LC-100 Continuous Laboratory Drawdown Coater
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | LC-100 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The LC-100 Continuous Laboratory Drawdown Coater is an engineered benchtop coating system designed for reproducible, thickness-controlled application of liquid coatings—including aqueous emulsions, solvent-based adhesives, UV-curable formulations, and pressure-sensitive laminates—onto flexible web substrates. It operates on the knife-over-roll (KOR) principle, where a precision-ground stainless steel applicator roll rotates in contact with a stationary backup roll, while a fixed-gap doctor blade (or comma bar) shears excess material to define final wet film thickness. This geometry ensures uniform shear history across the coated width and eliminates edge bead formation typical of slot-die or gravure methods. The LC-100 supports both manual drawdown (hand-pulled web) and semi-automated operation when integrated with compatible unwind/tension control accessories. Its architecture is optimized for R&D scale-up studies, formulation screening, QC release testing, and pre-production label sample generation under controlled laboratory conditions.
Key Features
- Two precision-ground 303 stainless steel rolls (applicator + backup), hardened and polished to ≤0.2 µm Ra surface finish for long-term dimensional stability and corrosion resistance.
- Adjustable coating gap via dual micrometer dials (0.1 mil to 50 mil / 2.5 µm to 1,270 µm), calibrated and traceable to NIST standards.
- Coating width continuously adjustable from 12 mm to 300 mm using a manually repositionable polyamide containment plate.
- Integrated 125 g capacity reservoir with fluid retention lip and low-turbulence fill port to minimize air entrapment and bubble formation.
- Compact footprint (48 cm W × 56 cm D × 46 cm H) and lightweight design (25 kg) for easy integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, or shared lab spaces.
- Modular accessory interface supporting optional components: LC-100-T-BN comma bar head, LC-BAR M wire-wound rod assembly, LC-BUWS braked unwind stand, and LC-MRWS hand-cranked rewind station.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LC-100 accommodates substrates ranging from 12 µm PET and 25 µm BOPP films to 100 g/m² paper, nonwovens, and metallized foils—provided tensile strength exceeds 20 MPa and surface energy is ≥38 dyn/cm. It is compatible with viscosities from 10 mPa·s (dilute latexes) to 100,000 mPa·s (high-solids acrylic dispersions), assuming Newtonian or mildly shear-thinning behavior. All wetted parts comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR 175.105 for indirect food contact applications. The system meets ISO 9001-aligned documentation requirements for calibration records, maintenance logs, and operator training verification—supporting GLP-compliant workflows in regulated environments.
Software & Data Management
As a manually operated mechanical system, the LC-100 does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital controls. However, its repeatable mechanical adjustment mechanism enables full traceability when used within documented SOPs. Users may integrate external instrumentation—including inline thickness gauges (e.g., beta-backscatter or eddy current sensors), web tension meters, and environmental monitors—to log process parameters in LIMS or ELN platforms. Calibration certificates for micrometer dials are provided upon installation, and periodic verification against certified gauge blocks (per ASTM E1050) is recommended every six months.
Applications
- Rapid evaluation of adhesive transfer performance and cohesive strength across varying coat weights.
- Development of functional barrier layers (e.g., oxygen/moisture阻隔) on packaging films using nanocomposite dispersions.
- Screening of inkjet-receptive topcoats for label facestocks under standardized drawdown conditions.
- Preparation of reference standards for FTIR, XRF, and SEM cross-section analysis of dried film morphology.
- QC testing of batch-to-batch consistency in hot-melt and water-based PSA formulations per ASTM D3330 and ISO 8510-2.
FAQ
What substrate widths can the LC-100 accommodate?
The effective coating width is adjustable between 12 mm and 300 mm using the movable containment plate; maximum web width supported is 300 mm.
Is the LC-100 suitable for high-viscosity coatings?
Yes—coatings up to ~100,000 mPa·s may be applied, provided they exhibit acceptable roll pickup and shear thinning behavior at the selected line speed.
Can the LC-100 be used in cleanroom or inert-atmosphere environments?
Yes—the absence of electronics, motors, or lubricants makes it fully compatible with ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms and nitrogen-purged glove boxes.
Does ChemInstruments provide validation support for GMP labs?
Yes—IQ/OQ protocols, calibration templates, and raw data worksheets are available upon request for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned systems integration.
How often should the stainless steel rolls be cleaned or passivated?
Rolls should be wiped with IPA after each use; quarterly citric acid passivation (per ASTM A967) is recommended for sustained corrosion resistance in halide-containing formulations.
