Large-format sheet-based slot-die coater with full automation
- Coating width from 1 mm to 500 mm
- 2-axis motorized slot-die head positioning
- Automated coating via intuitive GUI
In addition to that...
- Uniform dry film thickness from nm to µm
- A microporous vacuum substrate holder
- Designed for rigid and flexible substrates
- Designed for fluids up to 20,000 cPs
- Integrated pump with software-controlled wet film thickness
- Substrate, slot-die head, and syringe heating
- Quick-action physical buttons
- Fume hood and glove box integration
System overview
The FOM alphaSC represents the ultimate combination of control, functionality, and versatility in thin-film research and production. All its hardware, software, and premium features have been tailored to reduce experimental error and increase usability with flexible and rigid substrates.
The FOM alphaSC provides users with unmatched versatility, precision, and process reproducibility for a broad spectrum of lab-scale materials and coating processes relevant to industry and academia.
Datasheet
All technical data for the FOM alphaSC consolidated in an easy overview.
Specifications
| Format | Sheet-based |
| Coating width | 1 mm to 500 mm |
| Coating length | Up to 470 mm |
| Substrate holder | 520 × 500 mm, microporous vacuum area 305 × 305 mm |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 1297 × 788 × 786 mm |
| Weight | 166 kg |
| Slot-die compatibility | FOM SD 25 – FOM SD 500 |
| Slot-die head heating | Up to 80 °C |
| Substrate holder heating | Up to 200 °C |
| Software | FOM coating software |
| Configuration | Options available |
Full automation for systematic experimental design
Built for systematic experimental design
The FOM alphaSC is built for research centers with ambitious technology development roadmaps. A combination of full automation and seamless control software integration is the design focus that enables high reproducibility for a systematic experimental design. Positioning is fully motorized on the x, y and z axes, and all hardware, software, and premium features have been tailored to reduce experimental error and increase usability with flexible and rigid substrates. Customizable quick-action physical buttons keep frequently repeated steps within reach, including when the tool is operated inside a glove box.
Automation and a lab-to-fab approach
The incorporation of a microporous substrate holder provides homogeneous suction, avoiding extra steps that are typically done to fixate the sample into the substrate. With the software-integrated pump and the automated vertical and lateral movement of the slot-die head, the FOM alphaSC allows for high throughput, highly systematic experimental design with an accelerated workflow. Post-deposition treatment units, such as drying and annealing and compressed gas for quick-drying, can be added to the stand-alone tool, which is well equipped to boost the technology readiness level of your research and demonstrate proof of concepts from lab to fab.
Reproducibility and high precision
The software features the possibility for generating a protocol library, allowing the researcher to call back and reproduce a deposition process with high precision, giving the researcher insight into the variables of the coating process. Parameters are held in software rather than set by hand, so the same experiment runs the same way across operators and across weeks.
The largest coating area in the range
At 500 mm coating width and 470 mm coating length on a 520 × 500 mm substrate holder, FOM alphaSC handles the largest sheets of any FOM coater and takes slot-die heads up to the FOM SD 500. Substrate, slot-die head, and syringe heating extend the range of materials and rheologies the tool can run.
Smart features and high performance
A closer look at FOM alphaSC — the motorized slot-die head, the microporous ultra-flat substrate holder, and the customizable quick-action buttons.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What coating width and speed does the FOM alphaSC support?
FOM alphaSC coats widths from 1 mm to 500 mm at speeds from 0.01 to 5.0 m/min, with coating lengths up to 470 mm. The substrate holder measures 520 × 500 mm with a microporous vacuum area of 305 × 305 mm, and accepts both rigid and flexible substrates.
Which slot-die heads fit the FOM alphaSC?
FOM alphaSC is compatible with slot-die heads from FOM SD 25 up to FOM SD 500 — the widest range of any FOM coater. Shims and guides are available for adjusting coating width and pattern, and slot-die head heating runs up to 80 °C.
How does the FOM alphaSC dry coatings?
Substrate holder heating runs up to 200 °C. An air knife system, an IR drying system, and a heat blower oven system are available as additional drying options.
What does the FOM alphaSC need to be installed?
The machine measures 1297 × 788 × 786 mm (L × W × H) and weighs 166 kg, with 200 mm of recommended cable clearance. It ships with a separate electrical panel measuring 1000 × 300 × 950 mm and weighing 90 kg, in powder-coated carbon steel, connected by a 4.5 m cable as standard; extension cables are available in 5 m intervals. Power is 3-phase + N + G at either 200–230 V or 380–415 V, 50 or 60 Hz, with a maximum current of 24 A. FOM provides a CEE plug for the panel; the cable from the main supply to the panel is not included, and 12 AWG / 4 mm² is recommended. Compressed air runs at 6–8 bar consuming 3.5 NL/s, clean, dry and non-lubricated to ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1.2.3 or better, via a Ø8 mm push-fit connection. An Ethernet connection over RJ45 is required.
How is the FOM alphaSC operated?
Coating is automated through a graphical interface backed by an integrated PLC control system, with customizable quick-action physical buttons for frequently repeated steps. Positioning is fully motorized on the x, y and z axes. The machine can be accessed remotely from a PC or tablet, and a protocol library lets a deposition process be recalled and reproduced.
What options are available for the FOM alphaSC?
Equipment options include a laptop, an ionizing system, a flexographic system, positioning sheets, a blade coating system, slot-die height and slot-die height and alignment laser systems, and an equipment mounting system for multiple options. Air knife, IR drying and heat blower oven systems are available for additional drying, along with an enclosure, glove box adapter cables, external and continuous pumps in standard and high-viscosity versions, stainless steel, glass and PP syringes, syringe heating up to 80 °C, and slot-die shims and guides.
Does the FOM alphaSC meet European machine safety standards?
FOM alphaSC is built to EN 60204-1 and ISO 13849-1 (CE), complies with Directive 2006/42/EC Annex II B, and its electrical panel is built to UL508A.