Openair-Plasma: For Reliable Surfaces and Stable Coating Processes
Surface pretreatment with atmospheric plasma is now widely recognized as an efficient alternative to traditional methods in many coating processes. At PaintExpo 2026, Plasmatreat GmbH will present the latest Openair-Plasma technology developments for industrial coating applications in hall 1, booth 1210. The focus will be on innovations in jet technology, such as the new RD8450, which is designed for fast, uniform treatment of large surfaces. The product range is also expanded to include automated plasma applications for the pretreatment of battery cells.
Prerequisites for Stable Coating Processes
The adhesion of coatings depends crucially on surface condition. Low surface energy and the presence of release agents, oils, or dust can lead to wetting issues and adhesion problems. Therefore, reliable cleaning and activation are the foundation of stable coating processes.
Openair-Plasma pretreatment generates highly reactive species that remove organic contaminants and create polar functional groups on the surface. Surface energy increases, wettability improves, and coating layers adhere reliably. This dry, in-line, flexible process is suitable for targeted areas as well as the entire surface of large components.
Openair-Plasma: The Alternative to Flame Treatment
Although plasma treatment is used in many areas of the coating process, some manufacturers still rely on flame treatment. Atmospheric plasma offers advantages that address typical challenges in these applications:
- Gentle on materials: Lower thermal stress, even with temperature-sensitive plastics
- Process stability: Reproducible surface treatment with quality assurance
- Safe: There is no open flame or risk of explosion
- Environmentally friendly: There are no CO₂ emissions, and it operates using compressed air and electricity. Wet chemical primers are eliminated, and VOC emissions are reduced
Plasma treatment can be precisely adjusted, reproduced, and easily integrated into automated production lines. Integrated quality assurance modules ensure the quality of the plasma treatment.
What awaits visitors at Booth 1210 in Hall 1
At Booth 1210 in Hall 1, Plasmatreat will showcase various systems and components designed specifically for coating applications, including the new RD8450. "This new jet is designed for large-surface components, such as dashboards or hoods," explains Joachim Schüßler, Plasmatreat's Global Business Development Manager. "The rotating jet ensures uniform cleaning and activation across the entire process path, allowing large parts to be pretreated efficiently."
Visitors can experience plasma treatment live. A Scara robot from Janome pretreats cylindrical and prismatic battery cells and cleans metal surfaces efficiently, regardless of whether coating or foiling follows.
After treatment, visitors can immediately verify the effect of plasma activation: materials such as PP or PE are tested for increased surface energy using contact angle measurements, water spray tests, or test inks. These tests demonstrate how plasma accelerates processes, improves adhesion, and is gentle on materials while capable of inline operation.
Visit Plasmatreat at PaintExpo at booth 1210 in hall 1
