Built around your process
FOM designs its standard machines to cover as many research needs as possible. Some processes need more: a different format, several process steps in one line, or a coating station that fits equipment you already have. In these cases, FOM adapts an existing design or builds a new system around your process.
- Custom dimensions and coating widths
- Multiple coating stations and in-line steps
- Integration into existing coating lines
What we can customize
A custom project can adapt one part of a standard machine or cover a complete new system.
Dimensions & coating width
Coating widths, web widths and machine formats outside the standard range, sized to your substrate and your lab.
Multiple coating stations
More than one coating station on a single line, for coating several layers without moving between machines.
In-line processing & characterization
Pre- and post-coating steps in the same line, such as drying and curing modules, surface treatment, web cleaning and in-line metrology.
Integration into existing lines
A FOM slot-die coating station built into a machine frame you already have. A detailed interface agreement defines how the two connect.
Example
FOM pontemR2R: wide-web coating for existing lines
The FOM pontemR2R is a servo-driven roll-to-roll slot-die coating station. It is built for integration into existing coating lines, and a detailed interface agreement made during the project defines how it connects to your line. It takes webs up to 665 mm wide and coats widths from 25 mm to 605 mm.
Servo motors position the slot-die head horizontally and vertically in 1 µm increments. Gap height is set automatically in 1 µm steps, with a linear encoder and digital position read-out, for reproducible control of every coating run. FOM Tensor runs the station, with a stepper motor syringe pump for automated pumping control or a progressive cavity pump for continuous coating.
Specifications
| Format | Roll-to-roll, for integration into an existing line |
| Coating width | 25–605 mm |
| Dimensions (H × W × L) | 680 × 895 × 1570 mm (standard configuration) |
| Weight | 265 kg (standard configuration) |
| Slot-die compatibility | FOM SD 25 – FOM SD 300 |
| Slot-die head heating | Up to 80 °C |
| Oven temperature | Up to 180 °C (hot air) |
| Software | FOM coating software |
| Configuration | Modular — options available |
How a custom project runs
Every project starts with your ink or slurry, your substrate and the film you want to make.
Define the process
You describe your material, substrate and target film, and the line the system must fit into, where relevant.
Agree the specification
FOM proposes a design and agrees the technical scope with you. For integration projects, this includes a detailed interface agreement.
Design & build
FOM designs and builds the system, with standard FOM components such as FOM Tensor and FOM pumps where they fit.
Install & train
Installation ends with a documented acceptance, followed by training for your team.
Every coating project starts with a material and a substrate. Tell us about yours and our coating experts will work through the process with you — from first trials in the lab to a route toward roll-to-roll.
Let our coating experts guide you
Frequently asked questions
What can FOM customize on a slot-die coating system?
FOM can adapt dimensions and coating widths, add more than one coating station to a line, and add in-line processing and characterization steps. FOM can also build a slot-die coating station into a line you already have, or design a new system around your process.
Do I need a custom system?
Not always. FOM designs its standard machines to cover as many research needs as possible, and many of them are modular. The FOM moduloR2R, for example, is configured for each customer on a standard platform, with ovens, web handling and other modules selected as required. Describe your process to us, and we will advise whether a standard configuration, an adaptation or a new design fits.
Can FOM integrate slot-die coating into an existing coating line?
Yes. The FOM pontemR2R is one example: a roll-to-roll slot-die coating station built for integration into an existing machine frame. A detailed interface agreement, made during the project, defines how the FOM station connects to your line.
What is the FOM pontemR2R?
The FOM pontemR2R is a servo-driven roll-to-roll slot-die coating station for integration into existing coating lines. It takes webs up to 665 mm wide and coats widths from 25 mm to 605 mm. Servo motors position the slot-die head horizontally and vertically in 1 µm increments, and gap height is set automatically in 1 µm steps with a linear encoder and digital read-out.
Does a custom system use FOM Tensor?
The FOM pontemR2R runs FOM Tensor, the slot-die coating software also used on most standard FOM machines. For other custom systems, the software is part of the specification agreed at the start of the project.
Can FOM test my material before a custom project starts?
Yes. Through Test your material, FOM Science & Learning scientists run trials with your ink or slurry, at a FOM facility or at your site. The results help define the specification for a custom system.