Formnext 2023

Plasma polishing is a process with which any contours can be reworked. No pre-treatment or special cleaning is required. The process uses environmentally friendly electrolytes (salt solutions) and does not involve the use of environmentally harmful substances or highly concentrated acids. Furthermore, structured surfaces have a demonstrably positive influence on the cleaning result, which is advantageous for the food and pharmaceutical industries, among others.

Stream finishing is a variation of vibratory finishing and is used for surface processing. The process enables several parts to be processed simultaneously in batches and can be automated very easily. Depending on the requirements, many different processes can be used. The end result is very smooth to polished surfaces with Ra < 0.1 μm depending on the number of grinding processes and the previous surface.

Selective multi-color coating involves overspray-free painting without masking and without paint loss. First, the flexible component is roughly positioned in a cell. This is followed by laser scanning for position detection, whereby a point cloud of the component surface is recorded. The decor is then painted on without overspray.

Slide grinding is a process for the surface treatment of metal components. This can reduce unevenness and burr formation and improve surface roughness. During the process, a plastic grinding wheel in a drum is stimulated to rotate in the drum by vibration. The resulting relative movements to the component generate material transfer. The process can be carried out dry or wet.

In laser beam structuring, a laser beam is coupled into the workpiece surface so that material is sublimated. Shielding gases such as argon are used as process media. After the process, the workpiece has a surface roughness of 0.25 < Ra < 0.4 µm, depending on the homogeneity of the material. The process is primarily intended for workpieces made of metals.

During milling, material is removed by relative movements of the rotating cutting edges of the milling tool with a geometrically defined cutting edge. The resulting process heat is dissipated to the environment by cooling lubricants (mixtures of oil and water) and chips. After the process, the workpiece has a surface roughness of 0.2 µm < Ra < 25 µm. The process can be used for workpieces made of e.g. aluminum, steel or titanium.

Plasma-assisted additive manufacturing enables plasma treatment of 3D-printed polymer surfaces. In addition, the free surface energy can be significantly improved as well as the adhesion of spray paint and epoxy adhesive on non-polar polymers.