Growing importance of dispensing systems in modern manufacturing
Metering systems for adhesive dispensing, sealing and potting are integral to modern manufacturing industries. They have gained significant importance in manufacturing due to their ability to enhance precision, efficiency, and reliability in production processes. As industries strive for higher quality and performance, these technologies offer solutions for accurate application of adhesives, sealants, and potting materials, ensuring consistent results and reducing waste.
Same same but different: Dispensing and metering systems are incredibly diverse, despite the common perception that they merely transport material from point A to point B. These systems vary widely in their design, functionality, and application, tailored to meet specific industry needs. From precision adhesive bonding and dispensing in electronics to robust sealing in automotive manufacturing, each system is engineered to handle unique materials and conditions, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. This diversity highlights the critical role these technologies play in modern manufacturing, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of various sectors.
Foam potting solution
2K self-rising foam potting solutions are becoming increasingly important due to new material trends aimed at preventing thermal propagation, eg. of EV batteries with cylindrical battery cells. This process step is gaining significance in manufacturing at OEMs, Gigafactories, and the general industry.
The need for these new materials arises from the latest requirements in battery production, including cost-efficiency, capacity increase, electrical insulation, regulatory compliance, and passenger safety. While 2K self-rising foam potting offers a promising solution, it also presents challenges such as the complexity of the 2K chemical curing process, low viscosity, and the need for high flow rate application and dispensing.
Dielectric coating
Dielectric coating is applied to batteries primarily to enhance their safety and performance. By providing electrical insulation, it prevents short circuits by isolating components from each other. This insulation also protects the battery from environmental factors like moisture, salt, acids, and other corrosive elements, which can degrade the battery over time.
Dielectric coating can be applied in various ways, including using PET film or by spraying material directly onto components to ensure dielectric strength. When considering dispensing methods, challenges such as sharp-edge applications, aerosols, and overspray must be addressed, along with ensuring the exact application thickness.
Parallel application
Parallel dispensing is a highly efficient application process that significantly benefits modern production environments, particularly in battery manufacturing.
This method involves using a single system to apply multiple beads and patterns simultaneously, which drastically reduces cycle times. By dispensing materials in parallel, manufacturers can handle various part geometries and maintain high part tolerances more effectively. This approach not only speeds up the production process but also minimizes the amount of equipment required, leading to cost savings and a more streamlined operation.
Dual acting technology
Dual acting technology operates by combining the benefits of both single and tandem meters into a single metering system. This innovative approach allows for simultaneous filling and applying of materials, which significantly enhances efficiency.
The technology features a rapid chamber switch that occurs within a one-second range. This quick switch ensures minimal downtime and maintains high precision during the dispensing process. The dual acting system is scalable and can be adapted for various dispensing applications across different industries, providing a versatile and reliable solution for modern manufacturing needs.
Automotive industry
Electronics industry
Modern manufacturing
Sealing
In the dispensing and potting field, sealing involves applying liquid seals to components like housings or ECUs to act as barriers against external influences and bonding agents, with applications in the automotive industry for corrosion protection and cosmetic purposes.
Adhesive bonding
Adhesive bonding involves using specialized adhesives to join components, providing strong, durable connections that enhance structural integrity and performance across various industries.
Potting
Potting involves filling a designated space with self-leveling, low-viscosity materials to protect components from external damage, camouflage, or fire hazards, using compounds like 1K or 2K PU, epoxy, and silicone tailored for specific applications, and is widely used in electronics to enhance durability and performance.
Thermal management & heat dissipation
Thermal management and heat dissipation involve using materials and techniques to efficiently transfer and dissipate heat from components, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating across various industries.
Insulation
Insulation involves encapsulating electronic components with casting resins to protect them from external influences and enhance their properties, with vacuum potting essential to ensure a bubble-free application and protect heavily loaded components like transformers and capacitors from heat, moisture, vibration, and dirt.
Encapsulation
Sealing in dispensing and potting technology involves coating sensitive electronic surfaces with a thin layer of casting resin or protective varnish to protect against environmental influences and corrosion, thereby extending the components’ service life and operational reliability.
