Tag Archive: surface treatment longevity

1. What is the HeliDyne System?

   April 25, 2024 6:33 am Leave a Comment

   The HeliDyne system by 3DT LLC is an innovation in surface treatment technology designed to enhance the adhesion of a broad range of substrates. Our state-of-the-art system redefines the possibilities in surface treatment capabilities. With over 30 years of experience in corona and plasma treatment, 3DT LLC has become a leading force in technological advancements for surface treatment.

   Revolutionary Surface Treatment with HeliDyne

   The HeliDyne system introduces a groundbreaking method of enhancing material properties through a unique helix-patterned corona electrode technology. This patent-pending innovation is crucial for achieving superior adhesion on various substrates, particularly in challenging applications involving advanced polymer panels and honeycomb boards.

   Its capability to process materials up to 1 inch thick and 80 inches wide makes it a versatile foam sheet surface treatment solution for industries demanding high-quality surface treatment. Integrating an Allen Bradley PLC and a Maple Systems HMI ensures a seamless operation, allowing for precise control and monitoring of the surface treatment process.

   Furthermore, HeliDyne’s design accommodates many material types, including porous, hollow, or oversized, substantially expanding its application range. It is the perfect option for foam adhesive surface treatment. Built with uncompromising craftsmanship, this system is a testament to 3DT LLC’s commitment to excellence and innovation in surface treatment technology.

   As a result, HeliDyne marks a breakthrough in the industry, establishing unprecedented standards for efficiency, flexibility, and adhesive strength in surface treatment applications. If you’re looking for an advanced solution for advanced polymer panel adhesive, look no further than HeliDyne by 3DT LLC.

   Advanced HeliDyne Corona Treatment System Features

   The HeliDyne Corona Treatment System is outfitted with various features engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing environments. Below are key components that delineate HeliDyne’s superiority in the field of surface treatment technologies:

   • The 3DT system features a robust generator and transformer housed within an electrical cabinet.

   • It utilizes an Allen Bradley PLC for control, boasting an HMI equipped with a touchscreen for programming, runtime and service logs, diagnostics, and an alarm/troubleshooting interface from the HeliDyne corona treatment system by 3DT.

   • The electrode assembly is fully enclosed and custom-designed.

   • It can handle materials up to 1 inch thick and widths up to 80 inches, making it perfect for foam sheet surface treatment.

   • The system is designed for frequency-matching to ensure optimal treatment levels and enhance production efficiency.

   Our system offers a robust aluminum main frame housing the treating station, cabinet, and conveyor for seamless operation. It includes an ozone exhaust system to ensure a clean environment. You can choose between single or double-side treatment options, providing flexibility for advanced polymer panel adhesive based on your needs.

   Built to adhere to stringent US NFPA 79 machine safety standards and IP54 standards for dust and moisture protection, our equipment guarantees safety and reliability in every use. HeliDyne’s advanced technology significantly improves surface quality, strengthening adhesion and boosting manufacturing speed and efficiency.

   Unlock the Future of Advanced Adhesive Applications With Helidyne

   The HeliDyne system by 3DT LLC is the peak of surface treatment technology, raising the bar for reliability, efficiency, and effectiveness in foam adhesive solutions. Our innovative technique improves adhesive properties in polymer panels, foam sheets, and various substrates, showing our dedication to excellence and leadership in the industry.

   Contact us today for a detailed consultation on using the HeliDyne system for your adhesive foam surface treatment needs or to discover our full range of surface treatment solutions. You can also visit our HeliDyne product page to learn more about the system’s specifics. With over three decades of experience, we are confident in helping you find the perfect solution for your business needs.

2. How Long Do The Effects of Corona and Plasma Surface Treatment Last?

   November 28, 2022 8:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Atmospheric plasma and corona treatments are electrical surface treatments used to improve a material’s surface properties for downstream printing, bonding, and adhesion applications. The effects of surface treatments can last hours, weeks, or years depending on the type of material treated, the applied treatment, and the conditions in which the treated material is stored. For best results, secondary processing should be performed shortly after the surface treatment.

