Surface treatment
When it comes to producing high-quality, reproducible bonds, workpiece surface preparation and pretreatment are vital aspects of the surface treatment process. Depending on the field of application, intended use and the workpieces themselves, there are various pretreatment processes designed to optimize adhesion and wettability. To produce connections that eliminate the possibility of unwanted changes after joining, adherend surfaces must be able to cope with physical interactions and chemical bonds.
Application systems for surface treatment
There are three distinct aspects to surface treatment: preparation, pretreatment and post-treatment. As a technology provider, plant automation specialist and integrator, ATN has expertise in all three. Our online configurator lets you configure the cleaning or primer system you require so that you can get some idea of your new system solution. With the help of information about your process, our experts design your surface treatment system solution in line with your requirements. Request a quotation for your surface treatment system now!
Surface preparation systems
The main purpose of surface preparation is to expose the surface and identify obvious flaws. This is done by cleaning and degreasing.
Cleaning and degreasing a surface in preparation for the application of glue or other materials entails removing all contaminants. Key factors for surface treatment are wetting the surface well and ensuring that the cleaning fluid evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. It’s also important to make sure the adherend is not damaged in the process, for example by metal corrosion or plastic swelling.
ATN cleaning systems work by wiping the cleaning fluid onto the component surface. Precise dosing and the simultaneous application of a cleaning fluid by the application system components helps to guarantee the best possible surface cleaning.
Integrating processes into automation systems
Pretreatment changes the morphological and chemical structure of the surface to make it conducive to glue application. Various surface pretreatment processes are suitable for this, but flame treatment or plasma penetration are the most commonly used before applying glue.
ATN does not supply the technology for these particular processes but integrates them in automation systems.
As a specialist in application and automation processes, ATN has many years of experience and therefore an in-depth understanding of the relevant integration requirements.
Activation and priming systems
Applying a primer or activator preserves the surface. But external factors such as surface treatment or ambient temperatures can deactivate it again. This means that the glue or material must be applied within a certain time if it is to react properly.
Priming/activating plays two fundamental roles: Improving wettability for optimum adhesion, e.g. on rough surfaces, and improving the contact properties between the glue and the adherend if they are not an ideal chemical match.
ATN’s portfolio includes a wide range of systems such as glass and clear priming with various expansion and automation stages, specifically optimized for your process. Click here to configure your custom primer system and request a quotation. Our experts will create your ideal primer system based on your information.
Implement your application process with ATN
ATN’s reliable application systems comprise all the components you need for application across all orders. They include barrel emptying systems, dosing systems, application towers and nozzle cleaning systems as well as many accessories. ATN is your partner for reliable precision fluid dosing systems. ATN application systems guarantee a consistent quality of your processes.
End-to-end application and automation solutions
Looking for an end-to-end solution for your special-purpose machine or system? Get in touch – we’ll be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice on all aspects of application, assembly and automation solutions. We will fully implement your entire process, from conceptual design to on-site commissioning. We offer industry solutions for the automotive, household appliances, aerospace, electronics, renewable energies, chemical, construction and furniture industries as well as medical technology and pharma life science.