Plasma has been used for decades to clean organic materials, but at TriStar, we are taking the technology to a whole new level by “supercleaning” inorganic metal parts to increase their bond strength and adhesion properties. And our clients are reaping the benefits.

Cleaning, Enhanced

Our clients, including leaders in the medical device manufacturing and aerospace industries, approached us with the need to critically clean their components to better accept coatings and increase bond strength. They found that traditional cleaning methods were insufficient in preparing their complex metal assemblies; they required a process for enhanced metal cleaning.

Our engineering team suggested vacuum or reactive-gas plasma treatment. Vacuum cleaning is ideal for parts that must be “ultra” clean, as it removes all residual organic contaminants. It also offers other clear advantages: a three-dimensional, uniform treatment; chemistry control; corrosion-resistance; and a long-treatment lifespan. The process is a “green” treatment and does not involve hazardous chemicals.

Plasma, defined

The plasma process is very reactive and can readily prime any surface to improve adhesion, or to improve acceptance of paints, coatings or printing applications. Plasma is the fourth state of matter and a condition in which a gas, subjected to an electric field, can be excited to an atomic level. The gas then forms ions and free radicals or other reactive species. When the excited gas comes in contact with organic contamination, such as residual machining oils or film residue, it breaks down the chemical bonds to form smaller molecules. The molecules are then swept away by the flowing plasma gas. With our vacuum technique, the gas can be excited at room temperature — and even below — so that the parts do not heat up or become damaged by extreme temperatures.

Our clients have embraced plasma processing and report an increase in the bond strength and adhesion of their assemblies. They also value our commitment to cost savings, strict processing and handling controls, and quick turnaround time of about 24 hours for most applications.

Learn more about our suite of Surface Modification techniques, including Corona, Photolysis and Parylene, and how we are continually working to develop new techniques to address your toughest surface challenges. Or join the conversation on our Tech Talk Bearing Blog for the latest developments in surface modification and bearing design.