FlexiCoat FC Fuel Cell Coating System
The FlexiCoat FC System is an inline programmable 3-axis small footprint platform designed for depositing catalyst coatings onto PEM fuel cells, GDLs, electrodes, various electrolyte membranes, and solid oxide fuel cells with suspensions containing carbon black inks, PTFE binder, ceramic slurries, platinum and other precious metals.
Uniform thin film coatings of catalyst inks are deposited onto Nafion fuel cells without deformation of the membrane. The high degree of uniformity achieved with ultrasonic spray ensures the maximum surface area exposure of Platinum in Hydrogen fuel cell construction.
Ideal for mid-level production volume, the FlexiCoat FC employs robust ball-screw slides driven by precision stepping motors. Any Sono-Tek nozzle can be integrated. Spray patterns are easily shaped, ranging from 2 – 50 mm (0.08 – 2″) wide. Several integrated liquid delivery options are available, depending on the system configuration.
FlexiCoat FC System benefits:
- Up to 80% reduction in material consumption
- Reduced wasteful overspray
- Minimal servicing and downtime
- Self-cleaning ultrasonic nozzle prevents clogging
- Highly controllable spray produces reliable, consistent results
- Low-velocity delivery will not damage components
- Minimal floor space required
- Controllable drop size customization
The FlexiCoat Inline system features:
- Windows®-based programming software
- Teach pendant with trackball for easy axis motion and programming
- Offline programming capabilities
- 500 mm x 500 mm x 100 mm (19.69” x19.69” x 3.94”) range of motion
- Programmable 3-axes coordinated motion via stepper motor drive
- Non-volatile memory for storage of up to 30 programs
- Can be configured for spray up or spray down applications
- Wide range of delivery rates from .02 ml/min and up
- Exhaust Sensor
FlexiCoat FC Benefits:
- High transfer efficiency
- Up to 80% reduction in consumption of expensive catalyst suspensions
- Controllable drop size allows the flexibility to influence coating porosity
- Very durable, pinhole-free catalyst layer coatings (even on delicate electrolye substrates)
- Low velocity atomized spray reduces overspray and atmospheric contamination
- Minimal servicing and downtime
- Self-cleaning ultrasonic nozzle prevents clogging
- Highly controllable spray produces reliable, consistent results
- Small footprint platform minimizes floor space required
- Ultrasonic energy disperses agglomerated particles, resulting in homogenous coatings
Optional Equipment
- IR Heat, Heat and/or Vacuum Plate
- Ultrasonic Dispersion Pump
- MicroFlow Recirculation Pump
- Laser Pointer
- 4th Axis (rotational)
- Camera (Passive Vision)
Nozzles can be integrated with the following air shaping technologies: