Lab-scale coating for process development
IMC lab coaters provide the precision of production coating equipment in a compact format designed for process development, material evaluation, and sample production. The goal is to generate process data that translates reliably to production scale — which requires lab equipment that uses the same coating principles, flow control, and web handling approaches as the production machines they feed.
Lab coating systems are available in compact and pilot-scale configurations, with options for slot die, gravure, knife-over-roll, and reverse roll coating methods. Fluid delivery systems provide the same Coriolis-based flow measurement and progressive cavity pump metering used in production systems, scaled for lab flow rates.
Available configurations
Compact coaters for initial screening and feasibility studies accommodate small substrate samples and minimal fluid volumes. Pilot-scale coaters operate on narrow-width rolls at production-relevant speeds, generating samples large enough for meaningful testing and customer evaluation. Multi-method pilot systems allow comparison of different coating technologies on the same platform.
Data acquisition records all process parameters for analysis and scale-up documentation.
Specifications
| Max web width | 305 mm (12") |
| Coating methods | Quick-change cartridge head: comma / knife-over-roll and reverse roll standard; slot die and gravure heads available |
| Coating modes | Continuous and stripe standard; intermittent (patch) available with HMI recipe control |
| Line speed | 0.5–3 m/min |
| Drying | Two independent zones, up to 150°C+, solvent-rated (NMP-capable) |
| Substrates | Foils, films, papers, and specialty webs — including battery foils, stainless, and graphite carriers |
| Controls | Siemens PLC/HMI (Allen-Bradley option available) |
Specifications shown are representative platform capabilities; each machine is configured to the application.
Standard options
Lab trial services
IMC's laboratory in Birmingham is equipped with coating systems available for customer trials. Our engineers work with you to select the appropriate coating method, establish process parameters, evaluate coating quality, and produce samples for your downstream testing. Trial data and process documentation support production equipment specification.
Ready to own the machine?
When trials turn into a program, IMC standard lab coaters carry your process into your own facility on the same control architecture your trial data was generated on.