🌍 Customer Success: Global Innovators Driving R&D with the RK VCML Pilot Coater
Around the world, leading manufacturers are transforming their product development and research capabilities with the RK VCML Pilot Coater — a versatile roll-to-roll system designed to replicate full-scale coating, printing, and laminating processes on a laboratory scale.
In Japan, Cellolabel, Dainichiseika, and Maruto Sangyo have each integrated the VCML into their R&D operations, achieving faster sample production, reduced material waste, and stronger innovation capacity.
🇯🇵 Cellolabel Co., Ltd. – Accelerating Product Development and Quality Control
Founded in 1937, Cellolabel is a leading converter known for its pioneering work with transparent films. From food and electronics to optical and construction materials, the company continues to push boundaries with the motto: “Pride in what others cannot do.”
Before introducing the VCML, sample production was labour-intensive and time-consuming. Technicians were producing up to 100 samples manually in two days using bar coaters, with limited reproducibility and high material waste.
“We wanted a roll-to-roll pilot coater that could quickly respond to customer needs with small material quantities,” explains Mr. Tanaka, Head of Development.
After installing the VCML, Cellolabel achieved their goal of producing large quantities of uniform, reproducible samples in a fraction of the time. Material usage dropped to just 1/20th of that required on production machines, while the easy operation made it ideal for training young engineers.
The team now uses their VCML for research on coating uniformity, solvent retention, and sustainable product development — including UV curing and corona treatment processes for improved adhesion.
“It was easy to operate and produced clean coatings,” adds Mr. Kitamura. “Its simple structure also makes it ideal for training.”
Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. – Advancing Sustainable Coating R&D
At Dainichiseika’s Sakura Technology Innovation Centre (STIC), the VCML has become a cornerstone of the company’s open innovation approach. The centre integrates resin synthesis, coating evaluation, and analytical testing — enabling rapid feedback and continuous improvement.
Previously, the team relied on hand-applied test samples, leading to inconsistent results and long evaluation cycles — sometimes stretching to six months due to customer feedback loops.
“Creating consistent test samples manually was difficult, and data reliability was limited,” explains Mr. Fukai, who leads urethane-based adhesive R&D.
The VCML’s modular design, supporting thin and thick coatings, laminating, and a variety of coating heads, has transformed the way Dainichiseika approaches R&D. The system now enables accurate, reproducible coating tests that align with production conditions, providing reliable data much faster.
The company is now using the VCML to develop solvent-free and water-based coating systems that support their sustainability goals.
“We believe human talent is our greatest asset,” says Mr. Fukai, “and VCML allows our engineers to gain hands-on experience and insight that drives innovation.”
Maruto Sangyo Co., Ltd. – Reducing Lead Times and Strengthening Collaboration
Maruto Sangyo, based in Fukuoka, manufactures laminated films for food and pharmaceutical packaging. The company’s focus on functional packaging, such as easy-open and moisture-absorbing materials, drives their mission to create products that enhance everyday life.
Before installing the VCML, R&D relied on production machinery between manufacturing runs, causing long lead times and limited testing opportunities.
“Even when we received new material proposals or ideas from exhibitions, we couldn’t quickly test them,” says Mr. Hisamoto from the R&D Centre.
The VCML transformed their workflow — shortening development lead times, reducing testing costs, and enabling small-lot production using minimal materials. The interchangeable head system allows for a variety of coating methods, making testing both flexible and efficient.
Maruto now uses the system to evaluate new laminates and eco-friendly coatings, accelerating the development of products like the Kyushitsu-kun® series — moisture-absorbing films that combine film and desiccant into a single structure.
“Development lead time was significantly shortened,” says Mr. Hisamoto. “It’s also strengthened collaboration with partner companies’ development teams.”
🚀 Empowering Innovation Worldwide
From Kyoto to Chiba, and from Fukuoka to across Asia, the VCML Pilot Coater continues to help companies like these bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production.
Whether supporting flexible packaging innovation, sustainable coating research, or rapid prototyping, the VCML is proving to be an essential tool for converters and manufacturers aiming to accelerate their R&D and stay ahead in a competitive global market.