Aircraft construction has seen a fundamental shift in the materials used in that industry. In the past, aluminum alloys were used almost exclusively for aircraft outer skin and stringers. Today, these components are manufactured primarily from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The first industrial application of these materials goes back to 2007, when Boeing used them in its B787 and Dreamliner aircraft. CFRP has been further enhanced since then and today the Airbus A350WXB consists of more than 40% CFRP materials, to cite one example.
One example of the use of the Aurora plasma technology is the pretreatment of carbon fiber turbine blades prior to structural bonding with the turbine metal hub. This combination of materials allows the construction of light and quiet turbine engines.
One clear advantage of the Aurora low-pressure plasma process is the plasma’s ability to penetrate gaps and crevices and the possibility of treating complex geometries on all sides. All treatment steps can be clearly defined in terms of sequence, intensity and formulation. During the treatment cycle, ionizable functional gases and fluids are processed inside the low-pressure chamber. The method is simple and easily reproducible.
Put Openair-Plasma® to the test with our rental and test systems.
How to measure surface energy with test ink.
Plasmatreat constantly faces shifting demands as a result of new ideas, regulations, and standards. Customers are increasingly approaching the company with unique and innovative project requests. Consequently, the capacities of the technology and research center will now be expanded to include a class-6 cleanroom.
Plasmatreat supports digitized manufacturing with its Plasma Control Unit (PCU) and makes numerous controls, regulation, and monitoring functions available to ensure consistently high surface-treatment quality and reproducibility.
VOCs occur when solvents and solvent-containing products are used, and they are harmful to the environment. Nevertheless, manufacturing in many industries still involves pre-treating surfaces with primers, bonding agents or other chemicals that release VOCs. With its Openair-Plasma process, Plasmatreat offers an environmentally friendly alternative.
