Automotive Plastic Parts Surface Treatment Machine —— Huazhuo Automation Group Equipment Application Case (China)

Case Background

In China’s automotive interior and exterior parts manufacturing industry, plastic components made of PP, PE and other low-surface-energy materials are widely used for trims, pillars, storage boxes and decorative panels. Before painting or adhesive bonding, stable and reliable surface activation is a critical process step to ensure coating adhesion and bonding strength.

To meet different production requirements, the customer introduced two types of automotive plastic surface treatment machines: Flame Surface Treatment Machines and Plasma Surface Treatment Machines, which are applied according to product structure, production rhythm and quality requirements.

Solution 1: Flame Surface Treatment Machine

The flame surface treatment machine uses a controlled flame to rapidly heat and oxidize the plastic surface. This process modifies the molecular structure of the surface layer, increases surface tension, and significantly improves the adhesion of coatings and adhesives.

This technology is mature and stable, and is widely used in pre-treatment before gluing or painting of automotive interior and exterior plastic parts.

Key Advantages

Fast processing speed and high efficiency

Simple equipment structure with low maintenance cost

Particularly effective for low surface energy materials such as PP and PE

Suitable for high-volume, standardized production lines

Typical Application

Automotive interior trims before adhesive bonding

Exterior decorative parts before coating

Large batch production with stable product geometry

Solution 2: Plasma Surface Treatment Machine

The plasma surface treatment machine activates plastic surfaces using plasma discharge, effectively removing surface contaminants and increasing surface energy without direct contact. The system can be configured as a robot-mounted plasma unit or a chamber-type (box) plasma system, depending on the application.

Plasma treatment is commonly applied in critical pre-gluing processes, where high bonding consistency and clean processing are required.

Key Advantages

Non-contact surface activation, minimal impact on material properties

Uniform and consistent treatment quality

Flexible robot paths for complex 3D surfaces

No chemical solvents, environmentally friendly and VOC-free

Comparison: Flame vs. Plasma Surface Treatment

Plasma System Configuration Options

Robot-mounted plasma system: Suitable for large, complex 3D automotive parts such as pillars and trims

Chamber (box-type) plasma system: Suitable for small to medium-sized parts requiring batch processing and high consistency

Application Results

By selecting the appropriate surface treatment technology based on product structure and production needs, the customer achieved:

Improved adhesive bonding reliability

More stable coating quality

Reduced rework caused by poor adhesion

Better adaptability to different plastic materials

This flexible combination of flame and plasma surface treatment provides a reliable solution for automotive plastic parts manufacturing Factory.