Film applicators are fundamental instruments for those industries that rely on the quality of the application of films, inks, paints or adhesives in order to guarantee high performance and protection of their products.
Paints and varnishes are not only used to decorate, but also and above all, to protect the objects on which they are applied which in turn extends their lifespan, considerably. Thanks to their thin layer, eroding agents like oxygen, water, salt, etc. do not cause degradation, corrosion and the formation of rust.
– adapted from Federchimica
These coatings can be applied in several ways, but it is essential that they are completely uniform and have no defects. It is therefore, on the basis of the application method, where film applicators stand out.
What are film applicators?
Just by the name alone, one can deduce that film applicators are tools that make applying films and coatings evenly, a much easier task.
This is especially important in laboratories, where one must rapidly apply precise coatings of film on different substrates in order to complete the tests.
Film applicators are usually made of metal, which allow results with a high repeatability. Moreover, automatic film applicators that use two micrometric heads make it possible to set the desired height and spread the film at a set and constant speed, allowing the user to repeat the test under the same conditions.
In the video below, we show you one of the film applicators that many of our customers are already using.
Why are film applicators important?
As aforementioned, film applicators make it simple to apply coatings uniformly. This is key in achieving the desired coating thickness on each sample while eliminating defects due to human error.
In addition, there is a direct relation between the reliability of many laboratory tests and the quality and consistency of the samples. Therefore, by using film applicators, these aspects can be closely monitored while providing a certain reliability in your results.
Also, precision in controlling the thickness of film coatings allows for a better description of physical properties that can include:
- Drying time
- Elasticity
- Abrasion
- Gloss
- Color
- Shade
And if all of this isn’t not enough, having a variety of film applicators allows you to coat different shapes and materials, such as:
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Foil
- Leather
- Textiles
Photo by www.canva.com
Another important aspect of film application is the minimum forming film temperature (MFFT). This parameter is very important in order to achieve a correct film application, no matter what type of film applicator is used.
The minimum forming film temperature represents the minimum temperature, below which an emulsion paint is not able to give a continuous film without cracks. Therefore, knowing the value of this parameter is essential to achieve a film coating without defects.
What are the types of film applicators?
There are different types of film applicators. The ones we offer include:
- One-sided applicators
- Two-sided applicators
- Four-sided applicators
- Stainless steel formed rods
- Stainless steel wire bar coaters
- Stainless steel cube applicators
- Stainless steel frame type applicators
- Automatic film applicators
- Automatic films applicators with vacuum pump
- Casting knife film applicators
In photo: Film Applicators SAMA Tools
Why should you choose an automatic film applicator?
The automatic film applicator does not take into account different application techniques, which are implicit, if there are several operators who carry out the manual film application.
Therefore, one can say that an advantage of purchasing an automatic film applicator is that the appearance of the dry film will not depend on how it’s handled by the operator and in turn, will not vary.
When an automatic film applicator is used for the precise and reproducible application of coating materials, paints, inks, adhesives and similar products, it reduces and / or eliminates human errors.
Some of the film applicators mentioned above can be applied on different shapes.
In photo: Film Applicators SAMA Tools
What are the applications of film applicators?
Film applicators are mainly used in a laboratory environment to carry out various activities such as:
- Testing the chemical properties of film coatings.
- Testing the physical properties of film coatings.
- Controlling film thickness.
Therefore, there are different industries that benefit from these lab tests, which include:
- Automotive.
- Aerospace.
- Marine sector.
- Commercial vessels.
- Mega yachts sector.
- Oil and gas.
- Chemicals.
- Construction.
- Electronics.
If you want to learn more about how to measure and check film coatings, read this article as well.
How to select a film applicator for your specific need?
Selecting the right film applicator for your specific needs is very important, since using an unsuitable instrument may result in difficulty in achieving a uniform film coating.
As a result, you may have problems performing the tests, the results may be unreliable, leaving your customers displeased. This inevitably causes an increase in costs and complaints.
In order to avoid these problems, there are some aspects that must be considered when selecting the right film applicator for your specific needs:
- The type or composition of the film.
- The material of the substrate and whether it is rigid or flexible.
- The shape of the sample that will be used to apply the film on.
Whatever your needs, we can offer you the right film applicator for you, along with free pre-purchase advice.
In the meantime, if you’d like to check out all of our film applicators and other related instruments available, click here.
Are you ready to choose the film applicator that best suits your needs?
Call us at 0584392342 – 0584392453 or send an email at sales@samatools.it
Read some of the feedback we’ve received from companies that have already contacted us, here below.
