Surface treatment for aerospace and space applications
In space, reliability is not optional - it is essential.All space-related parts, sensors, and components must function flawlessly under vacuum, radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations.Why surface treatment is important in aerospace and space
Such as composites, polymers, carbon fiber, and specialty metals are chosen for their strength, low weight, and resistance to harsh environments. However, many of these materials have naturally low surface energy, making it difficult for adhesives, coatings, or inks to bond properly.
Plasma and corona surface treatment solves this problem by modifying the molecular structure of the outermost surface layer. The process increases surface energy, removes organic contaminants, and activates the surface for optimal bonding, printing, or sealing. The result is strong, stable, and durable adhesion, even when exposed to vacuum, UV radiation, or extreme temperatures.
Proven technology for extreme environments
Tantec’s plasma and corona treatment systems are designed for environments where precision and reliability are essential. For over five decades, our equipment has been used by aerospace and defense manufacturers worldwide to prepare materials for the toughest missions.
Each system offers:
- Uniform and repeatable treatment for consistent results on complex shapes and materials
- Non-contact and dry process, ideal for delicate or heat-sensitive parts
- Compact, modular design for easy integration into R&D setups or automated lines
- Process monitoring and data traceability to ensure complete quality documentation
- Maintenance-friendly operation and long system life
From laboratory development to full-scale production, Tantec systems offer the control, documentation, and reliability that aerospace and space applications demand.
Applications across the aerospace and space industry
Our surface treatment technologies are used in all phases of aerospace manufacturing – from early material research to assembly and system validation. Typical applications include:
- Satellite structures, honeycomb panels, and antenna assemblies
- Optical sensors, lenses, and precision camera modules
- Propulsion system components and composite enclosures
- Solar panels, flexible films, and protective coatings
- Carbon fiber composites and lightweight structural parts
- Electrical connectors, cable insulation, and wiring systems
- Printed circuit boards, microchips, and electronic assemblies
- Seals, gaskets, and polymer O-rings
- Encapsulation materials, polymer films, and adhesives
- Research and test setups in laboratories and vacuum chambers
Every surface matters – and with plasma or corona treatment, materials are optimized for adhesion, coating, and electrical performance under the most demanding conditions imaginable.
Designed for integration and flexibility
Tantec offers a wide range of customized systems for both atmospheric and vacuum environments.
Our vacuum plasma systems are ideal for treating components that require a clean, controlled atmosphere – such as sensors, printed circuit boards, or optical assemblies.
For larger or continuous production, atmospheric plasma and corona systems offer fast, inline treatment of films, panels, or cables, ensuring efficiency without compromising precision.
Each system can be customized with specific power levels, electrode configurations, and control interfaces to precisely match your process requirements. Whether you need stand-alone laboratory systems or fully automated production units, Tantec ensures seamless integration and reliable operation.
Partnership for mission success
With over 50 years of experience in surface treatment innovation, Tantec supports customers from concept to qualification. Our global network of engineers and partners offers training, technical support, and process validation – so you can achieve optimal surface treatment and long-term reliability.
Which aerospace materials can be treated with Tantec systems?
Tantec systems can treat an extensive range of aerospace materials including all polymers and plastics (PP, PE, TPE, Carbon Fiber, ABS, PC etc.), carbon fiber and glass fiber composites, metals (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, specialty alloys), ceramics, glass and optical materials, elastomers and rubber compounds, and multi-layer or hybrid structures. Different materials may require specific treatment parameters, which Tantec’s technical team can help optimize for aerospace specifications.
Why is vacuum plasma treatment preferred for aerospace applications?
Vacuum plasma treatment is ideal for aerospace and space components because it provides uniform treatment across all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas on complex 3D parts. The vacuum environment eliminates contaminants, ensures consistent results critical for mission-critical applications, and prevents oxidation during treatment. This is particularly important for sensitive components like sensors, printed circuit boards, optical assemblies, and electronic systems that will function in the vacuum of space.
