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.