Ultrasonic Coating Systems Offer Significant Savings in Glass Nanocoating Processes

Sono-Tek Corporation – Milton, NY will be showcasing its precision ultrasonic atomization technology at Glass Build America in booth 706 on September 30th – October 2nd in Atlanta, GA. Sono-Tek provides full solutions for depositing uniform nanolayers of solution onto float glass, architectural glass, solar glass, mirrors and other specialty and functional glass products.

Important advantages of ultrasonic atomization versus conventional coating applications include savings of up to 80% in coating material with virtually no overspray, no bounceback, and no clogging. The core of Sono-Tek’s coating equipment is the non-clogging ultrasonic atomizing nozzle. Offered in several frequencies (allowing customization of drop size from 18-49 microns), it is known for tight drop distributions, minimal overspray and compatibility with common nanosuspensions used in glass coating. Applications include low-e (solar) glass, anti-reflection / anti-glare, anti-stain, anti-static, photoresist, self-cleaning (nanophase), touch screen (CNTs), solar cell compounds, other active/passive coatings. Multiple nozzles are configured for coating any width glass.

Sono-Tek’s WideTrack float glass coating system has many integrated features such as: no heat build-up despite the high temperatures associated with float glass production, state-of-the-art pump control system that delivers repeatable flow to each nozzle, integrated air conditioning system that keeps electronics cooled, control tower with real time monitoring and PLC control of all system functions via HMI interface, line speed encoder for continuous process monitoring, and on-the-fly optimization.

An additional unique feature of all Sono-Tek’s ultrasonic coating systems is the deagglomeration of particles in suspension during the coating process. This can be particularly valuable in the deposition of CNTs and other nanosuspensions that are notorious for agglomerating. The ultrasonic vibration of the nozzle provides this inherent benefit.

Sono-Tek has been a leader in ultrasonic coating solutions for over 30 years with dozens of its WideTrack float glass coating systems installed in 24/7 glass manufacturing operations worldwide. Offering customers the ability to do atomization testing and process refinement at its in-house laboratory facilities, Sono-Tek is able to ensure the success of each customer’s process prior to installation.