Precision K Hand Coater Bars (wire wound rods) for consistent, repeatable film application. Ideal for coatings, inks, and QC testing. Fast USA shipping.
K Hand Coater Bars are precision wire wound rods designed to apply a uniform and controlled wet film thickness across a variety of substrates. They are widely used in laboratory and production environments for coatings, inks, and adhesive applications.
Also Known As Metering Rods or Mayer Rods
K Hand Coater Bars are also known as metering rods or Mayer rods. These tools are used to ensure consistent and repeatable coating thickness, regardless of the naming convention.
K Hand Coater Bar Thickness Chart (Wire Wound Rod Guide)
| Rod Size | Wet Film Thickness (µm) | Wet Film (mils) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | 6–8 µm | 0.25–0.3 mil | Light coatings, inks |
| #10 | 23–25 µm | 0.9–1.0 mil | General coatings |
| #20 | 45–50 µm | 1.8–2.0 mil | Heavy coatings |
| #30 | 65–75 µm | 2.5–3.0 mil | High build coatings |
How to Choose the Right Coating Rod
| Application | Fluid Viscosity | Recommended Wire Size | Wet Film Thickness | Substrate / Test Surface | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexographic inks | Low | #3 – #10 | Thin | Leneta charts / film | QC testing |
| Solvent coatings | Low–Medium | #5 – #15 | Thin–Medium | Leneta / plastic | Smooth coatings |
| Water-based coatings | Medium | #10 – #20 | Medium | Paper / board | General coatings |
| Adhesives | High | #20 – #30+ | Thick | Paper / specialty | Bonding layers |
| Lab testing | Variable | #3 – #20 | Controlled | Leneta charts | Repeatability |
How Viscosity Affects Rod Selection
- Low viscosity fluids require smaller rods for thin films
- High viscosity materials require larger rods for proper coating build
Selecting the correct rod ensures uniform application and reliable results.
Wire Size and Rod Construction
The coating performance depends on the wire diameter and rod construction. Smaller wire sizes produce thinner films, while larger wire sizes increase coating thickness.
Role in Coating and ISO-Based Testing
K Hand Coater Bars are widely used in coating and surface evaluation processes where uniform and repeatable film application is required, particularly in standardized laboratory and quality control environments.
How to Use a K Hand Coater Bar
- Place substrate on a flat surface
- Apply coating liquid
- Draw down evenly
- Allow to level and dry
