Coating machine for applying and drying photosensitive emulsion on a plastic film

An emulsion coater is provided with a framework having a table or work surface for supporting a sheet of material that is to be coated e.g., a sheet of transparent plastic film. A carriage is mounted on the framework for rectilinear movement thereacross parallel to the surface of the sheet to advance a coating applicator across the sheet. A coating dryer is also mounted on the carriage to progressively dry the coating from one end to the other as it is applied. A motor is supported on the framework for moving the carriage forwardly from one end of the sheet to the other. Provision is made for disengaging the coating applicator from the carriage once the coating has been applied and thereafter moving the carriage in a reverse direction across the applied coating to the starting position while optionally continuing to dry the coating. In order to remove drippings and spills, a sheet of paper is unwound from a supply roll supported at one end of the framework, advanced across the work surface and rewound at the opposite end of the supporting framework. A washing pan that can be filled with water is provided at one end of the machine for removing coating material from the applicator before it has a chance to dry.