Acxys' Dual Plasma Solution Frees Up Surface Energy At K2013

Top Quote AcXys Technologies of France, a specialist in atmospheric pressure plasma surface treatment, is expanding into the British and Irish market. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) October 01, 2013 - The innovative process developed by AcXys, thanks to the use of plasma technology, improves the spread and adhesion of liquid, thus facilitating the coating of all kinds of material. AcXys will showcase its know-how at the K2013 trade show, in Düsseldorf (Germany), from 16 to 23 October 2013.

    Atmospheric plasma is an innovative, high-performance technology that replaces processes normally used to improve the spreading and adhesion of all types of coating such as glue, paint, varnish and ink, among others. Atmospheric pressure plasma surface treatment allows for the fine cleaning of the surface, coupled with chemical activation. As a result, it offers a well-adapted solution to the problems linked with the difficulty in coating certain materials: this even applies for materials considered difficult to work with, including plastics and other composite materials.

    Schneider Electric, an energy-management specialist, has noted the effectiveness of this treatment with regard to adhesion and painting problems on thermoplastic circuit-breaker shells. The initial preparation of the surface, obtained by rubbing it with sandpaper, caused air bubbles to appear after coating, and led to premature ageing of the shells.

    The advantages of atmospheric pressure plasma surface treatment are undeniable. By modifying the state of the treated surface, it becomes possible to improve wettability and adhesion: liquids will, therefore, spread and adhere more easily. Plasma, as a source of chemical reactivity, will react with a surface when it is in direct contact with it. This results in two actions: the cleansing of organic residues and the grafting of new properties. This dual action produces considerable improvement in what is called surface energy.

    As well as providing effective treatment of all types of material, it should be noted that even very fine materials that are highly sensitive to temperature can be treated without any damage. Plasma treatment is easy to use and does not require any drying; besides, it can be used in open spaces without any risk to the user (or to the environment). Finally, it is economical, as it requires only a small investment cost and operates with air or nitrogen.

    AcXys Technologies has developed two ranges of plasma modules - namely the ULS Plasma Jet and the ULD Plasma Curtain. The ULS Plasma Jet device allows targeted treatment on any surface, whilst the ULD Plasma Curtain range makes it possible to treat parts that are flat or that have more complex shapes, as well as wider parts. The curtain width can range from 6cm to 50cm per source.

    Schneider Electric was convinced by treatment tests carried out in the AcXys Technologies laboratories and ordered a workstation to enable its employees to carry out plasma treatment on shells on its production site as quickly as possible. AcXys Technologies, with its skills in developing and designing turnkey solutions, produced all the equipment, from the integration of the plasma module to its automation.

    Today, ULS plasma treatment modules are being supplied to subcontractors and production-line integrators of Schneider Electric to integrate plasma at the very heart of the shell design process.

    AcXys Technologies is now expanding into the British and Irish markets; the company will be at K2013 in Düsseldorf, in October of this year.

    About AcXys Technologies
    Based in Saint-Martin le Vinoux, in the Rhône-Alpes region of South-Eastern France, AcXys Technologies is a worldwide provider of turnkey plasma treatment solutions, equipment and services.

    With several years' experience in the field of surface chemistry, AcXys Technologies' team of Application Lab Specialists has grown to become one of the largest and most experienced in the world for solving the industrial challenges of surface processing. The AcXys team is able to provide efficient, clean and economic plasma solutions for numerous industrial applications.

    AcXys will be showcasing its plasma technology at the K2013 trade show, in Düsseldorf (Western Germany), from 16 to 23 October 2013. K2013 is the world's flagship event in the plastics-and-rubber industry.

    For further information about the trade fair, please go to: www.k-tradefair.com.

    For further information about the company, please go to: www.acxys.com.

    For further information, please contact :

    Quote ref. : FTPB3878
    Ms Kate RILEY - Press Officer
    UBIFRANCE Press Office in London
    Tel: +44 (0) 207 024 3640
    kate.riley ( @ ) ubifrance dot fr
    View other press releases at :
    http://www.ubifrance.com/uk/

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