The Polymer Coating Applicator in Fallout 4 is a specialized machine located inside Cambridge Polymer Labs that plays a vital role in completing an intriguing side quest. Finding and operating this terminal allows players to finalize a pre-war scientific research project and claim a unique piece of power armor. Understanding how to locate the machine and process the correct chemical reagents ensures a smooth experience while navigating the facility.
Locating Cambridge Polymer Labs and the Machine
To find the Polymer Coating Applicator, players must first travel to Cambridge Polymer Labs situated in the Commonwealth. Upon entering the building, a handy Miss Nanny robot named Molly will greet visitors and initiate the local questline. The coating applicator terminal itself is positioned in the primary laboratory area on the lower floor.
Inside this main laboratory room, players will notice the central terminal flanked by three reagent slot containers. The nearby area also holds Unidentified sample 11317 sitting on top of the apparatus. Identifying this primary workstation is essential before searching the surrounding rooms for additional samples.
Gathering the Required Reagents and Isotopes
Completing the experiment requires collecting specific chemical samples scattered throughout the sealed laboratory wings. Players must gather Lithium hydride (Unidentified sample 3111) and Gold (Unidentified sample 611) from adjacent offices and labs. Additionally, retrieving the radioactive U-238 sample requires opening the locked radioactive containment chamber via a terminal.
Navigating the facility can present hazards, including hostile feral ghouls and automated defense turrets. Thoroughly checking each room and searching desks or shelves ensures all necessary elements are safely acquired. Once collected, these materials must be brought back to the primary terminal.
Operating the Applicator Terminal
With the required items in hand, place Lithium hydride and Gold into the chemical reagent slots attached to the apparatus. Next, insert the U-238 isotope sample into the designated right-hand slot. Access the terminal screen to scan the loaded reagents and confirm that the correct combination has been detected.
After validating the elements, select the option to run the loaded fabrication routine on the terminal menu. The machinery will engage, processing the materials to fabricate the Piezonucleic Power Armor Chest Piece. Players can collect this valuable reward directly from the chamber opening.
Completing the Quest and Escaping
After successfully generating the armor piece, report back to Molly to inform her that the research project is finished. She will lead the player upstairs to the director's office to resolve the final narrative steps of the quest. Alternatively, players who wish to force an exit early can hack the terminal in the facility defense system to trigger an emergency override.
Finishing the experiment offers excellent experience points along with high-tier equipment for power armor enthusiasts. Exploring the rest of the facility yields extra loot like magazines and crafting components. Mastering the applicator process makes this one of the most rewarding side quests in the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth.
