Plasma technology in 3D printing

Predefining joint geometries with maximum bonding area and the gluing pose challenges in 3D printing for large components. For long narrow joints with small bonding surface the strength of bond is essential. plasma technology of our partner, relyon plasma GmbH, is helping industries to overcome this weakness by fine cleaning of the surface from organic contaminants and increasing surface energy for an improved wettability by adhesives.

How piezobrush® PZ2 Improved bonding through plasma activation?

The Creabis GmbH is applying piezobrush® PZ2 in the processing of 3D printed parts

1. The interior door trim of an innovative small series electric vehicle of a German start-up is printed by Creabis from unfilled PA12 by selective laser sintering in four individual parts. Which are then activated with cold plasma and spotted with cyanoacrylate superglue. About an hour later while the parts are still activated, they are structurally bonded with two-component adhesive. Dipl. Phys. Ralf Deuke, owner of Creabis GmbH, sees the use of plasma technology as extremely advantageous: “The use of the piezobrush® PZ2 now opens up possibilities for bonding individual parts that were previously unthinkable”.

2. The second example is in which a motorbike fairing for racing is made from 12 individual parts using 3D printing and then glued after pre-treatment with the piezobrush PZ2. Due to the adhesive strength achieved, the fairing installed on the motorcycle can even withstand speeds of over 200 km/h. Internal tests reveal that the components treated with plasma technology have an adhesive bond that is three times stronger than that of untreated parts.

Read the full text here by relyon plasma GmbH.