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TQC Sheen Automatic Film Applicator Standard

The Automatic film applicator provides a reliable basis to apply coating films to test charts, panels or foils. A heated model is also available.

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Description

Built by TQC Sheen our specialist paint and coating testing brand, the Automatic film applicator provides a reliable basis to apply coating films to test charts (max. size 515 x 300 mm / 20.28 x 11.81 in), panels or foils in a uniform and reproducible way in order to eliminate variations caused by human factors.

It is commonly used in industries such as coatings, paints, flexible packaging, automotive and aerospace materials testing, where uniform film application is essential to accurate performance evaluation, appearance assessment and quality control.

Reproducible Automatic Film Applicator

Variations in speed, pressure and direction of draw down cause irregularities. Other factors that may influence the result are the shear rate and the weight of the applicator. With the Automatic film applicator these variable factors are being stabilised. Over the complete surface the film thickness is even. Samples created with the Automatic film applicator are reproducible. It’s possible to produce a large number of identical laboratory precision draw downs in a short period of time.

This high level of reproducibility helps laboratories and quality teams reduce retesting, accelerate development cycles and ensure consistent results across batches and operators.

Film forming properties

The quality of the applied film is important for research of the sample’s appearance properties. To prepare samples for testing abrasion resistance, hiding power and gloss, the Automatic Film Applicator is a must have. Multiple types of applicators, like Bird, Baker and wire bar, are available for either glass, paper or metal substrates or foils. When applying film with an automatic film applicator all variations introduced by e.g. rheological properties, application speed, and pressure can be reduced to a minimum.

Block- and spiral applicators

All models can be used in combination with either standard block type film applicators such as bird/baker models, or spiral bar type film applicators (wire wound rod type) depending on the configuration chosen.

Unique Interface Automatic Film Applicator

Each Automatic Film Applicator ‘Standard’ is equipped with the Triple I ® Navigation Tool. The Triple I stands for Intelligent Illumination Interface. This unique navigation tool guides the operator through the interface of TQC Sheen lab-machines. At each step of the operating menu the interface detects which buttons are active and indicates these by means of an illuminated red centre. This results in a very intuitive operating system which is enhanced with information on the machine’s display.

This intuitive interface reduces training time and helps operators achieve correct setup and execution quickly, improving day-to-day lab efficiency.

Heated bed for Automatic Film Applicator

The Automatic Film Applicator Standard with perforated heated vacuum bed has a built-in heating mat which allows the temperature of the table to be elevated up to +100°C above ambient temperature. The built-in powerful heating device guarantees an even distribution of the temperature over the entire vacuum plate.

Next steps, delivery and implementation

Once you enquire about the Automatic Film Applicator – Standard, our team will contact you to review your film application requirements, recommend the best configuration and accessories, and provide a tailored quote. We will outline expected delivery timelines, support installation planning, and help schedule any training needed so you can start producing high-quality samples with confidence.

Warranty, service and ongoing support

The Automatic Film Applicator comes with a standard warrenty to give you peace of mind in its durability and ongoing performance. We also offer comprehensive support including installation assistance, operator training, preventative maintenance and expert technical help, helping you maximise uptime and ensure consistent, reproducible film applications throughout the life of the instrument.

Specifications

SKU:

Applications: Drying Testing

Materials: Paints and Coatings 

Dimensions: 490x640x290 mm / 19.92×25.2×11.42 in

Automatic Vacuum Area: DIN A5, DIN A4, DIN A3, Scrub

Width Other Applicators: Max. 300 mm / 11.81 in

Controls: 5-key Navigation Switch,Mouse and Keyboard Optional

Display: 480 x 272 pixel TFT display

Energy consumption: Max. 50 Watt

Height Other Applicators: 10 – 80 mm / 0.39 – 3.15 in

Mass: 33 kg

Max. Spiral Bar Diameter: 10 mm / 0.39 in at fixation points

Max. Test Substrate Thickness: 35 mm / 1.38 in incl. coating

Max. Test Chart Thickness: 9 mm / 0.35 in

Max. Test Chart Size: 515 x 300 mm / 20.28 x 11.81 in

Max. vacuum area: DIN A3 / Scrub

Min. Spiral bar length: 345 mm / 13.58 in

Stroke length: 50 – 430mm / 1.97 – 16.93 in

Stroke length accuracy: +/- 2 mm / 0.08 in

Spiral Bar Wire Area: Max. 325 mm / 12.8 in

Traverse Speed ​​Accuracy: +/- 1% of set speed

Traverse speed: 0.1 – 500 mm/s

Power supply: 100 – 240VAC / 50 – 60Hz

Features & Benefits

  • Uniform and reproducible application of coating films
  • Eliminates variations caused by speed, pressure, or drawdown direction
  • Ensures even film thickness across the entire surface
  • Enables production of multiple identical samples with laboratory precision
  • Essential for preparing films for testing abrasion resistance, hiding power, and gloss
  • Compatible with multiple applicator types: Bird, Baker, block, and spiral (wire wound rod)
  • Suitable for various substrates including glass, paper, metal panels, and foils
  • Triple I® Intelligent Illumination Interface for intuitive, guided operation
  • User-friendly illuminated navigation system with clear display feedback
  • Heated vacuum bed option with controlled temperatures up to +100°C above ambient
  • Even heat distribution across the vacuum plate for consistent film quality
  • Versatile design for research, quality control, and industrial testing environments

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FAQs

  • The applicator can uniformly apply coating films on test charts, panels, foils, glass, paper, and metal substrates, accommodating sizes up to 515 x 300 mm (20.28 x 11.81 inches). 

  • By automating the speed, pressure, and direction of the drawdown, the device eliminates human variability, stabilizing shear rate and applicator weight to provide consistent, even film thickness across the substrate.  

  • Yes, it supports various standard applicator bars including Bird, Baker, and wire-wound spiral bars, allowing customization depending on the coating viscosity and substrate.  

  • The perforated vacuum bed includes a built-in heating mat capable of elevating the table temperature up to +100°C above ambient, ensuring even temperature distribution for coatings requiring thermal processing or faster drying. 

  • Film thickness adjustments are achieved by selecting the appropriate applicator bar type and size; the automation ensures repeatability once parameters are set. 

  • Routine cleaning of the applicator bars and vacuum bed is essential. The user interface also provides guided operational steps to reduce operator error and simplify maintenance. 

  • Yes, the built-in Triple I® Navigation Tool offers intelligent illumination of active controls and step-by-step instructions to streamline use and reduce training time. 

Customer Success Story

A need to stay on top of industry demands → Adopted TQC Sheen Pendulum Hardness Tester → Trusted, reliable solution achieved ✓

The Problem

When your customers must be able to rely on your inks and coatings there’s no margin for error in your test and inspection processes. So, settling for second-rate equipment and advice is a risky business! 

The Solution

With several dedicated inks and coatings testing brands in the Industrial Physics family, our industry-leading product portfolio and expertise is even relied upon by leading paint testing laboratories.   

The Result

Artur Palasz, R&D Director at Spektrochem, said:

“Many of our customers appreciate Industrial Physics equipment, because it is a world-class apparatus that they know and use in their laboratories. Excellent technical contact, perfect customer service and fast order processing time are undoubtedly additional advantages that determine the choice of Industrial Physics as our permanent supplier of laboratory equipment today and in the future.”

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