Glue Dispensing Solutions

In general, any industrial glue that maintains flowability under controllable conditions can be automatically dispensed. Adhesives that start curing only once a specific parameter is met are the best candidates, such as through the introduction of air, moisture, UV light, a catalyzing compound or the removal of heat. Resins, epoxies, silicones and polyurethanes are common choices. Dispensing equipment can then be designed around the ability to restrict or introduce the condition that initiates curing. Less controllable adhesives that react randomly tend to plug up dispensing equipment and are better suited for manual application.  

Adhesive dispensing systems typically consist of three main subsystems serving specific functions: melting, application and curing. Raw adhesive comes in either liquid or solid forms and is added into the melter to heat up into a consistent, flowable glue. This glue is then pumped to the dispenser which positions, meters and applies the glue onto the part. Once applied and the parts are joined, the curing fixture directs UV light at the glue locations to immediately bring them to full strength.

Absolutely! In fact, using an automated system to melt, store, distribute and apply hot melt glue is strongly preferred over manual handling in nearly all production-scale applications. Automatic hot melt systems are routinely incorporated into manufacturing lines with the specific goals of improving safety, dose volume, position and consistency. Automated machines can not only accurately dispense glue, but can also control precise details such as the volume, path, width, height and pattern of glue applied.

A very wide range of consumer and industrial products rely on adhesives during their assembly, and for more than just gluing parts together. In addition to joining separate pieces of an assembly, industrial glues are also used to fill void spaces, encapsulate sensitive parts, isolate electrical circuits, seal joints, form protective coatings and films, and even serve as flexible, absorptive cushions between components. Products that need any of these features while also minimizing weight, complexity and cost utilize glue at some point during assembly.

Designing industrial glue dispensing machines works best when system integrators and clients collaborate very closely. AMS’s 17-step automation process walks our clients through all of the details needed to ensure success, starting with upfront data gathering, pilot testing and adhesive comparisons, through final commissioning and production runs.  When setting out to acquire an automatic glue machine, we encourage clients to compile their project specifications and expectations, and then engage us in a discovery meeting where we can provide early feasibility feedback.

Yes. One great thing about industrial adhesives is that they are engineered materials with very consistent viscosity, density, temperature and pressure specifications. For this reason, we can provide advanced systems to pump, dispense and cure adhesives automatically. Robotic positioners can automatically move the dispensing fixture to precise locations, applying tiny dots or long beads of adhesives exactly where they’re needed. PLC controls and in-process instrumentation further enhance automated glue dispensing, verifying that the glue dispenses correctly and repeatably over long production runs.

While we use the term “glue” most often, this simple name hides the fact that industrial adhesives are engineered polymers designed to undergo specific chemical reactions in order to form a bond. When properly selected for the materials to be joined, UV-curable glues can be placed on the parts and no reaction will occur, providing flexibility and control to the joining process. Once ready, UV lights can be activated, which instantly catalyze the polymers and drive the chemical reaction to full strength. UV curing in this manner can be performed automatically when incorporated into an automated glue dispensing system.