Abstract: An applicator head for a vacuum coating system includes a manifold shell having opposing shell plates, each including a conduit attachment coupled to a shell aperture. An applicator manifold is affixed to each shell plate. Each applicator manifold includes two coupled manifold plates, with one including a manifold aperture, and each is affixed to the respective shell plate so that each manifold aperture aligns with the respective shell aperture. An applicator channel is formed between the manifold plates of each applicator manifold, and the applicator channel is fluidically coupled to the manifold aperture of each respective applicator manifold. Each applicator channel forms an applicator port at a leading edge of each respective applicator manifold, and each leading edge is configured to be complementary in shape to an edge of a workpiece to be coated. First and second face plates are disposed over the leading edges of the applicator manifolds.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to a workpiece includes an applicator head and a humidifying apparatus. The applicator head is configured to direct water-based liquid onto the workpiece and remove excess liquid through a vacuum. The humidifying apparatus is operably coupled to a steam source and includes first and second steam exhausts configured to direct steam toward the applicator head. The first steam exhaust is located at a first angular position relative to an axis of the applicator head, and the second steam exhaust is located at a second angular position relative to the axis of the applicator head, with the first angular position being different than the second angular position.