Can you treat heat-sensitive aerospace components without damage?
Yes, both plasma and corona are non-contact, low-temperature processes ideal for heat-sensitive aerospace materials. Atmospheric plasma and corona treatment cause minimal temperature rise (typically less than 10-20°C). Vacuum plasma can be optimized for temperature-sensitive applications by adjusting power levels and treatment duration. This makes the technology suitable for delicate optical components, sensitive electronics, and thermally-sensitive polymers used in aerospace applications.
How does surface treatment improve adhesion for space-grade materials?
Many aerospace materials – composites, polymers, carbon fiber, and specialty metals – have naturally low surface energy, making adhesion challenging. Surface treatment modifies the molecular structure of the outermost layer by introducing functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl) that increase surface energy, remove organic contaminants, and activate the surface. This creates strong, stable chemical bonds between adhesives, coatings, or inks and the substrate, ensuring reliability even under vacuum, radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations encountered in space.
What experience does Tantec have with aerospace and defense manufacturers?
With more than 50 years of experience in surface treatment innovation, Tantec’s equipment has been used by aerospace and defense manufacturers worldwide to prepare materials for demanding missions. The company offers a global network of engineers and partners who provide training, technical support, and process validation specifically for aerospace applications, ensuring customers achieve optimal surface treatment results and long-term mission reliability.
Can Tantec’s machines treat carbon fiber composites and honeycomb structures?
Yes, our systems are specifically designed to treat advanced aerospace materials including carbon fiber composites, honeycomb panels, and multi-layer structures. Both atmospheric and vacuum plasma systems can effectively prepare these materials for bonding, coating, or sealing applications. The non-contact, dry process is ideal for delicate composite structures, and the treatment can be customized based on the specific material composition and performance requirements.
What aerospace components benefit most from surface treatment?
Surface treatment is essential for satellite structures, honeycomb panels, antenna assemblies, optical sensors and camera modules, propulsion system components, solar panels, carbon fiber composites, electrical connectors and wiring systems, printed circuit boards, seals and gaskets, encapsulation materials, and any component requiring reliable adhesion, coating application, or electrical performance under extreme conditions. The treatment ensures optimal bonding and coating adhesion across all these critical applications.
How does surface treatment help components survive the space environment?
Space presents unique challenges including vacuum conditions, extreme temperature cycling (-160°C to +150°C), high-energy radiation, atomic oxygen erosion, and absence of atmospheric pressure. Proper surface treatment ensures that adhesives, coatings, and protective layers maintain their integrity under these conditions. It prevents outgassing in vacuum, ensures thermal control coatings remain effective, protects against radiation damage, and prevents cold welding of metal surfaces – all critical for long-term mission success.
Can your systems be integrated into aerospace production lines?
Yes, Tantec offers modular systems designed for seamless integration into R&D setups or automated aerospace production lines. Systems can be configured with specific power levels, electrode configurations, and control interfaces to match your process requirements. Both stand-alone laboratory systems and fully automated production units are available, with options for inline treatment of continuous processes or batch treatment of discrete components.
How does surface treatment reduce long-term costs in aerospace applications?
Surface treatment extends aerospace component lifespan by ensuring reliable adhesion of protective coatings, reducing failures due to delamination or corrosion. This translates to reduced maintenance intervals, fewer part replacements, improved fleet reliability, and decreased downtime. The initial investment in treatment equipment is offset by eliminating chemical pre-treatment costs, reducing warranty claims, and improving overall product quality and durability – particularly critical in aerospace where failure costs are extremely high.
Is surface treatment environmentally compliant with aerospace industry standards?
Yes, plasma and corona treatment are considered green technologies that align with aerospace industry sustainability goals and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. They are dry, chemical-free processes that generate no hazardous waste, eliminate VOC emissions, require no chemical disposal, and consume minimal energy compared to wet chemical alternatives used traditionally in aerospace manufacturing.