At NEPCON Thailand 2026 (June 17–20, BITEC Bangkok), Sanco showcased its latest inline coating equipment to engineers and production specialists from across Southeast Asia. Among the highlights on display was the Four Axials Coating Machine — Sanco’s most advanced conformal coating solution, designed for multi-angle, complex-path PCB coating with the precision and flexibility that modern manufacturing demands. The response from the show floor was clear: inline automation and precision coating technology are becoming essential for manufacturers in electronics, automotive electronics, new energy, and semiconductor industries.
With the rapid development of intelligent and automated manufacturing, surface protection and precision coating processes are becoming increasingly important. Products in these industries require higher levels of moisture resistance, dust protection, corrosion resistance, insulation, sealing, and long-term reliability. As a key piece of automation equipment on modern production lines, the inline coating machine is gradually replacing traditional manual and offline coating processes — delivering higher efficiency, greater precision, and more stable performance at lower cost.
What Is an Inline Coating Machine?
An inline coating machine is an automated coating system that can be directly connected to a production line. It is designed to perform continuous, uniform, and precise spraying, dispensing, or coating on the surface of products.
Compared with traditional offline coating processes, an inline coating machine reduces manual loading and unloading, improves production efficiency, and minimizes human error. It can automatically complete product conveying, positioning, coating, curing, inspection, and unloading.
Inline coating machines are widely used for PCB conformal coating, electronic component protection, automotive sensor sealing, battery module protection, and other industrial applications that require surface protection, insulation, sealing, or functional coating.
Main Structure and Working Principle
A complete inline coating system usually consists of a coating machine, conveyor system, curing system, inspection system, loading and unloading equipment, coating valves, and a material supply system. According to different production requirements, these modules can be combined into a fully automated coating production line.
| Module | Main Function | Common Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Conveyor System | Transfers PCB boards or workpieces through the production line | Conveyor, inspection conveyor, PCB flipper, shuttle conveyor |
| Coating System | Applies selective coating to specific areas | Three-Axials coating machine, four-axials coating machine, spray valve |
| Dispensing System | Applies sealant, UV glue, silicone, epoxy resin, or other materials | Inline high-speed dispensing machine, visual dispensing machine |
| Aushärtungssystem | Accelerates coating or glue curing | UV curing oven, IR curing oven, hot air curing oven |
| Inspection System | Checks coating quality, missing coating, bubbles, and uneven coating | Visual inspection, UV inspection conveyor |
| Loading and Unloading System | Supports automatic board loading, unloading, and buffering | Magazine loader, magazine unloader, buffer, elevator |
Reference Parameters of Inline Coating Machines
The three-axials und four-axials coating machines are the core equipment of an inline coating production line. They are mainly used for selective conformal coating of PCB boards, electronic control boards, automotive electronics, and consumer electronics products.
| Artikel | Three-Axials Coating Machine | Four-Axials Coating Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Anmeldung | Selective coating, conformal coating, partial protection coating | Multi-angle selective coating and complex path coating |
| Kontrollsystem | Industrial PC + motion control system | Industrial PC + motion control system |
| Software | Sanco software + Windows | Sanco software + Windows |
| Programming Method | Teaching programming / mouse and keyboard control | Teaching programming / mouse and keyboard control |
| Motion Axis | X / Y / Z | X / Y / Z + rotation axis |
| Drive Method | Servo motor drive | Servo motor drive |
| Conveyor Type | Inline belt conveyor | Inline belt conveyor |
| Communication Interface | SMEMA interface | SMEMA interface |
| Main Advantage | Fast speed, stable performance, suitable for standard coating processes | Higher flexibility, suitable for complex products and multi-angle coating |
Advanced Valve Technology: Film Coating
One of the most significant advances in modern conformal coating equipment is the introduction of the film coating valve. Unlike conventional spray or needle valves, the film coating valve delivers coating material as an ultra-thin, continuous spray, enabling a level of precision and material efficiency that was previously unattainable.
