The stainless steel formed rods are Mayer rods for preparing uniform films of coating materials, paints, inks, adhesives and similar products on flexible substrates. They are suitable for film application on paper, cardboard, textiles, leather and other materials compatible with this application method.
Their function is the same as that of wire-wound Mayer rods: to distribute the material evenly on the substrate and obtain a uniform, repeatable layer. The main difference is in their construction. In this version, the spiral is not formed by wire wrapped around the rod, but by spaces formed directly in the body of the rod. This construction makes the applicator more durable because it does not have a wire-wound spiral.
During application, the material is placed in front of the rod and distributed through the spaces in the formed spiral. The extruded spiral Mayer rod makes it possible to prepare homogeneous samples for comparative tests, laboratory checks and evaluations on paints, coatings, inks or adhesives applied to flexible substrates.
These applicators are particularly suitable when the simplicity of Mayer rods is required together with a more robust construction for frequent use. Wet film thickness should be selected according to the test to be carried out, the material to be applied and the substrate used.
Two versions with different application lengths are available to suit different substrates and coating areas. The shorter version is suitable for smaller samples, while the longer version is useful when films must be prepared on larger surfaces.
The formed rods can be used manually when the test requires direct application by the operator. They can also be mounted on automatic film applicators SAFA-219 and SAFA-218, which control the application movement while the selected Mayer rod determines film thickness. This configuration is useful when more repeatable samples are required and operator influence must be reduced.
Compared with wire-wound Mayer rods, extruded spiral Mayer rods use the same application principle but offer a more resistant construction. They are therefore suitable when a spiral rod for preparing uniform films on flexible substrates is required for frequent use.
Stainless steel formed rods are suitable for film preparation in accordance with ASTM D4147, when the test requires the application of uniform films using spiral rods on flexible substrates or materials compatible with this application method.
Applications
- Preparation of uniform films on paper, cardboard and flexible substrates
- Controlled application of paints, coatings, inks and adhesives
- Application of wet films using extruded spiral Mayer rods
- Comparative tests on coating materials and formulations
- Preparation of samples on thin or flexible substrates
- Manual use for laboratory tests and application checks
- Use with automatic film applicators when more repeatable application is required
- Checks on uniformity, coverage and behaviour of the applied film
FAQ – Stainless steel formed rods
Are formed spiral applicators Mayer rods?
Yes. Stainless steel formed rods are Mayer rods. Their function is the same as wire-wound Mayer rods: to apply uniform films on flexible substrates.
What is the difference between wire-wound Mayer rods and formed spiral Mayer rods?
The difference is in their construction. Wire-wound Mayer rods have a spiral formed by wire wrapped around the rod, whereas formed spiral rods have spaces formed directly in the body of the rod. This solution is more durable because it does not have wrapped wire.
When should a formed spiral Mayer rod be selected?
It is suitable when the Mayer rod application principle is required together with a more resistant construction for frequent tests on paper, cardboard, textiles, leather and other compatible flexible substrates.
Can film thickness be adjusted on the same rod?
No. The rod is selected according to the required wet film thickness. When different thicknesses are needed, different rods are used, or an adjustable applicator can be considered where more flexible adjustment is required.
Can formed rods be used manually?
Yes. They can be used manually for film application on flexible substrates. The substrate should remain properly supported and stable during application.
Can they be mounted on SAFA-219 and SAFA-218 automatic film applicators?
Yes. They can be mounted on SAFA-219 and SAFA-218 automatic film applicators. The system controls movement and application speed, while the selected Mayer rod determines film thickness.
What is the difference compared with a four-sided applicator?
A four-sided applicator is more suitable for flat substrates and provides four thicknesses on the same instrument. A formed spiral Mayer rod is instead intended mainly for flexible substrates and is selected according to the required wet film thickness.
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