A strong connection: New plasma system in the ADLER laboratory

Paint adhesion is one of the biggest challenges when coating plastics, glass and metal. As these materials usually have low surface tension, they must – unlike wood – be activated before coating to ensure a strong bond with the paint. Whilst smaller surfaces are usually treated by hand – for example, by light sanding with a solvent-based cleaning product such as Clean Multi-Entfetter – many industrial processors rely on plasma activation. In this process, air is activated by a high-voltage discharge and converted into an electrically charged plasma gas that is harmless to humans. When this plasma gas comes into contact with the surface, it creates a molecular structure to which the paint can, so to speak, ‘cling’. In addition, the surface is also cleaned in the process.

Practical test

&&Such a plasma system has recently also been installed in ADLER’s research and development department. This now enables all products for the industrial coating of plastics, metals and glass to be tested under real-world conditions. “In recent years, we have developed high-quality coating solutions for applications such as plastic windows, decorative films and furniture edges. The new laboratory system enables us to apply these coatings under the same conditions as our customers experience and to adjust various system parameters,” say Dr Albert Rössler (Head of R&D) and Dr Simon Leimgruber (Head of the Window and Architectural Coatings Industry Development Group), expressing their delight at the new addition to the ADLER research department’s equipment portfolio.

ADLER – paint runs through our veins

With 730 employees, ADLER is Austria's leading manufacturer of varnishes, paints and wood preservatives. Founded in 1934 by Johann Berghofer, this family business is now managed by a member of the third generation, Andrea Berghofer. More than 20,000 tons of paint leave the plant in Schwaz, ADLER's only production site, every year and are shipped to customers throughout Europe and beyond. Innovation and sustainability are the foundations of the corporate strategy. In doing so, ADLER focuses on reducing its CO₂ footprint, cycle-oriented product development and numerous partnerships for science and environmental protection.