UV surface pretreatment: cleaning and activation

Treatment with intensive UV light can prepare surfaces for better flow and adhesion of coatings, inks and adhesives.

Do you need to remove organic contamination from glass surfaces?
Do you want to activate the surfaces of plastics?

UV technology can do this. See how it works!

How does UV activation and cleaning of surfaces work?

Activating and cleaning surfaces with UV light

High-energy UV photons are able to break up molecular organic bonds at and on surfaces.

This UV oxidation process cleans the surface of contaminants.

It also leads to the introduction of functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl or carboxyl groups which increases the surface energy of a surface which improves both wettability and adhesion.

Your advantages

Improved wettability resulting in better bonding and coating adhesion
Environmentally friendly because chemicals-free
Does not damage materials
Simple and fast method
Does not induce electrostatic charge
Can treat only one side

Our application experts give advice on finding the right solution for your process. Industrial processes can be simulated and materials tested with UV technology in our Applications Competence Centers all over the world. More information about our UV Application Center

Applications areas

Activation and cleaning of surfaces such as plastic prior to gluing or decorating
Surfaces, such as metal or glass, requiring removal of organic contamination prior to further processing

VUV surface cleaning wafers