Place a shim between the two halves of the head. For high-viscosity liquids, you might need multiple shims.
Using the four screws in the corners, clamp the two halves together.
Mount the head onto the gantry using the two screws at the top of the head.
Once the head is mounted, insert the luer lock adapter. Attach the safety clip to the tube for added security.
Plug in and turn on the Slot-Die Coater.
Set your desired stage temperature in the 'Settings’ mode.
Both the current temperature and target temperature will be shown at the bottom of the display, and the ‘hot plate’ icon will blink red.
Move the stage until the height gauges no longer touch the stage, then zero the gauges.
Next, move the stage back so the height gauges touch the top surface of the stage.
Using the two adjustment wheels at the back of the stage, adjust the stage so that both readings on the height gauges are equal.
Zero the height gauges again and move the stage to the opposite side.
Adjust the front wheel until the values on both height gauges are as close to zero as possible.
Enter 'Program' mode to set up an automated coating routine.
You can then set the syringe’s pump rate, the stage’s movement rate, and the coating length.
The rate of solution being deposited onto the substrate will determine the thickness of the wet film. Multiple steps can be used to help reduce ‘lead in’ and ‘trail off’ defects.
Return the stage to the ‘home’ position by pressing the Return button.
Place your substrate onto the stage.
Lower the head using the micrometers (positioned on top of the gantry) until it is close to the substrate.
The ideal distance between the slot-die head and substrate depends on the minimum desired film thickness, the solution’s properties, and its rate of flow.
Once the syringe is filled with solution, place it within the syringe pump, clamping the body and the plunger into place.
Attach the tubing from the syringe to the head and start preloading it.
This can be done in the ‘Manual’ settings mode by dispensing small amounts of solution at a time.
Dispense until a meniscus begins to form between the head and the substrate.
Press ‘Start’ and wait for the program to complete. A thin wet film will be coated onto your substrate.
This can either be left on the heated stage to dry, or removed from the stage and dried under different conditions.
Now coat your next film!