Coating Tech Slot Dies: What You Need to Know

Coating tech slot dies. When we say that, what does it provoke? Do you think of different coating methods? Different products and types of technology? It’s okay if your answer is simply “that’s kind of confusing”. We’re here to help, and we’re ready to walk you through the different options, as well as what makes slot die coating in particular so useful. While die products and processes may seem complicated in theory, they’re actually fairly straightforward. Let’s dive into this topic and decode what makes coating tech slot dies and related products so useful.

What are the advantages of slot die coating?

When we consider the different types of coating technology, we inevitably must compare slot die coating to its alternatives. While on the surface slot die coating may seem similar to other coating methods, it has distinct advantages we must consider. Even the smallest advantages can make a big difference when you’re producing on a large scale.

One immediate differentiator with slot die coating is the fact that it’s completely closed. Therefore, when you work with coating tech slot dies, you don’t have to worry about contamination or solvent loss. Keep in mind that we meter the solution blend directly on, which means it’s largely untouched by variation in the substrate. This means slot die coaters allow for a high amount of specificity when it comes to the thickness of the coating.

Another reason why we love this process is that it’s rather consistent. When you’re working at a production high volume, you need to be able to rely on consistent, uniform results. Once you set a design, when utilizing slot die coating, you can rely upon that design being replicated over and over.

Of course, if you want to consider coating tech slot dies, you should also know that slot die coating works at higher speeds (in part thanks to its high degree of precision saving time). You’ll also be able to better control web distribution and weight. Additionally, waste management is easier with slot die coating than comparative coating methods.

What is the purpose of utilizing coating tech slot dies?

All coating types have specific properties and qualities that make them different; there isn’t a single coating type that serves every product or project. In this sense, when you work with coating tech slot dies, you’ll pursue a specific purpose—in this case, protecting the surface. Die coating is specifically protective from molten aluminum, as well as more generalized erosion. A lot of die coated products work under heavy conditions that suffer a lot of exposure. As such, they require the die coating to last longer.

Qualities you’ll look out for in die coating include heat transfer control. In fact, heat transfer control, which affects various aspects of the die, is perhaps one of the most important characteristics of die coating. This controls the filling of the die, and allows the coating to better insulate the product. Heat transfer control can also affect the directional solidification of the product and coating, as well as the overall thickness of the coating.

The coating also has metal flow control, which is part of what prevents the issues with molten aluminum. Metal flow control also affects the coarseness of the coating, as well as the size of its refractory charge and, similarly to heat transfer control, its insulation.

Another quality to keep an eye on is the easy release of a die coating. As a casting initially solidifies, it contracts—this is what we’re talking about when we explore easy release. Depending on the compressive forces involved, you may observe cracks within the coating. This is why we’ll sometimes use the initial, thin layer of coating as a “sacrificial” coating. We know this layer of coating will crack, and we may even need to remove it.

What are the advantages of die steel?

We’ve discussed coating tech slot dies and the specific of die coating, but what about die steel? Just as you’ll generally find different forms of coating, you’ll also find different forms of steel, including die steel. One of the immediate advantages of die steel is that it works better in high temperature conditions. We create die steel with heat resistance in mind. It won’t be negatively affected by heat as quickly as other types of steel.

Additionally, die steel is exceptionally tough and resistant to pressure. Die steel is stronger than other forms of steel, which makes it better for more mechanically stressful situations.

Of course, this means die steel suits particular needs especially well—making it a favorite in many industries. For one thing, we use die steel when you work with die casting molds. These molds undergo high degrees of stress; and like we said earlier, we make die steel for high stress conditions. We also quite often utilize die steel when forging, as well as extrusion projects, hot stamping, and heat treatment.

Obviously, you have a lot of options when it comes to slot coater technology, as well as broader die technology. This can be a little difficult to navigate at first, but don’t worry—CTI is in your corner! We offer advice and guidance on everything from the types of coating you’ll need for your projects, to the general slot die coating equipment necessary for your order. It starts with a consultation, which is simple—and free! Reach out to us here or call us at 419-924-5566. Let’s get the conversation started.