Company
adds another dimension to dispensing solutions for silicones, urethanes and
epoxies.
Fluid Research’s Signature Triple is designed to address the
three most critical characteristics of a dispense process: shot size, component
ratio and dispense rate. These factors must be individually controlled and
coordinated to provide accurate and reliable dispensing. The Signature Triple
is designed to accomplish this in one system.
With both material complexity and application advancing at an unprecedented
rate, demand upon these materials has increased. Fluid Research has developed a
technology that achieves accurate triple-component dispensing. This technology
is actually an update of Fluid Research’s triple-component paint-dispensing
machines; as interest increased in triple-component non-paint applications,
Fluid Research engineers designed a solution to dispense triple-component
reactive materials.
The new technology is built upon the company’s Fluid Modular platform: if the
customer currently needs only dual-component dispensing but will need
triple-component dispensing shortly, the Signature Triple will best suit their
needs. It can be designed to initially dispense dual-component materials and,
with the simple addition of hoses and a quick program change, be easily
upgraded to triple-component dispensing. The Fluid Modular platform creates
both an immediate and long-term cost savings, eliminating the need to
repurchase capital equipment when requirements change.
The Signature Triple is the result of combining ViscoTec’s Progressing Cavity
Pumps and Fluid Research’s computer-based platform to accurately meter, mix,
and dispense three components simultaneously - and with unprecedented accuracy.
ViscoTec progressing cavity pumps are true positive-displacement pumps that
provide consistent pressure and flow rates without the pressure and flow
variations that may occur with other volumetric-pumping systems. Progressing
cavity pumps eliminate many problems associated with other types of dispensing,
such as pressure spikes, phasing and recharging. The elimination of check
valves also alleviates any concern of material pullback.
The Signature Triple features a remote-mountable HMI touch screen with
real-time feedback. From material levels to material temperature and agitation
times, the screen places this crucial information at the user’s fingertips.
Options for the equipment range from heated tanks, degassing and recirculation
to desiccant drying, vacuum encapsulation, handgun dispensing, and DAQ
interfaces - all of which are in place to ensure materials are handled
properly.
The Signature Triple dispense solution offers its users integrated barcode
reading; with a swipe of the barcode scanner, all dispense parameters (such as
A:B:C ratio, flow rate and shot size) are instantly accessed for the part in
hand. The barcode reader can be used to automatically start and stop an
assembly line, identify products on the line, and load the dispense system with
the correct program for the product. An operator can run a variety of different
products in random order on one assembly line, and the machine will automatically
configure for the part.
Automation options for the Signature Triple include integrated XYZ machines,
rotary tables and indexers that work in harmony with the equipment. The unit’s
on-board CPU is capable of controlling both dispensing and positioning
requirements. With the combination of robotic integration and Fluid Research’s Signature
Triple and NeverEmpty
TM Material-Management Unit, users
have the potential to run their dispense continuously without interruption.
One of the key features of the Signature Triple Dispense Solution is the
Stat-A-Seal triple-dispense head, which represents a breakthrough in dispensing
technology with its seal-free design. The Stat-A-Seal incorporates features
such as positive on/off material flow, no-drip shutoff, adjustable snuff back,
simultaneous flow of multiple materials, center port catalyst injection, and
user-specific high-flow and low-flow heads. In addition, the dispense head has
virtually eliminated the problem of materials leaking because it features no
dynamic seals.
All of Fluid Research’s meter/mix/dispense solutions strive to eliminate the
“stick in a bucket” method of mixing epoxies, thereby alleviating OSHA and EPA
concerns. The company has performed many studies of cost savings when
meter/mix/dispense has been integrated into a system; the result averages 10:1.
One meter/mix/dispense machine can perform the tasks of 10 workers, which
yields an immediate cost savings.
About the Company
Fluid
Research Corp. was founded in 1996 to provide superior accuracy in dispensing
single- and multiple-component adhesives, sealants, and polymers. The company
currently holds multiple U.S.
foreign patents for its proprietary technology, which uses progressing cavity
pumps and sophisticated electronic controls in an extensive line of metering
and dispensing systems. Typically custom-engineered to user specifications,
Fluid Research equipment is used by manufacturers of automotive components,
electronics, solar-energy systems, electrical power systems, dome labeling,
health and beauty products, medical electronics, sporting goods, filtration
equipment, and more.
For more information, visit www.fluidresearch.com.Links