Up Your Slot Die Coating Head Knowledge
So, you’re curious about slot die coating—but don’t even know how a slot die coating head works. No worries! Conversion Technologies International is here to help.
What is slot die coating used for?
We use slot die coating for a few different purposes. Slot die coating is, in essence, an element of production. When we use coatings, we’re typically finishing or perfecting a product. Think of slot die coating in those terms. Coatings act as protection, while also creating a perfectly uniform, smooth surface that might otherwise be difficult to achieve. A lot of coating solutions make products less vulnerable to extreme temperatures, abrasion, and general wear and tear.
The products most often subject to slot die coating include:
- Food packaging. Usually, we need food packaging products to be flexible. They’re durable, but thin. Slot die coating deposits thin layers, acting cohesively and aligning with the product’s goals.
- Medical devices. In the same sense, many products that deliver or hold medications must be as flexible as possible without losing their strength. Slot die coating ensures they protect their contents while maintain structural integrity.
- Electronics. Think about how flexible a touchscreen has to be. There’s a little bit of bounce to that surface. You get that quality because of slot die coating. LCD displays and other electronic components can also link back to slot die coating.
What is a slot die coating head?
A slot die coating head isn’t very difficult to use once you know what you’re dealing with. Essentially, it’s a precision tool like many others. We use the slot die coating head to apply a uniform, typically thin, layer of coating solution onto a substrate. It has both front and back plates. These plates both secure the components and contain the solution (sometimes called “ink”).
There is also the shim and a meniscus. They’re actually thin metal sheets, which guide the ink to the coating edge. They stabilize the solution between the coating head and the substrate. Finally, you get a reservoir (which we may also refer to as a distribution chamber, an interior, a cavity, or a manifold). The reservoir holds the coating solution after it’s received through the front and back plates.
Here’s the thing about a slot die coating head: Ultimately, this component controls the way we deliver the solution and the final results. Depending on how we calibrate the coating head, the shape of the coating head, and how much solution it contains, your results can vary. You’ll want to ensure that you’re using the slot die coating head correctly and that it’s in its proper state before using it. By adjusting our slot die heads, we can alter a solution’s flow rate, as well as other elements like surface tension.
How thin is the typical slot die coating film?
The thickness of a coating solution varies—and we can adjust it to fit different projects. Ultimately, the final result of the process can range from tens of nanometers to hundreds of microns. In short, the final thickness of the layer is whatever you need it to be (within reason).
However, you should consider other elements of the process. As important as coating equipment is, the type of solution you’re using and its qualities matter as well. The more viscous a solution, for example, the thicker it tends to be. A hot melt coating may perform different from other solutions, and different coating systems provide different results regardless of the solution’s formula.
If you’re not yet certain about how to achieve the results you need, you may want to consider working with a third party manufacturer. Although some business owners experience trepidation about the idea of working with a third party, trust us when we say that it’s a lot less complicated than it may seem. Especially when you’re working with the right kind of partner!
FAQs: Working with A Third Party Manufacturer
Do I have to give up complete control when working with a third party?
No, not at all. When you’re a CTI client, for example, you’re also a partner. You’re able to consult with us well before making any agreements—and we’re fully ready to answer any questions you may have. Our focus is on ensuring you have the agency you need. You’ll remain involved, and we work to ensure that you aren’t in the dark or powerless at any point.
Can we only outsource slot die coating?
While some third party manufacturers may specialize in one or two coating systems, this isn’t always the case. When working with an experienced manufacturer like CTI, you can also explore options like web coating and roll coating. When you begin your search for the best company for slot die coating, you may end up working with a company that can “do it all”.
Where this comes in handy for some business owners is in terms of flexibility. If you need to expand your product line and require other systems, it’s easier to continue working with one manufacturer.
What are some of the perks of working with a third party?
There are so many benefits to working with a third party manufacturer. For one thing, you don’t have to purchase components like slot die heads or a slot die coater—the manufacturer has them ready. Additionally, it’s far more convenient to allow experienced manufacturers to handle these processes for you. You don’t have to worry as much about trial and error. We know what we’re doing!
Ready to explore third party manufacturing and slot die coating further? We have the information you need. Call CTI at 419-924-5566 or contact us here. Let’s start a conversation!
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