This precision slot-die extrusion sheet coating equipment is specifically engineered for the high-volume, high-precision manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).
Utilizing advanced slot-die extrusion coating technology, it applies catalyst slurries in continuous or intermittent patterns onto sheet-fed substrates, such as proton exchange membranes and carbon paper backings.
Compatible with both anode and cathode coating processes, this equipment plays a key role in enhancing the consistency and yield of fuel cell performance.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The catalyst slurry is delivered via a high-precision feeding system (e.g., metering pump) to the internal cavity of a precision-machined slot die. At the die lip, the slurry is uniformly extruded under controlled pressure, forming a liquid bridge of predetermined thickness, which is then fully and stably transferred onto a tension-controlled sheet substrate.
Key distinction: Unlike roll coating or spray coating, slot-die extrusion is a non‑contact (or micro‑contact) coating method, avoiding damage to fragile proton exchange membranes while achieving ultra‑high precision and extremely tight tolerances.
Main Technical Features
1. High‑precision coating control
●Dry film thickness: 2–30 µm; wet film thickness accuracy: ±1 µm.
●Full‑sheet thickness deviation ≤ ±1.5 %.
●Slurry recirculation and shim design to suppress edge‑thickening effects.
2. Intermittent & zebra coating capability
Supports intermittent coating (continuous catalyst stripe bands) and zebra coating (patterned coating or border‑free areas) to facilitate subsequent hot pressing or sealing.
3. Low‑damage sheet transport system
Vacuum adsorption platform (suitable for ultra‑thin proton exchange membranes ≤15 µm, no stretching or wrinkling). Closed‑loop tension control to avoid substrate deformation.
4. Anti‑settlement & wide‑viscosity feeding
Equipped with a circulation/stirring feed tank + screw/plunger metering pump. Viscosity range: 1–50,000 cP, preventing particle settling and agglomeration.
5. Integrated drying/baking (optional)
Can integrate hot‑air impingement drying or infrared drying units for rapid solvent evaporation, preventing coating cracks or the coffee‑ring effect.
1. Reduced slurry waste: Slot‑die is a closed system; nearly 100 % of the slurry is used for coating – no overspray loss compared to spraying.
2. No pinholes/defects: Optimized internal flow channel design eliminates coating streaks and pinholes caused by bubbles.
3. Suitable for high‑solid‑content slurries: Can directly coat catalyst slurries with solid content up to 20–30 %, significantly shortening drying time.
4. High flexibility for sheet‑fed mode: Ideal for R&D pilot runs and small‑batch, multi‑product manufacturing without the need for expensive roll‑to‑roll (R2R) equipment.
Typical Applications
●Catalyst layer coating: Applying Pt/C or alloy catalysts onto proton exchange membranes (CCM method) or gas diffusion layers (GDE method).
●Microporous layer (MPL) coating: Coating conductive carbon black + hydrophobic agent slurry onto carbon paper substrates.
●Electrolyte membrane coating: Coating perfluorosulfonic ionomer resin to form a membrane (less common – tape casting is more typical).
CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS
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