Adjustable Film Applicator XN-FAT-100

Name: Adjustable Film Applicator XN-FAT-100

Equipment Type: Laboratory Adjustable Film Applicator with Twin Micrometer Adjustment

Product Code: XN-FAT-100

Product Introduction:

The Adjustable Film Applicator XN-FAT-100 is widely used in coating research, including battery electrode coatings, ceramic coatings, crystal coatings, and special functional thin films. The applicator enables precise control of wet film thickness across a wide adjustment range (0–3500 μm at 10 μm resolution) and is suitable for laboratory-scale material development and process optimization. Compared to the XN-FAS-100 (which integrates slot-die extrusion and blade coating with a finer 1 μm resolution for thin films), the XN-FAT-100 is a doctor-blade-only applicator optimized for thicker wet films up to 3500 μm.

Main Features:

• Wide adjustable coating thickness range — 0–3500 μm, suitable for both thin and thick wet film applications
• High-precision twin micrometer adjustment — 10 μm resolution for accurate and repeatable thickness control
• Twin micrometer screws on both sides — ensures uniform film thickness across the 100 mm coating width
• Corrosion-resistant construction — long service life and compatibility with various coating formulations including NMP-based and aqueous slurries
• Compact and robust structure — refined industrial design for benchtop laboratory use (130 × 110 × 110 mm, ~1.5 kg)
• Easy to operate — manual drawing across the substrate, no setup required

Main Specifications:

Values measured by Xnergy. Typical values for reference; not guaranteed unless otherwise specified.

Application Areas:

• Battery electrode coatings — wet film thickness control for laboratory cell development, particularly for thicker electrode formulations
• Ceramic coatings — functional ceramic film preparation, slurry-based thick-film deposition
• Crystal coatings — crystalline film deposition for research applications
• Special functional thin films — optical films, sensor films, electrochromic films, and other specialty thin-film applications
• Laboratory-scale material development — process optimization for new coating formulations
• Polymer film research, sealant coatings, and other applications requiring controlled wet film thickness

Recommended Operating Procedure:

1. Clean the applicator blade and adjustment surfaces with appropriate solvent (water or isopropyl alcohol, depending on the slurry system used) before each use; dry thoroughly. 2. Use the twin micrometer adjustment screws to set the target wet film thickness within the 0–3500 μm range, using the 10 μm adjustment resolution for precise control. Ensure both micrometers are set to the same height for uniform film thickness across the 100 mm coating width. 3. Place the substrate (foil, membrane, or other sheet-type material) on a flat, clean surface or on the vacuum coating plate of an automatic film coater. 4. Position the applicator on the substrate at the starting edge. 5. Load the coating slurry in front of the applicator blade. 6. Draw the applicator across the substrate at a steady, controlled speed to produce the wet film. 7. Allow the coated film to flow out and self-level if required by the slurry rheology, then transfer the substrate for downstream drying. 8. After each run, clean the applicator with appropriate solvent and dry thoroughly before storage to prevent buildup of residual slurry.

Maintenance:

• Frequently wipe the applicator with a soft cloth dampened with alcohol to keep it clean
• After each run, clean the blade edge and micrometer adjustment surfaces thoroughly with appropriate solvent and dry before storage
• If the applicator will not be used for an extended period, wipe down the surfaces and store in a clean, dry environment
• Periodically inspect the twin micrometer adjustment screws for smooth operation and accurate calibration
• Periodically inspect the blade edge for nicks, wear, or contamination affecting film thickness uniformity

Packaging & Storage:

The XN-FAT-100 ships fully assembled with the applicator body, twin micrometer adjustment screws (one on each side), and adjustable blade mechanism (130 × 110 × 110 mm, ~1.5 kg). Store on a clean laboratory bench or in a protective case in a dry environment, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and corrosive atmospheres. After each use, clean the applicator thoroughly with appropriate solvent and dry before storage. Inspect the micrometer adjustment screws and blade edge periodically for wear or contamination.

Safety:

For research and industrial laboratory use only. Always wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat) when handling slurries, solvents, and coated substrates. When working with NMP-based slurries or other regulated solvents, operate in a well-ventilated fume hood and follow local regulations on solvent use and recovery — NMP and similar aprotic solvents have specific exposure limits under OSHA, EU REACH, and other regional safety frameworks. Handle the applicator carefully — the precision blade edge can be damaged by impact or improper cleaning, affecting future film thickness uniformity. The blade edge can be sharp; avoid finger contact during handling and cleaning to prevent cuts. Refer to the included user manual for complete safety and operating instructions.

Note: Specifications listed above are typical and for reference only. Actual performance depends on the specific slurry chemistry, substrate type, applicator drawing speed, and ambient operating conditions — consult published literature and our technical team for guidance on specific coating protocols. The XN-FAT-100 is a manual film applicator without an integrated drive system; for automated coating workflows, see the Automatic Film Coater XN-VC-300 (300 mm stroke) or Automatic Film Coater XN-VC-800 (800 mm stroke). For finer thickness resolution (1 μm) with integrated slot-die extrusion capability, see the Slot-Die Extrusion Film Applicator XN-FAS-100. For integrated slot-die coating with PLC control, heating platform, and dual vacuum chambers, see the Slot-Die Coating System XN-SDC. For coating-and-drying integrated workflows, see the Automatic Film Coater with Integrated Drying System XN-VCH-300, Automatic Film Coating & Drying Machine Plus XN-VCH-800, Glove-Box-Compatible Film Coating & Drying Machine XN-VCH-200, and Bottom-Heated Film Coating Machine XN-VCHB. For continuous roll-to-roll coating, see the Continuous Roll-to-Roll Coating Machine XN-LVC-200 and Comma-Blade Continuous Coating Machine XN-KD200. For transfer coating, see the Laboratory Transfer Coating Machine XN-RTCA-300, Dual-Zone Transfer Coating Machine XN-RTCA-500, and Segmented Transfer Coating Machine XN-RTCA-300-3. For slurry supply equipment, see the Extrusion Feeding Pump XN-EFP. For complete electrode preparation workflows, see also Xnergy’s related products: Planetary Vacuum Mixer for Mixing Electrode Powders, Three-Door Vacuum Drying Oven (XN-DVO-3); for downstream calendering, see the laboratory CRP / CRPE / CRPE-W / HRPE / HRPH series and pilot-scale Hydraulic-Balance Motorized Roller Press XN-HPRP-300 & Heated Hydraulic-Balance Roller Press XN-SHPRP-300. For full equipment categories, see the Coating equipment category, Pilot-Scale Coating equipment category, Drying equipment category, Calendering equipment category, Pilot-Scale Calendering equipment category, and Slitting & Die Cutting equipment category. For complete electrode formulation systems, see also Cathode Materials, Anode Materials, Binders, and Current Collectors.