March 2015
Slot Die Wins Technology of the Year Award
The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) bestowed its Technology of the Year Award on SAM North America, a subsidiary of Sung An Machinery Co. Ltd for its SDC-Series slot die coating system during an Awards Dinner at the group's annual Management Meeting .
A ceramic ball inside the slot die cavity ensures a thin, uniform coating profile while an integrated process monitoring system maximizes product quality and consistency. A vision-based linear motor system allows the operator to precisely set the coating gap. Other on-line cameras monitor the meniscus in real time as well as the alignment of overlay stripe patterns. Applications include functional coatings on packaging substrates and electronics, optical films, barrier films, printed electronics and fuel cells.
Judges were impressed with the integrated process monitoring and control and noted, "Slot die technology impacts many industries." They predicted the system would extend the range of products that can be coated roll-to-roll. "It seems like a simple approach to complex idea," commented one member of the panel.
The judges also recognized three finalists in AIMCAL's 2015 Technology of the Year Competition.
The Technical Excellence Award in the Coated, Laminated or Metallized Product Category was presented to Chemsultants International Inc., for its role in the development of Fish Allure Scented Bait Tape. The tape strip holds 32 pressure-sensitive tabs of the patented-pending, scent-release material. The clear, oval tabs can be applied to any hard lure. When the tab-equipped lure hits the water, its hydrophilic polymer matrix releases a fish-attracting scent, which lasts 60 minutes. After use, the tab removes cleanly and a new one can be applied. The tabs provide a no-mess, longer lasting alternative to sprays or jellies.
Judges liked the novelty of the water-activated scent release and the ease of use compared to existing products, which tend to be messier and not as long-lasting. "I can't wait to try it," said one judge.
In the Material Category, Multek Flexible Circuits, Inc., received a Technical Excellence Award for its Q-Prime flexible circuit technology. Developed for situations where efficient heat dispersion is required, the material is especially useful in LED applications. The hybrid flexible laminate consists of copper on one side and aluminum on the other plus a heat-conductive adhesive. A protective film is laminated to the aluminum side to protect it through printed circuit processing chemistries. It also increases the emissivity of the back-side surface compared to bare aluminum, allowing heat to radiate more rapidly, which results in lower LED operating temperatures. Q-Prime flexible circuit laminate reportedly is the only thermal management interconnect on the market today that is thin and flexible enough to be processed roll-to-roll yet can hold a bend or fold in the final configuration. Adopting Q-Prime material for an LED tail light application reduced components significantly and cut weight by almost 50 percent compared to the original design.
The judging panel noted the Q-Prime lamination solves problems and appears to simplify circuit board designs. Bendable and compatible with different patterns, "it allows more flexibility in design," commented one judge.
In the Coating/Laminating Equipment/Accessories Category, Maxcess International Corp received a Technical Excellence Award for the Tidland 360 Degree Blade Guard. Compatible with any tangent shear slitting operations where Tidland Performance Series Knifeholders or Tidland e-Knifeholders are used, the guard works automatically without any external energy source. When a knifeholder moves into the idle position, the upward movement engages a metal flap that lowers and covers the blade on-line or when the lower cartridge of the knifeholder is separated from the upper body of the unit. As the knifeholder moves into the run position, the downward movement provides the force to raise the flap and expose the blade. Since the guard automatically moves into place, the operator doesn't have to remember to avoid the blade area during idle times. It also eliminates the need to cover the blade before repositioning or maintaining the knifeholder. As a result, operators are fully protected during common tasks like material changes and removal of the lower cartridge for maintenance.
Judges recognized this entry as an important, simple solution to operator safety. "I have seen systems with a similar blade cover, but they weren't automatic," recalled one member of the panel. The automatic action eliminates the possibility of guard placement being overlooked even when the knife holder is not on the machine.
The judging panel for the 2015 Technology of the Year Competition
- Dr. Charles A. Bishop of C.A. Bishop Consulting,
- Dr. Edward D. Cohen of Edward D. Cohen Consulting, Inc
- Dr. John B. Fenn of Johnson Laminating and Coating Inc
- Larry Gogolin of Gogolin Associates
- Dr. Eldridge M. Mount of EMMOUNT Technologies, LLC,
- Randy Apperson chairman of AIMCAL's Awards & Competition Committee, moderator