Sanco’s Four Axials Coating Machine is equipped with this advanced film coating valve technology, making it particularly suitable for demanding applications in electronics, automotive electronics, and precision manufacturing.
| Feature | Beschreibung |
|---|---|
| Thin, Uniform Coating | Achieves a highly controlled coating process, ensuring an extremely thin layer with consistent, uniform thickness across the entire coated surface — minimizing any risk of buildup or inconsistency. |
| Extreme Precision | Engineered specifically for manufacturing processes with the strictest precision requirements. The film coating valve maintains repeatable accuracy pass after pass, making it ideal for high-mix, high-reliability production. |
| Superior Edge Definition | Delivers sharply defined coating boundaries with no splashing or edge blurring. Critical for PCB assemblies where coating must stop precisely at component keep-out zones. |
| 99% Material Transfer Efficiency | Near-zero overspray means up to 99% of the coating material is deposited exactly where intended. This dramatically reduces material waste and lowers production costs over time. |
| 0–90° Rotating Nozzle | The FC100-CFR model features a fully rotatable nozzle with 0–90° angle adjustment, enabling dual-orientation dispensing. This allows the valve to coat into tight spaces, vertical surfaces, and complex geometries that conventional valves cannot reach. |
| Designed for Smart Manufacturing | Fully compatible with SMEMA-based SMT production lines, supporting seamless integration with conveyors, loaders, curing ovens, and inspection systems for fully automated operation. |
Why it matters: Conventional atomizing spray valves waste 20–40% of coating material through overspray and produce inconsistent edge quality. The film coating valve solves both problems simultaneously — making it the preferred choice for high-precision, high-volume conformal coating in automotive electronics, new energy, and semiconductor applications.
Film Coating Valve — Key Specifications
| Parameter | Spezifikation |
|---|---|
| Valve Type | Film Coating Valve |
| Material Transfer Efficiency | Up to 99% (near-zero overspray) |
| Dicke der Beschichtung | Ultra-thin, highly uniform layer |
| Nozzle Rotation Range | 0–90° (FC100-CFR model) |
| Dispensing Orientation | Dual-direction (0° and 90°) |
| Edge Definition | Superior — no splash or edge blur |
| Compatible Materials | Conformal coating, UV glue, silicone, epoxy resin, sealant |
| Compatible Equipment | Four-Axials Coating Machine, three-axials coating machine |
| Communication Interface | SMEMA |
| Safety Standard | CE |
Reference Parameters of Inline High-Speed Dispensing Machine
In addition to coating, many production lines also require dispensing equipment for sealing, fixing, encapsulation, reinforcement, and bonding processes.
| Artikel | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Anmeldung | Semiconductor packaging, electronic assembly, automotive electronics, new energy, SMT process |
| Kontrollsystem | IPC + motion control card |
| Software | Sanco software + Windows |
| Programming Method | SMT file import or online visual programming |
| Motion Axis | X / Y / Z |
| Drive Method | Servo motor drive |
| Maximale Geschwindigkeit | Up to approximately 800 mm/s |
| Material Capacity | 300CC / 500CC optional |
| Applicable Width | Approximately 50–400 mm |
| Communication Interface | SMEMA |
| Applicable Materials | UV glue, epoxy resin, silicone, sealant, conformal coating material |
| Power Supply | 220V, 50/60Hz |
| Safety Standard | CE |
Curing Equipment for Inline Coating Production
After the coating process is completed, curing equipment is usually required to accelerate the curing of coating materials or adhesives. UV curing ovens, IR curing ovens, hot air curing ovens, and UV LED curing ovens can be selected according to different materials and process requirements.
| Curing Equipment | Main Application | Eigenschaften |
|---|---|---|
| UV-Härtungsofen | UV glue and UV conformal coating curing | Fast curing speed, suitable for high-efficiency production |
| IR-Härtungsofen | Coating heating, preheating, and drying | Uniform temperature, suitable for various materials |
| Hot Air Curing Oven | Drying of conformal coating, paint, and adhesive materials | Suitable for continuous inline production |
| UV-LED-Härtungsofen | Energy-saving UV curing process | Low energy consumption, long service life, easy maintenance |
Automated Coating Production Line Solutions
According to different factory layouts and process requirements, the inline coating machine can be connected with loading equipment, conveyors, UV inspection systems, IR or UV curing ovens, and unloading systems to form a complete automated production line.
