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Industrial parts cleaning using plasma technology for O-rings without PWIS (PWIS = paint-wetting impairment substances)

We have developed a process to enable the cleaning of elastomers without leaving such substances. The process involves surface cleaning by low-pressure plasma treatment of O-rings and rubber parts. After the cleaning, the surfaces are free of any PWIS ....

Plasma Cleaning or Deep Cleaning = Plasma Treatment

PWIS is an acronym for substances that might impair surface wetting in the coating process. These substances prevent an even wetting of the surface to be coated, thus causing pit-like imperfections and pin holing in the coat. Since the introduction of lacquering with solvent-free lacquers, “PWIS-free” production material, equipment and tools is a requirement. Therefore, materials and components are tested accordingly. In the case of elastomers, simple surface cleaning is not sufficient. Depending on the compound used, it is not only necessary to remove any residues left on the surface of manufacturing aids used. All traces of substances used in manufacturing that are diffused into the material as well as several non-bonded compound ingredients have to be removed as well. We have developed a process to enable the cleaning of elastomers without leaving such substances. Our cleaning process shows excellent results. The process involves an intensive wet cleaning of parts with a grease solvent. Afterwards, the parts undergo deep cleaning using low-pressure plasma cleaning with oxygen flush.