MSK-200-SH Tape Casting Coater with Heated Slot-Die and Fixed Gap Blade for Precision Lithium Film Production up to 350°C
The MSK-200-SH is engineered to address the challenge of fabricating uniform lithium films on copper foil substrates, a critical step in battery research and development. This system enables precise tape casting of molten lithium within an argon atmosphere glovebox, ensuring material stability and safety. It is particularly suited for producing lithium films with thicknesses ranging from 15 to 50 microns, essential for advanced lithium battery electrode fabrication.
The coater integrates a heatable slot-die and a fixed gap blade mounted on a movable fixture with precision wheels. Molten lithium is extruded through the heated slot-die and deposited onto copper foil held by a heated vacuum bed that secures the substrate during coating. The fixed gap blade then scrapes the molten lithium to form a uniform film as the fixture moves steadily across the vacuum bed. Independent temperature control of the melting vessel, slot-die, blade, and vacuum bed allows fine-tuning of process parameters for optimal film quality.
Key Features
- Heatable slot-die with adjustable gap sizes (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mm) for controlled lithium extrusion width of 150 mm.
- Fixed gap blade with four sides offering gap thicknesses of 10, 15, 20, and 50 microns for precise film thickness control.
- Heating vessel constructed from SS 316 stainless steel, 150 ml capacity, capable of temperatures up to 450°C ±1°C.
- Heated vacuum bed made of aluminum alloy with effective coating area of 150 x 300 mm and maximum temperature of 200°C ±1°C.
- Adjustable coating speed from 10 to 100 mm/s with integrated oilless vacuum pump for substrate fixation.
- Control unit enabling independent temperature regulation of all heated components and coating speed adjustment.
- Designed for operation inside an argon glovebox, with included power cable featuring KF40 feedthrough for glovebox compatibility.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 208-240 V, 50/60 Hz, single phase, 2000 W |
| Heating Vessel Material & Capacity | SS 316 stainless steel, ID 25 mm × height 100 mm, 150 ml |
| Heating Vessel Max Temperature | 450°C ±1°C |
| Slot-Die Extrusion Width | 150 mm |
| Slot-Die Gap Sizes | 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mm (adjustable) |
| Slot-Die Max Temperature | 350°C ±1°C |
| Fixed Gap Blade Thickness Options | 10, 15, 20, 50 microns (other sizes available on request) |
| Blade Max Temperature | 300°C ±1°C |
| Vacuum Bed Material | Aluminum alloy (SS316 optional) |
| Vacuum Bed Dimensions | Width 250 mm × Length 400 mm |
| Effective Coating Area | Width 150 mm × Length 300 mm |
| Vacuum Hole Size | 1 mm diameter |
| Vacuum Bed Max Temperature | 200°C ±1°C |
| Coating Speed Range | 10–100 mm/s, adjustable |
| Control Features | Independent temperature control for vessel, slot-die, blade, vacuum bed; speed adjustment; optional RS-485 port and PC software |
Typical Applications
The MSK-200-SH is primarily used for fabricating thin lithium films for lithium-ion battery anodes and other advanced energy storage research. It supports experimental development of lithium film electrodes requiring precise thickness control and uniformity. The system is intended for use inside argon gloveboxes to maintain an inert atmosphere during processing.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The movable tape casting fixture includes the lithium melting vessel, heatable slot-die, fixed gap blade, and four precision wheels. The vacuum bed incorporates a built-in moving mechanism and an oilless vacuum pump to secure the substrate during coating. The system includes a power cable with KF40 feedthrough for glovebox operation.
Users must optimize coating parameters through experimentation, as lithium wetting on the copper foil is critical. Pre-treatment of substrates by ozone cleaning or plasma etching is recommended to improve wetting. The device is designed for inert atmosphere use only and should be operated inside an argon glovebox.
Dimensions & Shipping
| Product dimensions | Width 250 x L 400 mm; Effective coating area: Width 150 x L 300 mm; Vacuum hole size: 1 mm diameter | L600*430*H500mm |
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