Atmospheric Plasma Cleaning
Atmospheric plasma cleaning is a dry, environmentally friendly surface treatment process that removes contaminants, oxides, and organic residues from materials using ionized gas (plasma) at atmospheric pressure. Unlike vacuum plasma, it does not require a controlled chamber, making it faster and more adaptable for Electronics and PCB Manufacturing, Automotive and Aerospace, Medical devices and biotechnnology.
How It Works
A high-energy electrical discharge ionizes a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, or argon), creating a reactive plasma.
The plasma interacts with the surface, breaking down and removing contaminants like oils, dust, and oxidation layers.
The process enhances adhesion, cleanliness, and wettability for subsequent bonding, coating, or soldering steps.
Benefits of Atmospheric Plasma Cleaning
Effective Contaminant Removal
Removes organic residues, oxides, oils, and dust at a microscopic level.
Eco-Friendly
Reduces or eliminates the need for chemical solvents, making it a greener alternative.
Improved Adhesion
Enhances bonding for coatings, adhesives, and paints by modifying surface energy.
Non-Destructive
Works gently on delicate materials without causing mechanical damage.
Increased Process Efficiency
Offers rapid cleaning and is easy to integrate into automated production lines.
Features of Atmospheric Plasma Cleaning
Process Type
Dry, gas-based process
Cleaning Mechanism
Plasma removes contaminants via ionization and oxidation
Environmental Impact
Eco-friendly, no hazardous waste
Surface Compatibility
Works on metals, plastics, glass, composites
Adhesion Improvement
Enhances surface energy for better bonding
Drying Time
No drying needed
Process Speed
Fast and efficient
Cost Efficiency
Lower operational costs in long term
Automation Capability
Easily integrated into production lines
Safety
No harmful chemicals or fumes
Target Industries & Applications for Atmospheric Plasma Cleaning
Atmospheric plasma cleaning is widely used across industries that require high precision, strong adhesion, and contamination-free surfaces. Here are some key industries and applications:
Electronics & PCB Manufacturing
– Cleaning PCBs before soldering to remove oxides and residues
– Enhancing adhesion of conformal coatings and encapsulants
– Surface activation for improved bonding of electronic components
Benefits: Prevents defects like delamination, poor solder joints, and weak adhesion of coatings.
Automotive & Aerospace
– Pre-treatment of plastic and metal components before painting or coating
– Improving adhesion for structural bonding and sealing applications
– Cleaning of connectors and sensors before assembly
Benefits: Enhances long-term durability, ensures strong adhesive bonding, and eliminates surface contaminants without damaging delicate parts.
Medical Devices & Biotechnology
– Cleaning and activating surfaces of implants, syringes, catheters, and diagnostic devices
– Improving bonding of coatings for biocompatibility
– Removing organic contaminants from precision components
Benefits: Ensures high levels of cleanliness for medical-grade materials and enhances the performance of coatings and adhesives.
Ito Europe offers various atmospheric equipment solutions.
Portable type Ar plasma | ARP-100C
Visible N2 plasma | AVP-200
Semiconductor Wafer plasma | NOVA-300
Tabletop Ar plasma | MyPL Full Auto-200
Conveyor type Ar plasma | ILP-500C
Scan type Ar plasma | ARP-1450S
Would like to learn more?
E-mail us: ieu@ito-group.com