Effect of sloped die lip geometry on the operability window in slot coating flows using viscocapillary and two-dimensional models

As an indicator for determining the operability window in slot coating flow, the viscocapillary model considering various configurations of upstream and downstream slot die lips was tested and compared with Navier-Stokes two-dimensional model. Bead pressure and sloped lip angle conditions for uniform coating operation demarcated from leaking and bead break-up defects were quantitatively predicted from the position of upstream meniscus from both models. By comparing the results, it is confirmed that the viscocapillary model for many kinds of sloped die lips could predict the operability window accurately. It is also found that there exists vortex or recirculation regimes inside upstream and downstream coating bead regions, depending on the angles of sloped die lips, even for the stable coating flow. The flow control by die lip structure will be usefully applied to design the strategy for the reliable and optimal coating process, including vortex-free windows.