| Production Line Combination | Application Scenario |
|---|---|
| Loader + Conveyor + Beschichtung + UV Inspection + UV-Ofen + Conveyor + Lift | Standard PCB inline conformal coating production |
| Lift + Conveyor + Beschichtung + IR Curing Oven + Conveyor + Lift | Coating processes that require heating or drying |
| Beschichtung + UV Inspection + IR Curing Oven + Conveyor + Flipper | Double-sided coating process with inspection and board flipping |
| Loader + Beschichtung + UV-Ofen + Unloader | High-efficiency automatic loading and unloading production line |
| Beschichtung + Auslieferung + Curing + Inspection | Integrated coating, dispensing, curing, and inspection solution |
Our Product Advantages
Our inline coating machines are designed around the core goals of high precision, high efficiency, stable performance, easy operation, and convenient maintenance. They help customers build a more reliable and intelligent automated production process.
The equipment adopts a high-precision motion control system and stable coating valve configuration, which enables accurate path control and uniform coating results. It helps reduce common coating problems such as missing coating, over-coating, glue accumulation, stringing, and uneven thickness.
The machine supports seamless integration with automated production lines. With the SMEMA communication interface, it can be connected with SMT production lines, conveyors, loaders, unloaders, curing ovens, and inspection systems to realize fully automated production.
Our equipment is compatible with a wide range of materials, including conformal coating, UV glue, silicone, epoxy resin, sealant, and other functional materials. It can be configured according to different viscosity levels, curing methods, and production requirements.
The user-friendly interface makes operation simple and efficient. Operators can quickly set parameters, switch programs, and adjust coating paths. The modular structure also makes maintenance easier and helps reduce downtime.
Typical Application Industries
| Industrie | Typical Application | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Manufacturing | PCB conformal coating, electronic component protection | Moisture-proof, dust-proof, anti-corrosion, anti-salt spray |
| Automotive Electronics | Sensors, control boards, battery management systems | Improves waterproof, shock-resistant, and heat-resistant performance |
| Neue Energie | Battery modules, energy storage control boards, photovoltaic components | Improves safety, weather resistance, and long-term stability |
| Semiconductor | Packaging dispensing, chip protection, precision coating | Improves insulation and reliability |
| Medizinische Geräte | Precision part coating and functional surface coating | Improves cleanliness, durability, and stability |
Company Advantages
We not only provide inline coating machines, but also offer complete automated coating solutions, including process analysis, solution design, equipment manufacturing, installation, commissioning, training, and after-sales technical support.
At the early stage of each project, we evaluate the customer’s product size, coating material, capacity requirements, process standards, and factory layout. Based on this information, we provide a suitable equipment configuration and production line solution.
For special applications, we can also provide customized non-standard automation solutions to better match the customer’s actual production needs.
During manufacturing, we strictly control component selection, assembly accuracy, and machine testing to ensure long-term stable operation. After delivery, we provide operation training, process guidance, and technical support to help customers start production quickly and smoothly.
Conclusion
The inline coating machine is an important piece of equipment for modern manufacturing companies moving toward automation, intelligence, and high-quality production. It not only improves coating efficiency and product stability, but also helps reduce labor costs, minimize process errors, and increase product yield.
With advanced technologies such as the film coating valve now integrated into production-ready machines, manufacturers can achieve levels of coating precision and material efficiency that were previously impossible with conventional equipment. The 99% material transfer efficiency, superior edge definition, and 0–90° rotatable nozzle of Sanco’s film coating valve represent a meaningful step forward for the industry.
We will continue to optimize our coating technology and automation solutions to provide customers with more efficient, stable, and precise equipment for future production needs.
