VacuTEC+ COAD
Precision Plasma Coating for Advanced Adhesion
VacuTEC+ COAD
Precision Plasma Coating for Advanced Adhesion
VacuTEC+ COAD product description
VacuTEC+ COAD |Precision Plasma Coating for Advanced Adhesion
VacuTEC+ COAD® combines Tantec’s proven VacuTEC vacuum plasma system with the COntrolled ADhesion (COAD®) process developed by Fraunhofer IST.
The result is a unique solution that sets new standards in plasma coating and precision surface treatment.
How COAD® works
With advanced vacuum plasma coating technology, both cleaning and functionalization of the surface are performed in a fully automated process. In the first stage, contaminants are removed with high precision. A precursor is then introduced and activated by the plasma, forming an ultra-thin, highly reactive layer. This layer dramatically enhances adhesion between the substrate and subsequent coatings, sealants, or adhesives – all without solvents or energy-intensive intermediate steps.
Key benefits of VacuTEC+ COAD®
• Maximum adhesion – even on challenging material combinations
• Eco-friendly process – no solvents or aggressive chemicals
• Long-term stability and reproducibility
• Flexible adaptation to customer requirements and new materials
• Fully automated and easy to integrate into production lines
Case: How Fraunhofer & Tantec Solved the Adhesion Challenge
How do you ensure perfect adhesion when traditional methods fail?
Fraunhofer IST, Tantec A/S, and Rohloff AG have joined forces to develop a groundbreaking plasma-based solution that optimizes adhesion in high-precision bicycle components.
In Rohloff’s internal-gear hubs, space is extremely limited, making the use of conventional shaft seals impossible. Instead, liquid sealants are applied — but getting them to adhere to polished steel surfaces was a major challenge… until now.
Using Tantec’s VacuTEC2020+ plasma system and Fraunhofer’s COAD® process (COntrolled ADhesion), the team has created an automated, solvent-free, and sustainable treatment that ensures perfect bonding — while reducing emissions and eliminating unnecessary energy-intensive steps.
Key highlights:
– COAD® technology: a game-changer for industrial adhesion
– Fully automated plasma cleaning & coating in one system
– Solvent-free & eco-friendly with ultra-low CO₂ emissions
– Successfully implemented at Rohloff AG since June 2024
“COAD® is a real game-changer for industrial surface functionalization.” — Prof. Dr. Michael Thomas, Fraunhofer IST
This collaboration marks a new era in sustainable surface treatment — where precision, efficiency, and environmental responsibility meet.
VacuTEC+ COAD technical specifications
This product is custom-engineered to meet the specific requirements of each application and therefore has no fixed technical specifications. For further information and guidance, please contact our sales team at sales@tantec.com.
FAQ
What is VacuTEC+ COAD used for?
VacuTEC+ COAD combines vacuum plasma treatment with COAD surface activation to create a highly reactive surface for advanced adhesion. The COAD process deposits an ultrathin functional layer on the surface, helping you achieve a more stable and reliable process before bonding, coating, assembly or quality control.
How does VacuTEC+ COAD work?
VacuTEC+ COAD uses plasma cleaning and ultrathin reactive coating in vacuum. The process is controlled so the surface or component can be treated, checked or prepared with repeatable results.
Which materials or components can be used with VacuTEC+ COAD?
VacuTEC+ COAD is suitable for technical polymers, metals and components where conventional adhesion methods are insufficient. The final setup depends on the material, geometry and production requirements.
Can VacuTEC+ COAD be integrated into production?
Yes. VacuTEC+ COAD can be used before bonding, coating and other high-performance adhesion processes where a more reactive and functional surface is required. The COAD process adds an ultrathin activation layer to support stronger and more reliable adhesion, making it suitable for both new production concepts and upgrades of existing processes.
What production challenge does VacuTEC+ COAD help solve?
VacuTEC+ COAD helps address challenges related to low surface energy, poor wetting and unreliable adhesion by combining vacuum plasma treatment with COAD surface activation. The COAD process creates an ultrathin functional layer on the surface, supporting a more stable and repeatable result before the next production step.
How does VacuTEC+ COAD support consistent quality?
VacuTEC+ COAD supports consistent quality by combining controlled vacuum plasma treatment with COAD surface activation. The process creates an ultrathin functional layer on the surface, helping to improve wetting, adhesion and repeatability before bonding, coating or the next production step.
What are the key advantages of VacuTEC+ COAD?
Key advantages include a dry process, controlled COAD surface activation and precise modification of the surface. This makes VacuTEC+ COAD suitable for industrial applications where uptime, process control and consistent adhesion quality are important.
When should you consider VacuTEC+ COAD?
You should consider VacuTEC+ COAD when adhesion, printing, coating, bonding or surface preparation is critical to product quality. It is especially relevant when untreated surfaces create unstable results, or when specific parts require a higher level of surface activation than a standard VacuTEC process can provide.
Is VacuTEC+ COAD an environmentally friendly solution?
VacuTEC+ COAD can support a cleaner production process by reducing reliance on chemical pre-treatment, primers or rework where the application allows it. For many surface treatment applications, the process is dry, controlled and easy to integrate into existing production.
Can VacuTEC+ COAD be delivered as a standard or customized solution?
Yes. Tantec can provide VacuTEC+ COAD as a standard solution or as a customized solution for your product, material, geometry and process requirements. The final configuration is selected together with you to match the specific surface challenge and production setup.