Description
The TQC Sheen Cube Applicators are precision tools designed for applying uniform wet films of coatings, paints and liquid formulations onto flat substrates. Featuring a cubic frame and calibrated gap edges on multiple sides, cube applicators allow users to draw down consistent film thicknesses in two or more directions, improving sample preparation accuracy and repeatability. These applicators are widely used in coatings laboratories, quality control departments and production environments where uniform wet film application is critical for downstream testing such as dry film thickness, adhesion, curing and visual evaluations.
Cube applicators are especially useful when multiple orientations of drawdown are needed on the same panel, supporting comparative studies, quality checks and formulation optimisation.
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How It Works
- Place the test chart or substrate on a level surface or on the bed of an automatic film applicator.
- Position the cube applicator upright so that the calibrated gap edge contacts the panel.
- Apply an adequate amount of the coating or liquid sample inside of the cube applicator.
- Draw the applicator steadily across the panel, allowing the sample to pass through the gap and form a uniform wet film.
- Repeat with additional calibrated edges if multiple thicknesses or orientations are required.
- Allow the applied film to level or cure before further evaluation.
This method ensures controlled film application with consistent thickness and orientation, enhancing reproducibility across tests.
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Key Features & Benefits
- Multiple calibrated gap edges for versatile wet film thickness application
- Built-in sample reservoir
- Produces uniform wet films in different panel orientations
- Enhances repeatability and consistency in coating application
- Ideal for laboratory, QC and production use
- Durable and precise construction for frequent testing workflows
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Versatile range of cube applicators
Each cube applicator has two pre-defined gap sizes – either as a single reservoir or as a triple reservoir.
In particular, we have an extensive range of single-reservoir cube applicators to choose from, either in 12 mm, 25 mm or 40 mm film width across a range of micrometers. The triple-reservoir cube applicator is available for 3 x 20 mm film width and is designed with predefined thicknesses of 90 and 150 µm.
All are made from high-grade materials, so they are built to last and with extreme care providing accuracy levels of +/- 2 µm.
| Cube Applicators | |||
| Single reservoir cube applicators | |||
| Gap sizes | Film width | ||
| 12 mm | 25 mm | 40 mm | |
| 38 / 76 µm | CSTAB3700 | – | – |
| 50 / 100 µm | CSTAB3701 | – | CSTAB3710 |
| 75 / 150 µm | CSTAB3702 | – | – |
| 150 / 200 µm | – | – | CSTAB3711 |
| Custom µm* | CSTAB3703* | – | – |
| 1,5 / 3 mils | – | CSTAB3705 | – |
| 2 / 4 mils | – | CSTAB3706 | – |
| 3 / 6 mils | – | CSTAB3707 | – |
| Custom mils* | CSTAB3703* | CSTAB3708* | – |
| Triple reservoir cube applicators | |||
| Gap sizes | 3 x 20 mm film width | ||
| 90 / 150 µm | CSTVF1590 | ||
*Custom applicators
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Scope of Supply
•1 × Cube applicator (selected type and gap configuration)
•Protective storage sleeve or pouch
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Accessories
- TQC Sheen Test Charts
- Automatic Film Applicators for automated, reproducible coating application
- TQC Sheen Glass Film Application Table, for manual application
- TQC Sheen Color box, for visual assessment
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Manufacturing and Standards
Cube applicators are manufactured by TQC Sheen, part of Industrial Physics, and engineered to provide accurate and repeatable wet film application for coatings and liquid formulations. Their calibrated design supports consistent sample preparation practices used in laboratories, quality control departments and industrial production settings. According to:
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Links
Productsheet | TQC Sheen Cube Applicators
