Ink Jetting Dispensers eliminate need for masking.
Press Release Summary:
Pulse spray coating and discrete dot dispensing technologies are suited for applying catalyst inks onto membranes in electrode assemblies of proton exchange and direct methanol fuel cells. While pulse spray coating technology provides quick (20 ips) large area coverage with uniform film thicknesses, DispenseJet technology is used for specific patterns with high edge definition and exact film build up of highly volatile inks. Latter jets on-the-fly at rate of 200 dots/sec.
Original Press Release:
Asymtek's Jet Dispensing Precisely and Accurately Dispenses Catalyst Ink on Fuel Cell Membranes
Highly selective jet eliminates need for masking
Carlsbad, CA -September 10, 2007 -Asymtek, leader in dispensing technology and pioneer in jetting technology, introduces two coating/dispensing technologies for applying catalyst inks onto membranes in electrode assemblies of proton exchange and direct methanol fuel cells. Pulse spray coating technology provides quick large area coverage, allowing for uniform film thicknesses. DispenseJet technology deposits the ink with a uniform thickness and density so lines and patterns are smooth, even, and the same consistency throughout. The consistent and precision application of the ink increases the porosity of the film so fuel and byproducts can pass through the membrane efficiently.
Asymtek offers fuel cell manufacturers two types of application technologies for increased dispensing flexibility: spray coating and discrete dot dispensing. Spray coating is for large areas, for controlled thicknesses, and even film thicknesses. Discrete dot dispensing is used for specific patterns with high edge definition and exact film build up of highly volatile inks. Asymtek has a multiple array of coating and dispensing technologies for catalyst inks, polymer electrolytes, gasketing, and sealing depending on the application.
Catalyst inks are very expensive because of the platinum content. With the Asymtek jet, the ink is deposited precisely where it is programmed to be placed, so there is limited waste. The jet deposits discrete dots in whatever pattern is desired without masking. Asymtek's closed-loop system measures the exact amount of fluid that's deposited. Process controls and Asymtek's Easy Coat(R) for Windows XP(R) (ECXP) software regulate the volume, size, shape, and viscosity of the dot.
Selective spray coating is a highly selective method of jetting materials and enables fluid to reach locations not possible with other applicators. Dot sizes to 1.2mm (0.05 in.) are possible as well as thinner film builds of 5µm. Jetting is fast, up to 500mm/sec (20 in/sec), because there is no Z-axis motion. The system is so accurate that it eliminates the need for masking. The system is easy to disassemble and maintain.
Discrete jet dispensing allows material application in tight spaces as small as 175 microns with final dot diameters as small as 200 microns. Shot volumes of 1.0 nanoliter are possible and the jet stream size can be as small as 50 microns. Fluids from 1 to 250,000 mPa (cps) can be jetted. As with coating, this is a very fast system. The system jets "on the fly" with no stopping between dots required at a rate of 200 dots per second.
"The success of the catalyst ink depends 50% on its chemistry and 50% on its application," said Jim Klocke, Asymtek senior business development manager. "While most application methods use spray technology, the catalyst inks may vary in thickness and density. With Asymtek's jet dispensing, all those problems are eliminated and the ink is deposited precisely, with uniform thickness and density."
About Asymtek
Asymtek®, a world leader in automated fluid dispensing and pioneer of jetting technology, designs and manufactures a full line of dispensing and conformal coating systems for semiconductor package and printed circuit board assembly as well as automotive, medical, aerospace, disk drive, flat panel display, optoelectronic, appliance and other precision industrial manufacturing applications. Asymtek products deliver a wide variety of fluids, including glues, epoxies, solder pastes, coatings and gasketing materials. Founded in 1983 and acquired as a subsidiary of Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq:NDSN) in August 1996, Asymtek is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company. Asymtek has received numerous awards including Intel's prestigious Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement award for four years in a row: 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. For more information, visit www.asymtek.com.
Asymtek Headquarters:
Roberta Foster-Smith
Asymtek, A Nordson Company
Tel: +1-760431-1919
Email: rfsmith@asymtek.com
Agency Contact:
Andrea Roberts
A R Marketing, Inc.
Tel: +1-858-451-8666
Email: andrea@armarketinginc.com
International Offices:
U.S.A.: 2762 Loker Ave. West, Carlsbad CA 92010 (760)-431-1919
Europe: +31-(0)-43-352-4466 S.E. Asia: +65-6796-9500 Japan: +81-(0)-3-5762-2801
Taiwan: +886-2-2902-1860 Korea: +82-31-765-8337 China: +86-21-5854-2345
www.asymtek.com
www.asymtek.com.cn
www.asymtek.com/jp
