Originally Published MPMN January 2005

HOTLINE

Spray Device Applies Coatings to Complex Geometries

Adjustable spray heads enable complete coverage of devices

Susan Wallace

A spray coating system can be used for both R&D and production volumes. The SPX 50 from Harland Medical Systems (Eden Prairie, MN) coats devices up to 50 cm long by moving the devices past a set of stationary spray heads.

Configured with up to four opposed spray heads, the system can coat even very complex device geometries. When using low-volume and low-pressure heads, spray patterns can be adjusted for either fan or conical shapes. For lower fluid volume and more-precise spraying, the unit can be fitted with ultrasonic spray heads.

The SPX 50 is compatible with many coating chemistries. Fluid supply reservoirs include coating solution, solvent, and water. All are supplied from pressure vessels.

Pinch valves control fluid with a minimum of chemical contact. Fluid management options include heated reservoirs, reservoir agitation, and recirculation to the spray heads. Fluid supplies are contained in a pull-out drawer below the spray compartment.

A proprietary embedded controller manages the coater actions. The operator uses a 15-in. color touch screen to enter coating sequences and manage production lot data. Coating protocols are defined by selecting actions from a drop-down menu, arranging the actions into one proper sequence, and entering the action parameters. Spray-head purging and cleaning sequences can be set in the same way.

Cleaning and fluid changeover are facilitated with a built-in cleaning ring that manages purged coating solution and waste fluids. The cleaning ring also acts as a tip-soaking reservoir when the coater is idle.

Harland Medical Systems
418 Washington Ave. S.
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
p: 952/941-0475
f: 952/941-0825
e-mail: [email protected]
www.harlandmedical.com

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