What is Plasma Bonding?
Plasma bonding is the process of modifying a surface so that it may be bonded to or printed on. Often used on Teflon, rubber, or plastics, this process actually modifies the surface, leaving free radicals behind and allowing any material to bond reliably with glue or ink.
Shift registers are bonded during final assembly.
Similarly, attaching a sturdy plastic handle to a glossy plastic product is difficult because different polymers may require vastly different bonding agents.
The surface modification effects are not permanent. The time available for processing ranges from just a few hours to a few days, depending on the conditions in which the treated parts are stored.
Although the effects of plasma bonding are temporary, they allow plenty of time to complete the manufacturing or printing process on the materials being treated.
This process is used when bonding dissimilar surfaces such as plastic and metal or rubber and plastic. The different surfaces generally require different types of glue. This creates a situation where finding a suitable bonding agent is difficult.
By modifying the surface with plasma, the pores of the plastic or rubber adhere to the bonding agent with significantly increased strength.
Glossy plastic surfaces are often treated and printed on or bonded to another material like a plastic or metal handle. When these glossy surfaces are treated with the correct plasma, they are able to be printed on without smearing, or they can bonded to a handle without fear of a weak bond.
Plasma treatments are extremely safe and environmentally friendly. At the power settings and pressures used for plasma bonding, the plasma is only able to change the surface of the material.
The effects of bonding with plasma are observed on a region only several molecular layers deep and the bulk properties of the material are unchanged. The treatment does not use any harsh chemicals, so chemical safety risks are eliminated for employees and our environment.
Next: Plasma Activation
