The automotive industry is at the forefront of using new materials and technologies to reduce cost and improve performance while striving for green manufacturing processes. It is one of the most aggressive users of in-line atmospheric plasma and flame surface treatment technologies.
There is an application for surface treatment on virtually every part of a vehicle from bumper to bumper. Adhesion can be improved prior to gluing, painting, coating and printing on metallic and polymer surfaces such as PE, PP, TPO, POM, PUR and PTFE.
Plastic parts that are painted such as bumpers, dashboards, consoles, glove boxes and more, are pretreated with flame systems. These flame treaters are often integrated with robots for precise and efficient treatment patterns.
Any part of an automobile that will be exposed to the elements is normally protected with some type of coating. Windshield wipers are just one example of a part that can benefit from treatment. Meanwhile parts of the vehicle that are exposed to high temperatures present challenges to all types of silicones and adhesives. Plasma surface treaters are used to increase the bond strength of adhesives used in head lamp assemblies, gaskets, mirrors and filters.
Other items in an automobile such as vinyl and leather seating material, decorative films, steering wheels, air bags, and component assemblies are all candidates for in-line treatment.
Plasma and flame surface treaters can also provide green manufacturing advantages. They can lead to the elimination of hazardous chemical primers and solvent materials from the manufacturing floor which is good for the environment and shop workers.
Access these resources to learn more about surface treatment for automotive adhesion.