Nova
The Nova Advanced Benchtop Plasma System delivers industrial-grade plasma performance in a compact format, combining PLC automation, recipe-driven control, and full process traceability.
Engineered for research and development teams, Nova enables fast, repeatable plasma cleaning, activation, and surface modification across a wide range of materials - including polymers, metals, ceramics, and glass.
Developed from Henniker’s production-scale Nebula Plasma System, Nova bridges the gap between laboratory R&D and full industrial processing, ensuring seamless transfer of validated plasma processes to manufacturing environments.
Features
- Compact benchtop design with full industrial PLC control
- Automated, recipe-driven operation for consistent, repeatable results
- Compatible with multiple process gases and materials
- Ideal bridge between R&D, pilot production, and Nebula production systems
- Precise, repeatable plasma processes with no hazardous emissions or wet chemicals
- Data logging and process traceability for research validation and quality assurance
Process Control
Portals Software
The Nova Advanced Benchtop Plasma System is powered by Henniker’s Portals Software, a sophisticated control application developed for precision, consistency, and scalability.
Accessible via touchscreen HMI or PC interface, Portals provides PLC-driven recipe control with unlimited process storage. Operators can easily define treatment parameters such as gas type, power, pressure, and time - all with repeatable accuracy.
Plasma Cleaning Example:
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Air Plasma
- 90 second treatment
Results: Surface Energy increased by +45% and Contact Angle deacreased by -57%.
Before plasma treatment
After plasma treatmentPlasma Environment
Vacuum chamber & power
Nova provides a high-purity, low-pressure plasma environment, ensuring uniform surface treatment across the entire chamber. The system supports a wide range of process gases (including oxygen, air, argon, nitrogen, and fluorocarbons), enabling cleaning, activation, and modification of polymers, metals, ceramics, and glass substrates.
Benefits
Benefits
- Compact footprint: Advanced performance in a benchtop format
- Industrial-grade control: Full PLC automation for repeatable precision
- Process scalability: Seamless transfer to Nebula production systems
- Data traceability: Secure recording of parameters and results for research or QA
- Material versatility: Treats polymers, metals, ceramics, and glass
- No hazardous chemicals: Clean, dry plasma process with zero waste streams
- Ideal for R&D and pilot production: Bridges laboratory research with industrial capability
Specifications
| Technical Specifications | ||||||
| Nova |
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| ENCLOSURE | ||||||
| Dimensions | W 555mm x H 770mm x L 600mm (+200mm on rear for cables) (+80mm on side for monomer inlet) | |||||
| Weight | ~55kg depending on model | |||||
| CHAMBER | ||||||
| Material | Stainless Steel | |||||
| Form | Rectangular | |||||
| Dimensions |
240mm W x 240mm H x 405mm L |
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| REMOVABLE PARTS CARRIER | ||||||
| Material | Aluminium/Stainless steel | |||||
| Form | Flat tray (200mm W x 370mm L) / Multi-level shelf electrode optional, others to suit application. | |||||
| PLASMA POWER SUPPLY | ||||||
| Power | 0-1000W, continuously variable output | |||||
| PROCESS CONTROL | ||||||
| Interface | 15” Colour TFT, Windows 11, PLC Control - Unlimited steps/recipes with user access privileges | |||||
| Gas channels | 1-3 Digital Mass Flow Controllers - monomer dosing inlet optional | |||||
| Vent inlet | x1 | |||||
| Vent inlet options | soft ventilation option | |||||
| Purge inlet | x1 | |||||
| Connections | 6mm compression or 1/4 compression optional | |||||
| Pressure gauge | Pirani sensor or Baratron gauge | |||||
| Vacuum pump | 8 to 15 m3/hr pumping speed | |||||
| Vacuum pump options | 2-stage rotary pump (air/inert gas), PFPE rotary pump (oxygen compatible), dry pumps. All pumps include exhaust filter and connections | |||||
| SERVICES | ||||||
| Electrical | 90-120 VAC/1.6kVA or, 220-240VAC/1.6KVA Frequency - 50-60Hz | |||||
| Power cord | Suited to region | |||||
| Compliance | CE – UKCA - ROHS - WEEE | |||||
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**Henniker strive for continuous improvement and specifications are subject to change without notice |
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Product Brochure
Relevant Plasma Treatments
Knowledge Articles
Press Releases
Case Studies
Videos
Plasma Coatings Explained
Plasma Coatings Explained.
The fifth in our series of videos about plasma treatment technology, this video explains how plasma coatings work and the results you can achieve.
Plasma Etching Explained
Plasma Etching Explained.
The final video in our series on plasma treatment technology, this video explains how plasma surface etching works.
Henniker Plasma Treatment to Improve Adhesion
Henniker Plasma demonstrates how easy it is to use the HPT system to plasma treat an inherently difficult to bond to the surface to improve adhesion and wettability characteristics.