Precision dosing in roll-to-roll vacuum processing for capacitor films
HNP Mikrosysteme's pumps enabled us to precisely match the dosing rate to the process requirements – a key advantage for coating quality and media consumption. (Anye Chifen, Managing Director, ENGICCS GmbH)
Constant flow rate of 2 ml/min for reproducible vacuum coating processes
Vacuum-metallized capacitor films require precisely defined non-metallized areas that are essential for the electrical performance of the finished component. To create these selective patterns, a process oil is dosed with high precision into the continuous roll-to-roll vacuum process. The dosing operation directly determines both the quality of the selective metallization and the consumption of the process medium.
Even the smallest fluctuations in flow rate affect the uniformity of the non-metallized areas, influencing both metallization quality and the overall economics of the process. Depending on the application, the process oil can account for up to one-third of the operating costs, making demand-oriented dosing an important economic factor.
What requirements does vacuum metallization place on dosing technology?
Selective vacuum coating of capacitor films requires a dosing solution that maintains a constant flow rate throughout the continuous roll-to-roll process.
Key requirements include:
- constant flow rate of 2 ml/min
- virtually pulse-free volumetric dosing
- reproducible application of the process oil
- high coating quality through stable process conditions
- reduced media consumption through demand-oriented dosing
- reliable continuous operation in roll-to-roll vacuum coating systems
A stable flow rate forms the basis for reproducible coating results and enables economical use of the process oil.
How is precision dosing implemented in the vacuum process?
The system uses a mzr-2521 micro annular gear pump combined with a gear module, which enables exceptionally low pump speeds. This further minimizes the already low pulsation of the pump and achieves an almost pulse-free flow.
The volumetric operating principle of the micro annular gear pump ensures precise and reproducible dosing of the process oil regardless of the processing speed of the roll-to-roll system. This keeps the application of the process medium stable and precisely controlled throughout the vacuum metallization process.
The compact design enables multiple pumps to operate in parallel in larger vacuum coating systems, with one pump assigned to each dosing point.
What benefits does this provide for vacuum coating?
By integrating the micro annular gear pump, the vacuum coating system can:
- achieve reproducible selective metallization
- provide a constant flow rate of 2 ml/min
- reduce process oil consumption through demand-oriented dosing
- ensure high coating quality
- maintain stable roll-to-roll production processes
- reduce operating costs and scrap
This dosing solution enables precise and economical process control during the vacuum metallization of capacitor films. It provides the foundation for reproducible coating results, efficient media utilization, and reliable long-term operation of modern roll-to-roll vacuum coating systems.
More information about the products and services of ENGICCS GmbH is available at www.engiccs.com.