Entry-level roll-based slot-die coater
- Coating width from 1 mm to 100 mm
- Non-contact coating within µm precision
- Designed for flexible substrates
In addition to that...
- Uniform dry film thickness from nm to µm
- Excellent layer uniformity and repeatability
- Semi-automated coating via intuitive touch panel
- Plug and play installation
- Built-in hotplate for drying
- Integrated drying cartridges
- Seamless fume hood and glove box integration
System overview
The FOM nanoRC is the ideal entry point to begin the scalable coating of functional thin films and devices. The FOM nanoRC has been designed to replicate the complex coating processes achieved on large-scale roll-to-roll machines while requiring a fraction of the cost and physical footprint.
By leveraging years of experience in materials research and slot-die coating, the FOM nanoRC provides users with a simple route for precise, reproducible, and scalable thin film production from any solution or slurry-based precursor.
Datasheet
All technical data for the FOM nanoRC consolidated in an easy overview.
Specifications
| Format | Roll-based |
| Coating width | 1 mm to 100 mm |
| Coating length | Up to 500 mm |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 530 × 230 × 350 mm |
| Weight | 19 kg |
| Slot-die compatibility | FOM SD 25 – FOM SD 100 |
| Slot-die head heating | Up to 80 °C |
| Substrate holder heating | Up to 160 °C |
| Control | Intuitive HMI touch panel interface |
| Configuration | Options available |
Proof of scalability at the smallest scale
Easy to use
The FOM nanoRC is a lightweight, cost-efficient, easy-to-use, precision instrument for testing slot-die coating of solution-processable materials onto flexible substrates. At 19 kg it installs plug and play, integrates with fume hoods and glove boxes, and runs semi-automatically from an intuitive touch panel — with no compressed air supply or network connection required.
Replacing spin coating
While spin-coating is often used for the fabrication of thin films, it lacks compatibility with industry standards due to its substrate size restraints, the difficulty of batch processing and the high percentage of material waste. The FOM nanoRC has been designed to mimic the coating process of large-scale roll-to-roll machines based on the slot-die coating at a laboratory scale, allowing for high throughput experimental design. It enables researchers in industry and academia to develop, or transfer, their knowledge in thin films into slot-die coating fabrication protocols with an entry-level investment.
Drying on the bench
Drying is handled on the machine itself, with a built-in hotplate and integrated drying cartridges, and substrate holder heating up to 160 °C. No separate oven module, extraction ducting or compressed air supply is needed — the coater runs from a single-phase wall socket.
Cost-efficient
Whether you are doing fundamental research or developing a new process for your product, the FOM nanoRC provides direct and relevant proof of scalability, yet on the smallest scale, thereby, avoiding the high material consumption and hassle associated with larger size pilot lines.
Smart features and high performance
A closer look at FOM omegaR2R — the coating bridge, the modular oven sections, and the web handling that keeps a continuous process stable from the first meter to the last.
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 coating width and speed does the FOM nanoRC support?
FOM nanoRC coats widths from 1 mm to 100 mm at speeds from 0.1 to 2.0 m/min, with coating lengths up to 500 mm. The substrate roller is 110 mm wide. Slot-die head height is positioned manually with a digital readout accurate to ±10 µm.
Which slot-die heads fit the FOM nanoRC?
FOM nanoRC is compatible with slot-die heads from FOM SD 25 up to FOM SD 100. Shims and guides are available for adjusting coating width and pattern.
How does the FOM nanoRC dry coatings?
Drying is handled on the machine. A built-in hotplate and integrated drying cartridges work together with substrate holder heating up to 160 °C. There is no separate oven module.
What does the FOM nanoRC need to be installed?
The machine measures 530 × 230 × 350 mm (L × W × H) and weighs 19 kg, with 100 mm of recommended cable clearance. It runs from a single-phase supply — either 230 V at 50 Hz or 110 V at 60 Hz — drawing a maximum of 16 A through an IEC 14 connector. No compressed air supply and no network connection are required, and installation is plug and play.
How does slot-die coating on the FOM nanoRC compare to spin coating?
Spin coating is widely used for thin film fabrication but is constrained by substrate size, is difficult to batch process, and wastes a high percentage of material. FOM nanoRC mimics the coating process of large-scale roll-to-roll machines at laboratory scale, so films developed on it translate into protocols that scale — with far lower material consumption than a pilot line and an entry-level investment.
What options are available for the FOM nanoRC?
A flexographic system and a machine enclosure are available. Pump options cover standard and high-viscosity external syringe pumps, with stainless steel, glass and PP syringes, plus slot-die shims and guides for adjusting coating width and pattern.
Does the FOM nanoRC meet European machine safety standards?
FOM nanoRC is built to EN 60204-1 and ISO 13849-1 (CE) and complies with Directive 2006/42/EC Annex II B.