Whats The Best Coating Machine??????

**island_342** · 02-09-2007, 12:57 AM

I am in the market for a new spin coater. I need some input on the pro's and con's to the following coaters,

1. Gerber Coburn Strattum and HRC 180

2. Ultra Optics M/R III

3. Any other machines out there that anyone would recommend?

If anyone can help me out that would be great!!!!!

**Chris Ryser** · 02-09-2007, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by island_342

If anyone can help me out that would be great!!!!!

Please give the reason for wanting a spin coater: Just for Ply or as base for AR coatings?

US\V or Thermo cure?

Also do you want a machine that uses only the manufacturers cartridges and you are at their Merci for material pricing.

There are many unhappy coaters around these days that are charged a fortune for the coating material.

You should get machine where you can use any material on the market you want.

**Henry** · 02-09-2007, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by island_342

I am in the market for a new spin coater. I need some input on the pro's and con's to the following coaters,

1. Gerber Coburn Strattum and HRC 180

2. Ultra Optics M/R III

3. Any other machines out there that anyone would recommend?

If anyone can help me out that would be great!!!!!

The best way to look at which machine is the best is to check the price of the used machines.

I would recommend the Ultraoptics system since their hard coat (UV-NV) is compatible with AR coatings including Chemalux AR .

Henry

**Fezz** · 02-09-2007, 02:28 PM

Henry;

Is a little disclosure due to the Optiboard community?

Do you work for or profit by the sale of the Chemalux sytem?

Just curious.

**Henry** · 02-09-2007, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Fezz

Henry;

Is a little disclosure due to the Optiboard community?

Do you work for or profit by the sale of the Chemalux sytem?

Just curious.

Fezz,

Yes, I am proud to work for Chemalux since it is only system which small independent labs and 3O's can afford and is economical for them to do quality AR in house. Chemalux systems have saved many small independent labs and make them competitive again in the market.

Henry

**Igor 22** · 02-11-2007, 01:23 PM

The G/C Stratum is slow............. had one, about 4 mins per job, and I just didn't care for the machine - it took alot of maintenance. Breakage was high with this machine. I'm not trying to bash G/C - but it was my experience.

I'd put my money into an MR III - and use the UV-NV.
It's a great machine, quick, and simple maintenance. Coating is tintable (big +), all around a great machine.
PM me if you need a contact at Ultra.

**OpticianMS** · 02-12-2007, 11:07 AM

Just to let everyone know I currently use the Ultra optics mini-II and also the Chemalux A/R. I love the machines just might go a little different with the Mini-II next time.

**lab fly** · 02-12-2007, 05:13 PM

I've had both and the Stratum was a very expensive mistake. Ultra Optics all around better.

**CDOT** · 02-12-2007, 05:17 PM

Ive used a couple of Ultras Machines...They are much faster, easier to diagnose and fix when they do need service as well they produce very few flaws.. Ive used the coburn units...they can be very expensive to maintain and have a high cost per lens ratio...ULTRA all the way.