COMPACT AUTOMATION SOLUTION FOR REPRODUCIBLE SURFACE ACTIVATION

The automation cell is designed for reliable plasma pre-treatment of workpiece surfaces – compact, flexible and ideally suited for automated processes in plastics processing and industrial production.

It combines a robust enclosure with an integrated XYZ gantry system, providing the basis for consistently high process quality while keeping operation straightforward.

TYPICAL CHALLENGES IN PRACTICE

Many applications face similar challenges:

• Insufficient adhesion in bonding, printing or coating processes
• Fluctuating surface energy due to manual pre-treatment
• Contamination or organic residues on components
• Lack of process reproducibility

Especially where quality requirements are increasing, manual solutions quickly reach their limits.

THE SOLUTION: AUTOMATED PLASMA PRE-TREATMENT

The cell enables targeted and reproducible surface activation through the automated use of a plasma nozzle.

The integrated gantry system follows defined travel paths precisely matched to the geometry and process requirements of the component.

The result:

• stable processes
• consistent surface quality
• reduced scrap

APPLICATIONS

The system is versatile and particularly suitable for:

• Plastics processing (injection moulding, extrusion)
• Pre-treatment prior to bonding processes
• Surface activation prior to printing and coating processes
• Cleaning of electronic components and other parts
• Laboratory and pre-series applications

Thanks to its compact design, it is also ideally suited for smaller production areas and development environments.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Integrated XYZ gantry system (500 × 500 × 100 mm)
• Maximum travel speed of up to 500 mm/s
• Height-adjustable support arm with 400 mm Z-axis adjustment
• Robust aluminium profile construction (40 × 40 / 40 × 80 mm)
• Transparent Makrolon enclosure for optimal process visibility
• Flexible workpiece fixture with T-slots
• Stainless-steel tray with extraction connection (ø 100 mm)
• Compact dimensions: 1030 × 898 × 2000 mm

INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING PROCESSES

The system is deliberately designed for easy integration into existing production environments:

• Connection to existing extraction systems
• Standardised power supply (400 V / 3-phase)
• Compressed air supply (6 bar)
• Open interface for customer-specific clamping fixtures

Travel paths are programmed using intuitive control software running on a customer-provided PC.

SAFETY AND DESIGN

• Enclosed treatment area with monitored access points
• Safety chain with emergency stop and door switches
• Industrial-grade control cabinet solution (Rittal)
• Designed in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
• CE-compliant design

TECHNICAL DATA (EXCERPT)

• Dimensions:
  1030 × 898 × 2000 mm (W × D × H)
• Working area:
  500 × 500 × 100 mm (X × Y × Z)
• Travel speed:
  up to 500 mm/s
• Additional manual Z-axis adjustment:
  400 mm
• Utilities:
  400 V, 3-phase, 50 Hz
  Compressed air approx. 100 l/min at 6 bar