A coating apparatus for batches of elongate flimsy members includes batch handling portion and a coating portion. The batch handling portion having an array support portion and an array alignment portion. The array support portion secures and vertically moves an array of elongate flimsy members to be lowered into an array of inlets of the coating portion, the inlets aligned in an array. The array alignment portion provides removable discrete position locating of the individual flimsy members by a guide portion that moves from an upwardly position downwardly to position each member of the array in alignment with the array of inlets. The support portion then lowers the flimsy members into the coating portion through the array.