MSKAFAI Compact Tape Casting Coater with Vacuum Chuck and Adjustable Film Applicator
The MSKAFAI model is engineered for laboratory-scale tape casting applications, particularly suited for producing uniform ceramic tapes and lithium-ion battery electrode films. It addresses the challenge of achieving consistent film thickness on various substrates by integrating a vacuum chuck system that firmly secures the substrate sheet during the coating process, preventing movement and ensuring precision.
This coater features a single 100 mm wide micrometer-adjustable film applicator (doctor blade) that allows thickness adjustments from 0.01 mm up to 3.5 mm. The coating length is adjustable from 10 mm to 350 mm, accommodating a range of sample sizes. Optional heating elements can be installed on the top or bottom of the vacuum chuck, providing controlled drying temperatures up to 120°C with ±1°C accuracy. Additionally, a UV light source option (365 nm wavelength) is available for polymer curing processes.
Key Features
- Flat aluminum alloy vacuum chuck (365 mm x 200 mm) with ~1.0 mm holes spaced ~14.3 mm apart for secure substrate holding.
- One 100 mm wide micrometer-adjustable film applicator with thickness range 0.01–3.5 mm; fixed thickness bars available separately for films below 10 microns.
- Variable traverse speed from 10 to 100 mm/sec with ±5–10 mm/sec accuracy for precise coating control.
- Optional heating covers with digital temperature controllers: bottom heating up to 120°C (850–1000 W), top heating up to 100°C (1.2 kW), or combined top and bottom heating (2.3 kW).
- Optional UV lamp (8 W, 365 nm wavelength) for polymer curing integrated with heating options.
- Vacuum pump not included; compatible with external pumps via compression-type 8 mm O.D. tube fitting; 4 ft polyurethane tube supplied.
- Compact footprint suitable for laboratory benchtops with adjustable coating length and width up to 350 mm x 180 mm.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | MSKAFAI (MSK-AFA-III series) |
| Vacuum Chuck Dimensions | 365 mm (L) x 200 mm (W) |
| Vacuum Chuck Material | Aluminum alloy with ~1.0 mm holes spaced ~14.3 mm apart |
| Film Applicator Width | 100 mm |
| Film Thickness Range | 0.01 mm to 3.5 mm (micrometer adjustable) |
| Coating Length Range | 10 mm to 350 mm (adjustable) |
| Traverse Speed | 10 to 100 mm/sec, ±5–10 mm/sec accuracy |
| Power Supply | Input 100–240 VAC, Output 24 VDC (power adaptor) |
| Heating Options | Bottom heating up to 120°C (850–1000 W), top heating up to 100°C (1.2 kW), or combined top and bottom heating (2.3 kW) |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1°C digital controller |
| UV Lamp (Optional) | 8 W, 365 nm wavelength, 15.5 mm diameter, 287 mm length, 3000 hours service life |
Typical Applications
This coater is widely used in research laboratories for producing ceramic green tapes and lithium-ion battery electrodes with uniform thickness and surface quality. It supports coating of various slurry materials on flat substrates, enabling studies in battery development, ceramic processing, and polymer film curing with UV assistance.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The standard package includes the vacuum chuck, one adjustable film applicator, travel pusher, and waste plates. The vacuum pump is not included but can be connected externally using the provided compression fitting and tubing. Optional heating covers with digital temperature control and UV curing lamps can be added based on application needs.
For optimal drying, it is recommended to preheat the vacuum chuck to 60–70°C before coating, maintain heating during coating, and then increase temperature to approximately 100–120°C after coating. Operation under a fume hood is advised for safety when handling volatile slurries. Additional accessories such as fixed thickness coating bars, slurry mixers, and thickness gauges are available separately to enhance coating precision and consistency.
