Description
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How It Works
- Select the appropriate bird‑type film applicator based on the desired wet film thickness.
- Place the test chart or panel on a stable application table (or automatic film applicator)
- Position the applicator so that the knife edge contacts the substrate.
- Apply a sufficient amount of the coating sample in front of the applicator
- Draw the applicator steadily across the panel in a single smooth motion.
- The gap between the support bars and applicator creates a uniform film layer.
- Allow the coating sample to level or dry before further testing or evaluation.
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Key Features & Benefits
- Produces uniform wet films for consistent test results
- Wide range of available thicknesses fir 1-sided or 4-sided applicators, custom options available
- Knife‑edge design for reliable application across substrates
- Suitable for manual or automated use
- Durable corrosion resistant construction for repeated laboratory and production use
- Easy to clean
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Range of Bird applicators
The Bird applicator is also known as a prism film applicator and is available in various film widths, so it used for many different types of sample sizes.
Additionally, our range of Bird applicators include a variety of models, from one-sided/single gap options through to a range of four-sided/four-gap options.
| Bird Applicators, 1-side (single gap) | |||||||
| Gap sizes | Film width | ||||||
| 50mm | 60mm | 75mm | 80 mm | 90mm | 100mm | 150mm | |
| 25 µm | – | – | – | – | CSTVF1586 | – | – |
| 50 µm | CSTVF1541 | – | CSTVF1571 | – | CSTVF1587 | – | – |
| 75 µm | CSTVF1542 | – | CSTVF1572 | – | CSTVF1588 | – | – |
| 100 µm | CSTVF1543 | – | CSTVF1573 | – | CSTVF1589 | – | – |
| 125 µm | CSTVF1544 | – | CSTVF1574 | – | – | – | – |
| 150 µm | CSTVF1545 | – | CSTVF1575 | – | CSTVF1591 | – | – |
| 200 µm | – | – | CSTVF1576 | – | VF1592 | – | – |
| 250 µm | – | – | – | – | CSTVF1593 | – | – |
| Custom µm* | CSTVF1540* | – | CSTVF1570* | – | CSTVF1595* | – | – |
| Bird Applicators, 4-sided (four gaps) | |||||||
| Gap sizes | Film width | ||||||
| 50mm | 60mm | 75mm | 80 mm | 90mm | 100mm | 150mm | |
| 50/100/150/200 µm | CSTVF2161 | – | CSTVF2162 | – | – | CSTVF2163 | CSTVF1581 |
| Custom µm* | CSTVF1837* | CSTVF2164* | CSTVF1530* | CSTVF1536* | – | CSTVF1535* | CSTVF1580* |
*Custom Bird applicators. Request a quote for a custom-sized applicators here.
All applicators are made from high-grade stainless steel, with an accuracy of ± 2 µm.
Note: The total width of the applicator is the film width + 2 x 15 mm feet for the single-gap applicators and + 2 x 20 mm feet for the 4-gaps applicators.
Due to physical reasons, the maximum film thickness applied is not equal to the gap size. The deposited film thickness may vary from 40% to 80% of the gap size. Also note that the dry film thickness will be lower than wet thickness due to solvent or water evaporation.
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Scope of Supply
- 1 × Bird type film applicator (selected thickness)
- Protective storage pouch or sleeve
- Calibration Certificate
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Accessories
- Automatic Film Applicators for automated, reproducible coating application
- TQC Sheen Glass Film Application Table, for manual application
- TQC Sheen Test Charts
- TQC Sheen Color box, for visual assessment