   At 3DT, we provide customized surface treatment solutions based on each client’s unique application, timing requirements, and processing needs. Here, we’ll discuss the longevity of these treatments, including optimal process windows and decay prevention tips.

   Factors Influencing Surface Treatment Longevity

   Plasma and corona treated substrates tend to revert to their untreated states over time. The longevity of the surface treatment is influenced by:

   • Additives. Additives (plasticizers, pigments, etc.) present in the bulk of the treated material can migrate to the surface over time and reduce surface treatment effectiveness.
   • Process contaminants. Process-related impurities such as mold release agents can adhere to the material’s surface and interfere with downstream surface treatments.
   • Material density. High-density materials generally maintain their modified surface energy properties longer than low-density materials since their tightly packed polymers slow the migration of subsurface molecules.
   • Process window. While several factors influence the shelf life of surface-treated materials, tests with polymer surfaces suggest that the surface activating effects are retained at 28 days post-treatment. 3DT works closely with clients to establish a workable process window that accommodates individual timing and processing requirements while optimizing adhesion results.

   Surface treatment longevity also varies according to the type of polymer being treated. Typical surface treatment shelf life on commonly used polymers are listed below.

   Surface Treatment Shelf Life for Polymers

   

   Process Window Optimization

   For optimal results, the time between the surface treatment and secondary printing or bonding operation should be minimized. Roughly 90% of polymers are processed within seconds or hours of being surface-treated. Typical process windows for various substrates are described below.

   • Polystyrene labware such as Petri dishes and multi-well plates are typically corona treated, packaged, and shipped to the laboratory, where they are used on an as-need basis. These items must be capable of retaining their modified surface properties for long periods and often have expiration dates exceeding two years.
   • Polypropylene syringes are printed directly after corona treatment to ensure optimal ink adhesion.
   • EPDM rubber profiles receive adhesives seconds after plasma treatment.
   • Blown polymer films are typically corona treated, wound into a roll, and stored until needed. Before the final processing step, the roll is cut into a usable size and bump-treated (retreated with the surface treatment).
   • Glass substrates are corona treated to remove contaminants and enhance hydrophilic surface properties for subsequent bonding applications. Treated glass retains its activated surface for days to weeks, allowing manufacturers to perform the required secondary operations within a reasonable timeframe.

   Note how Ink adheres in the
   center of the bottle, where it was plasma treated.

    

   Decay Prevention Tips

   Key recommendations for preventing surface energy decay after treatment include:

   • Optimize storage environment:
     • Avoid high temperatures, which promote faster migration of subsurface molecules.
     • Maintain low humidity levels
     • Protect material from airborne contamination and direct skin contact, both of which can accelerate decay
   • Keep material covered: Surface-treated substrates should be properly covered and protected from the surrounding environment using well-fitted, contaminant-free containers and covering.

   Long-Lasting Corona and Plasma Treatment Systems from 3DT

   Leveraging over 30 years of experience, 3DT creates industry-leading surface treatment equipment for everything from printing and adhesive processes to sensitive cell-culture applications. For custom requests, we work with clients during the application development phase of their projects to establish an individualized surface treatment strategy. With your application, process, and timing needs in mind, we then develop a custom plasma or corona treatment system that ensures optimal timing between the surface treatment and subsequent processing operations.

   Designed for seamless integration into existing production lines, our innovative systems include:

   • User-friendly operational controls
   • Status menu
   • Run time log
   • Troubleshooting screen
   • Fault log
   • PLC control (for material handling systems)

   In addition to our custom capabilities, we also offer a complete line of standard corona and plasma surface treatment systems capable of handling a range of substrates and geometries.

   Located in Germantown, Wisconsin, all our products are made in the USA. Contact us or request a quote to discuss your adhesion challenges and equipment needs.