Column


through a nozzle using a carrier gas, typically air, nitrogen, or other inert gases. Te gas flow produces a plasma plume capable of treating larger surface areas. PVA TePla’s PlasmaPen, for example, can deliver a directed beam 3mm – 10mm wide, with a plume length up to 14 mm. Process gasses flow through the PlasmaPen assembly and are


activated and ejected through the nozzle. Te patented design keeps high voltages and current safely inside of the pen body, away from the plasma jet and substrate surfaces. Te absence of electrical voltage in the plume allows heat-sensitive or electrically delicate materials like polymers, textiles, or electronics to be treated. “Since the plume is electrically neutral, there is no risk of


electrical arcing or damage to sensitive components,” says Blaik. Corona discharge plasma is the other alternative and is among


the most commonly available pen types on the market. In this approach, a high-voltage electrical field is created to ionise a localised region of gas, creating plasma. Te strong electric field enables effective treatment of tough


surfaces, and the discharge can be highly targeted, making it ideal for precision surface treatments in small or difficult-to-reach areas. However, the downside is the electrical discharge, which


eliminates it from use in heat sensitive materials and sensitive materials. In some systems, corona discharge can be ‘blown’ by introducing a gas flow. Tis method is effective for covering larger areas or distributing energy more evenly. However, this approach has limitations, as the plume’s length is relatively short, and the process still relies on the presence of an electrical discharge.


Customisation options Although plasma pens follow a standard design, significant variations exist between different models. Manufacturers like PVA TePla provide various options and customisations to meet specific needs, including adjustments to the aspect ratio of the plasma plume, intensity and dwell times. “When atmospheric plasma is delivered by a pen, a significant


amount of heat is produced and it can cause scoring and marking of plastic or composite surfaces,” explains Blaik. PVA TePla addressed the issue by designing a pen head with extra cooling channels to keep the tip cooler. Te company also offers different pen tips to control the aspect ratio of the plasma plume.


“With a plasma pen you need to be able to fine-tune the


distance of the plume from the surface to control the intensity, while also considering the dwell time,” explains Blaik. Even the angle of the approach can be a factor.


“If you are blowing plasma straight down at a 90-degree angle, you could potentially blow the contaminant that you are cleaning off back onto the surface,” explains Blaik. For this reason, PVA TePla recommends tilting the pen at a


30-to-60-degree angle so the plasma can bounce off the surface and leave a cleaner surface that is better for bonding.


Integration options Plasma pens can be seamlessly integrated into existing inline processes with varying degrees of automation. Tis flexibility is particularly beneficial, as plasma treatments are oſten introduced aſter initial processes have been validated, typically in response to high failure rates. “Our PlasmaPens allow customised programming and


integration into any manufacturing line concept, and we are able to partner with any robot manufacturer,” says Blaik. PVA TePla also offers automated packages that include multi-


access robots or even a Cartesian robot. Te company’s RoboPen provides multi axis or X, Y & Z robotic operations and can be customised to meet a broad variety of manufacturing applications. When more than a spot application is required, the pen can


be programmed to raster back and forth over the surface to treat a complete part. Other alternatives include moving the pen by multi-axis robot around a stationary part; or keeping the pen stationary and moving/rotating the part. Plasma technology has revolutionised how electronics, PCB


and semiconductor manufacturers address persistent adhesion challenges, and plasma pens provide an accessible and cost- effective gateway for industries to harness its benefits. By leveraging plasma pen technology into inline processes,


manufacturers can achieve stronger, more reliable bonds, improved wettability and enhanced performance across various materials. With their ability to precisely treat surfaces, improve adhesion, and enhance surface energy, plasma pens have become an indispensable tool in the industry.


For more information, contact PVA TePla America at 951- 371-2500 or 800-527-5667, ryanb@pvateplaamerica.com or visit www.pvateplaamerica.com.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk April 2025 09


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46