The Model 4010 tape caster is intended for laboratory and R&D
operations. It is a compact machine, but still achieves a good productivity
because of its powerful drying system.
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The configuration of this machine is highly modular. This allows it to
be easily changed to meet the customer's requirements. Various kinds of
casting heads can be fit, and the drying track length can be increased
with add-on modules.
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The drying system uses bottom heating with counter flow air sweep. This
means the drying energy is put into the wet coating from the bottom. The
solvent is driven out the surface of the wet coating by the heat from below.
The air flow sweeps the solvent away. The goal of this method is to avoid
the formation of a skin of dried material at the surface which would trap
solvents in the coating. Faster drying can be achieved by this method than
by the use of hot air drying.
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The coating head uses a precision-ground cylinder as a stable reference
surface for the doctor blade or slot die. Two kinds of doctor blades
are available. One mounts below the cylinder and is used for thin
casting. The other doctor blade mounts above the coating cylinder and is
best for thicker coatings. The slot die system is used for the thickest
coatings. The slot die allows higher slurry viscosity to be used so there
is less solvent to dry out. This increases the maximum thickness capability.
The drive system is electronically speed controlled with a digital indicator.
Explosion proof construction is available as a extra cost option. The explosion
proof requirements are met by the use of "purged system" where air pressure
is used to keep the solvent vapors out of the electronic areas of the machine.
A remotely located start-up panel is provided which includes the purge
air source.
