Microm II Film Applicators
Article No. 10476
Microm II Film Appl - 2" FB, 2.5" OW
The Microm II Casting Knife Film Applicators are made for paint application draw downs and testing. They feature a patented magnetic blade attachment, and come in both analog and digital models.
Features
- Casting knife film applicators with patented magnetic blade attachment for easy cleaning - US Patent 7,930,991
- No springs to break, rust or get clogged
- Extreme Accuracy
- Ergonomic design facilitates fast and accurate drawdowns
- Available with Standard or Digital micrometers
- Special orders welcome! Please see below for custom options.
- Meets ASTM D82
- A finely machined 400 series Stainless Steel knife-blade fitted into slots in the end section allows vertical adjustment of the blade.
- A special clear anodized aluminum frame with 2 end sections that provide a large paint well. The end sections also serve as ergonomic operator hand grips when drawing down wet films.
- Rare earth magnets hold the SS blade firmly in place allowing for quick, easy detach & cleaning. (The 2" applicator does not utilize the rare earth magnets and only uses one non rotating spindle micrometer that is fixed to the blade via two set screws.)
- Analog Model features two finely-made micrometer barrels that can be easily set so that gate clearances can be adjusted from 0-0.250" in increments of 1 mil (.001") w/resolution to 1/2 mil (.0005"). Thimbles & barrels of the micrometers are dull chrome.
- Digital micrometers read in both mils and microns. All digital models include spindle and lock feature. Digital Micrometer heads include the following features:
- 0.00005" (0.001mm) digital graduation
- Digital LCD display with inch and metric readout
- SPC output transmits results to a computer or external device through an interface cable (sold separately)
- Ingress Protection to IP65
- Satin chrome finish on thimble sleeve helps resist rust
- Spindle lock to hold measurements in place.
- Metal Magnet bushing
More Information
How to use the Analog Micrometer Barrels
Mil Measurement - Used on the Imperial Microm film applicator, each graduation on the Thimble Scale equals 0.001 in. = 1mil. The first visible number is 1 which is 0.001 in. = 1 mil, the second number is 2 which is 0.002 in. = 2 mils, etc. One complete revolution is 25 graduations = 0.025 in. = 25 mils. The first increment on the Sleeve Scale = 0.025 in. = 25 mils, the second increment on the Sleeve Scale = 0.050 in. = 50 mils, the third increment on the sleeve = 0.075 in. = 75 mils, etc.
Micron Measurement - Used on the Metric Microm film applicator, each graduation on the Thimble Scale is 0.01 mm, the first visible number is 5 which is 5 graduations = 0.05 mm = 50 microns. One complete revolution is 50 graduations which is 0.50mm = 500 microns. The first increment on the Sleeve Scale is .50 mm = 500 micron, the second increment on the Sleeve Scale is 1 mm = 1000 microns, etc.
PTFE Teflon Coated Blade Option - The blade is coated with a tough, durable PTFE film that provides excellent non-stick properties which makes for easy cleaning and good corrosion resistance. It also makes the blade more durable with exceptionally good abrasion resistance.
- Non-stick
- Chemical Resistance
- Typical Coating Thickness
PTFE Tefcrom Coated Side Plates - The entire side plates are Teflon® coated, this makes it ideal for fast clean up (non-stick) and has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any solid also Teflon® is very non-reactive. These types of applicators are also used for casting films on thin substrates, the Teflon® coating helps prevent tearing of the substrate by minimizing friction with the substrate. (Note: blades are stainless steel)
Optional Locking Mechanism - Spindle locking option only available on the digital micrometer applicators.
Procedure
Place applicator at upper end of test panel. Pour coating directly in front of the knife-blade. Draw applicator toward lower end of panel at an approximate uniform rate of 10 to 12 inches (250-300mm) per second. Clean applicator immediately after use and thoroughly dry the blade. Caution: Do not wet or submerse micrometer heads.
Analog Micrometer Models - Before use, check the zero settings of the micrometers. Place applicator on a polished granite flat plate or alternatively plate-glass of suitable size. Set micrometers at zero. The blade should touch the glass/granite flat plate from end to end without the side plate being elevated. When the applicator is placed between the observer and a bright back light the user should see no light from beneath the blade and side plates. The zero point should check within ± 0.0005". If not adjustment is required, place slight but constant pressure on the top support rods of the applicator with one hand. Rotate the micrometers so the blade is seated on the granite flat plate evenly from end to end and ensure no light is observed. Loosen the set screw on the top of the thimble on the micrometer, this will release the top thimble from the spindle. Align the zero mark on the thimble with the zero mark on the micrometer barrel and secure the set screw. Repeat if necessary to assure a proper zero is achieved.
Digital Micrometer Models - Before use, check the zero settings of the micrometers. Place applicator on a polished granite flat plate or alternatively plate-glass of suitable size. Set micrometers at zero. The blade should touch the glass/granite flat plate from end to end without the side plate being elevated. When the applicator is placed between the observer and a bright back light the user should see no light from beneath the blade and side plates. The zero point should check within ± 0.0005". If not press the Zero button on the digital micrometer to reset the reading to zero. Repeat if necessary to assure a proper zero is achieved.
For information on laying down wet films of coating materials refer to ASTM Specification D823, Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Products on Test Panels. Cautionary Note: Make sure that there is no foreign matter such as iron fillings adhering to the blade magnets as this might result in improper applicator calibration.
Other Variations