Pilot Powder Coaters, available at Sidrabe R&D Department, are designed for small-lot production of various vacuum coated particulate materials. They may be also used for investigation of the deposition processes at the stage of a new vacuum coater selection by a potential Customer.

In another Pilot Coater (B1200MR) the powder is exposed as a falling curtain, arranged between two magnetrons, located opposite each other. The magnetrons may operate as two single devices or as one double device. The powder is transported with an elevating drum and transporter. The works on creation of color shift pigments have been carried out at this machine successfully.

In one of the Pilot Coaters (B500M) the powder is located in an efficient vibration device for controlled circulation of the dense powder layer. The vibration device provides powder uniform exposure during deposition. The material is coated by magnetron sputtering of metal.