted adjacently.

“In practice, this processing performance level has only previously been possible with considerably larger installations,” added Swanson. “As well as being more affordable than large plasma treatment equipment, the PZ3-i is environmentally friendly, efficient, and safe ─ generally no light curtains, mechanical enclosures or PPE are required.”                                                     

The PZ3-i uses an external gas supply such as compressed air or nitrogen. Using Piezoelectric Direct Discharge (PDD) technology, developed by Relyon Plasma, the device transforms low input voltage into high electric field strengths, dissociating and ionizing the ambient gas. The plasma is produced at less than 50°C, making the PZ3-i suitable for treating many temperature sensitive substrates, such as plastic films.

The Intertronics team can integrate the new unit into a purpose-built system with fluid dispensing or curing for automated archytas system.