Method and apparatus for extruding a coating upon a substrate surface

Abstract

A coating apparatus and method are disclosed that applies a coating to a product in a uniform and controlled manner. The coating apparatus comprises a feeding stage, an optional pre-treatment stage, at least one coating stage and a finishing stage. The coating stage(s) comprise a coating material feeder and a coating device. The coating device includes an aperture conforming to the perimeter of a substrate to be coated in a first and second dimension. As the substrate passes through the aperture, coating material is applied in a uniform and consistent layer. The coating material also back fills minor surface imperfections and blemishes on the substrate to achieve a consistent finish across the whole area where coating material is applied.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for applying a coating material to an outer surface of a substrate, comprising:
 a die having a cavity and an aperture, the aperture having a collection surface and interior wall surfaces;   a receiving channel in fluid communication with the cavity of the die, the receiving channel collecting and delivering the coating material to the cavity; and   means for feeding the substrate through the cavity and the aperture, wherein the coating material within the cavity is applied to the outer surface of the substrate.