01. Definition of Coating

Coating technology refers to the process where coating equipment applies adhesives or other fluid materials onto a substrate. The coated fluid layer is then passed through a conveying and winding system to undergo drying in an oven or curing, thereby adding a functional film layer with specific properties to the substrate.

With the advancement of industrial manufacturing and the continuous improvement and innovation of coating technology, coating applications have become increasingly widespread. Its scope covers dozens of industries, including industrial, civil, electronics & optoelectronics, communications, new energy, construction, and more.

02. Application of Coating

Based on the purpose of coating, it is divided into two categories:

Adhesion and Release: Applications in this industry include: adhesive tapes, protective films, composite films, pressure-sensitive labels, release materials, hygiene products, medical patches, advertisement stickers, etc.

Functional Imparting: Applications in this industry include: optical films, color-changing films, window films / automotive films, lithium batteries, water treatment, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc.

03. Composition of a Coater

A coating machine consists of five main systems: the Coating System, Drive System, Curing System, Unwind/Rewind System, and Control System.

I. Coating System

The core component of the coater, including parts such as the coating roller, die, ink pan, and feeding system. The coating system functions to apply printing ink or coating evenly onto the substrate, enabling product processing and printing. The coating system holds a crucial position within the entire coater.

II. Drive System

Comprising components such as motors, reducers, and the main shaft. The drive system rotates the main shaft to drive the rotation of the coating roller. It is a key component of the coater, playing a decisive role in the machine's performance and efficiency.

III. Unwind/Rewind System

The unwind/rewind system is the material feeding and winding section of the coater. It includes the rewind roller, tension control system, web guiding system (edge position control - EPC), and roll stands. Its function is to feed the raw material and wind the processed material for storage and transportation. This system requires stable operation, high speed, and uniform tension to meet production demands.

IV. Curing System

The function of the curing system is to solidify the fluid coating applied to the substrate. Current curing methods include oven drying, infrared (IR) heating, microwave heating, ultraviolet (UV) curing, and electron beam (EB) curing.

V. Control System

The control system is the brain of the coater, including components such as digital display controllers, touch screens, and encoders. Its role is to monitor and control the entire operation of the coating machine, ensuring efficient and stable performance during production. The control system also enables parameter adjustment, statistical analysis, and other functions.