The advantages of plasma cleaning apply to both O2 and micro sandblasting.
FAQ
There are three main mechanisms at work in the chamber: chemical cleaning, physical cleaning and incineration. In addition, the conditions in the chamber are ideal for disinfection and sterilisation. This can be achieved by selecting conditions that generate a high UV content. For more information click on: Plasma sterilisation.
The process gas in the cleaning chamber is excited by a high-frequency generator. The resulting radicals and ionized particles react with the contamination on the surface of the product. This produces H2O and CO2.
The environment in the production area remains unaffected by the process, e.g. no ozone, as can be the case with atmospheric plasma.
The molecules of the process gas are accelerated by the high-frequency field. They collide with the product to be cleaned. The high atomic mass causes a kind of micro-sandblasting. The impurities are removed mechanically.
Special conditions are created in the chamber of the plasma system to generate heat in the product to be cleaned. This favours the outgassing of volatile substances, which polymerize on the surface and can then be cleaned. A rarely discussed but effective process. Conversely, controlling the conditions during plasma cleaning prevents the product from heating up and discoloring. This applies in particular to conductive materials.
Combinations of chemical and physical plasma cleaning can be extremely effective. By using physical cleaning, the bonds of impurities are broken, which are then chemically removed via the gas phase. An interesting side effect is the fact that ionized particles in the plasma chamber dissipate static charges, which facilitates the removal of particles.
This is often referred to as oxygen plasma cleaning, but oxygen is only one of the possible gases.
It can be problematic in that the surfaces could oxidize.
For example, it is not the best option for cleaning silver and some other metals. However, if your product is oxidation resistant, it is the gas of choice.
There are various gases that can be used in place of oxygen to remove oxidation from the surface of your product.
This cleaning method is particularly effective in removing organic contaminants (oils, hydrocarbons, etc.).
This method is very suitable for removing inorganic contaminants that are relatively stable in a vacuum.
For example, unwanted traces of lead or salts can be removed from dried fingerprints. This is because these cannot be chemically cleaned.
Sputtering proves to be the ideal method in such cases.
Another possible application of plasma treatment is the heating of components using high frequency.
The application of heat to products in a vacuum can be slow and difficult.
This type of plasma cleaning can be very effective in removing volatile contaminants. This is especially true when the contaminants have a long and difficult path out of the product, such as in hoses or cables.
Instead of heating overnight, the heat can be applied almost immediately and precisely controlled
It is possible to melt copper in a vacuum within a short time using plasma.
Let's ask a counter question here - how clean do they need to be? From applications to improve or replace ultrasonic cleaners to applications for the electronics industry.
Here, contamination is measured by counting atoms and is so small that it pushes the limits of the technology to determine the atomic amount of contamination on a surface. So literally sparkling clean.
No. First of all, they have to withstand the vacuum.
Materials that have a high level of volatile components such as water bound to them are very difficult or even impossible to clean.
Closed-cell foams can be damaged in a vacuum.
However, the list of materials that can be cleaned is long and ranges from plastics, glass and metals to ceramics. Please contact us for further details.
Mostly hardly at all. We have cleaned everything from fine powders and even tiny diamonds to large components and rolls of material and have found no adverse effects. Our large chambers with a volume of 8000 litres provide sufficient space, and our modular plasma generators ensure that the power is distributed evenly throughout the system. The plasma cleans even the smallest cracks and cavities.
Our service team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us.
We will assist you in any way we can to answer your questions.
This takes the form of advice on whether low-pressure plasma cleaning is suitable and, if so, which system is best suited to your needs. It is also possible to carry out tests for you. In more complex cases, we take over the process development.
Until you make your decision, you have the option of contract processing at our premises as well as hiring equipment for trials or initial production. Rental plasma systems
Special conditions with rental price offsetting for system purchases are possible. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs or concerns, or simply give us a call. Arrange an appointment for a trial treatment.