Film application in coating industry includes a broad range of different devices and instruments which are an absolute necessity for testing or evaluation. Only in this way the quality-related properties required can be tested, compared, documented and communicated in compliance with the requirements.

Film application covers a range of instruments that can be divided in four groups:

Applicators

Application tables

Application machines

Test charts

Applicators
Applicator types come as Bird, Baker, Wire Bar, Micrometer Casting Knife, Sag and Leveling, Stap Gap, Quadruplex, Octoplex, Hand Proofer etc.. The choice depends on specification or what one is accustomed to. Applicators vary in width, single or multiple gap, clearance in either microns or mils, hight adjustable or not, or wired in different sizes. The theoretical wet film thickness is etched onto every drawdown bar. The theoretical applied wet film thickness is roughly one-half the actual gap clearance. If you have a gap clearance of 60 micron, the theoretical wet film thickness etched on the bar applicator is 30 micron. Due to the many variables the drawdown is not guaranteed to the theoretical film thickness. Actual a variation of 50 to 90% in film thickness is possible depending on gap clearance. If the applicator is used manually variables in speed and movement can cause an uneven drawdown. In these cases we recommend an automatic film applicator.

Application tables
To apply a uniform film for examination a stable hard surface is needed to make a good drawdown on test charts with a high degree of reproducibility. The glass application tables are equipped with a strong clamp to hold down the charts and supplied with rubber top cover for use with specific applicators.

Application machines
To prepare samples for testing rheological properties, abrasion resistance, hiding power and gloss the TQC Automatic film applicator is a must have. To apply a uniform and reliable coating film onto test charts, panels or foils in order to eliminate variations caused by human factors a automatic film applicator is needed. Variations in speed, pressure and direction of draw down cause irregularities, those are elimminated by use of this type of applicator. Other factors that may influence the result are the shear rate and the weight of the applicator. With the automatic film applicator these variable factors are being stabilized. Over the complete surface the film thickness is even. The TQC automatic film applicator has all capabilities to use any kind of applicators on any kind of test panel on chart sizes A4, A5 and A6. A choice of glass table, vacuum table perforated or canaled table, speed and length adjustments are just a few features.

Test charts
For different kind of tests on physical properties of paints, lacquers or inks a wide range of consistent test charts are developed. Those are suitable for determining hiding power, opacity, spreading rate etc. They come in a variety of dimensions from DIN A6 up to and including DIN A4. Most charts are film laminated for an excellent solvent and chemical resistance and an even film spread. Others are uncoated for brushout to simulate wood or wallboard and plastic polyester films for wash and scrub testing.