Coating: Science, Engineering, or Art?

Abstract

H E D E F I N I T I O N O F Art which can be used in this analysis is that T which involves skilled operator performance utilizing creative technique. While these qualities are highly desirable in the field of graphic arts, manufacturing processes tend to speafy the application of the knowledge of pure science as expressed by mathematics, physics, chemistry, and related academic disiplines. Engineering a complete coating system involves not only the coating and web handling equipment, careful consideration of the enegy input system, air pollution control apparatus, energy conservation, and material handling, but careful evaluation of the cost efficiency of the overall operation. Reducing the amount of individual operator discretion in favor of automatic control is highly desirable; however, the input of trained scienceoriented personnel is a necessary component of such an effort.