With other partners from industry and research, Plasmatreat Nordic under the lead of Alberto Casimiro, is working on several projects to implement and use Openair-Plasma for various industry applications in Sweden. One of these projects is called SIMPL - Simulation Based Plasma Optimization to Improve Adhesion of Paints and Adhesives (SIMPL). Main research partner and coordinator here is RISE Research Institutes of Sweden and the project is supported by the Swedish program “Avancerad och innovativ digitalisering”, funded by Vinnova.

Aim of the project
The SIMPL project has the goal of making a significant contribution to the development of the next generation of digital system-to-system solutions. The focus is on the development of an innovative simulation and path planning tool for plasma activation based on unique research results.

Executive Summary
Plasma treatments are considered a promising technology that could revolutionize surface treatment in many industries. However, although its advantages in terms of time savings, quality, cost, and sustainability are convincing, its uptake is still limited. Sweden is on a cusp of change, with interest in the technology growing steadily - using plasma technology for surface treatment is one step to achieve this change.

The SIMPL project is developing an automated platform for plasma activation, ideal for applications prior to bonding or painting. The platform is based on a data-driven solution supported by a simulation and robot path planning tool. The goal is to achieve high quality results and optimize the process.

To achieve this, highly automated test benches from Sweden's RISE research institutes are used, complemented by digital twins. An open communication platform ensures seamless interoperability between different autonomous systems, including a positioning tool, robots and the simulation tool developed.

The benefits of this system are obvious:

• Shorter lead times: Faster implementation of plasma activation systems
• Optimal system selection: Assistance in selecting the best plasma system or combination based on geometry, cycle time and cost
• Efficient path planning: Automated robot path programs that optimize time and quality.

Aim and purpose
By developing a simulation and path planning tool based on physical experiments and digital twins, SIMPL aims not only to increase the efficiency of industrial processes, but also to sustainably improve the competitiveness of Swedish industry. At the same time, the competence, and implementation power in the field will be strengthened to pave the way for advanced, safe and digital solutions of the next generation.

The project thus represents a milestone in the digitalization and automation of industrial surface treatment - a decisive step for the future of production technology.