MSK-AFA-HC100 Mini Tape Casting Coater with Heatable Vacuum Bed
The MSK-AFA-HC100 is engineered for laboratory-scale tape casting tasks requiring uniform, ultra-thin coatings of polymers or conductive ceramic films on diverse substrates. Its compact footprint allows placement inside glove boxes via antechamber access, enabling controlled atmosphere processing such as under argon gas. This makes it ideal for sensitive materials and battery electrode fabrication research.
Central to its design is a heatable vacuum chuck made from aluminum alloy featuring micro-sized holes for secure substrate holding. The chuck measures 190 mm by 90 mm, with a maximum heating temperature of 120°C controlled digitally with ±1°C accuracy. The system includes a built-in film applicator driven by a 24V brushless DC motor, capable of applying fixed thickness coatings with selectable thicknesses of 50, 100, 150, or 200 μm over a maximum width of 80 mm. A 24VDC vacuum pump is integrated to maintain substrate adhesion during coating.
Key Features
- Heatable vacuum chuck with micro-hole aluminum alloy surface, 190 x 90 mm area, max 120°C temperature with precise digital control.
- Integrated 24V brushless DC motor drives film applicator for continuous, adjustable coating thickness and speed.
- Includes fixed-thickness film applicators (50, 100, 150, 200 μm) and a stainless steel slurry boat for slurry containment.
- Vacuum pump powered from coater unit with 8 mm O.D. tube fitting for vacuum chuck connection.
- Top cover included to facilitate drying after coating.
- Compact design suitable for glove-box use under inert gas atmospheres like argon.
- Adjustable traverse speed (0–50 mm/s) and travel distance (0–360 mm) for flexible coating control.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | AC 100–240 V input, DC 24 V output adapter included |
| Motor Type | 24 V brushless DC motor |
| Vacuum Chuck Material | Aluminum alloy with micro-size holes |
| Vacuum Chuck Area | 190 mm × 90 mm (L × W) |
| Maximum Heating Temperature | 120°C with ±1°C accuracy |
| Film Applicator Thickness Options | 50, 100, 150, 200 μm fixed thickness |
| Maximum Coating Width | 80 mm |
| Traverse Speed | 0–50 mm/s adjustable |
| Traverse Distance | 0–360 mm adjustable |
| Vacuum Pump | 24 VDC pump included, powered from coater |
| Film Thickness Accuracy | ±2 μm |
| Certifications | CE certified; NRTL or CSA available on request |
Typical Applications
This coater is widely used in battery research and development for coating cathode and anode electrode sheets with precise thickness control. It is also suitable for thin film polymer coatings and conductive ceramic films on substrates requiring inert atmosphere processing. Its compatibility with glove boxes and controlled heating enhances film quality and drying efficiency.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The system includes a fixed-thickness film applicator and a stainless steel slurry boat. Optional accessories such as thickness-adjustable film coaters, hybrid slot die applicators, and precision digital micrometers for thickness measurement are available separately. It is recommended to operate the coater under a fume hood for safety and to use vacuum mixers and ovens for slurry preparation and drying. Rolling presses are advised post-coating to ensure electrode density and adhesion.
