ViscoTec recently introduced cartridge applicators featuring Festo pneumatic control modules for the exact and clean feeding of adhesives, pastes, and silicones of different viscosities in applications such as gluing smartphone displays, applying thermal paste, or gluing micro-cameras. The eco-FEED and vipro-FEED DC are the latest devices for automated, even application of double-chamber cartridges.

Double-chamber cartridges have the advantage of making it possible to work with media like adhesives, pastes, or silicones with two components of different viscosities. Many adhesive processes depend on these components being mixed in a precise ratio. The two applicator cylinders are moved independently of each other in this process, and the correct adhesive mixture is applied to the components to be glued.

Especially in the electronics industry, minute quantities need to be applied precisely and reproducibly to circuit boards, for example, or gaps need to be precisely filled on different electronic components, often using highly abrasive pastes. These application conditions make correct control and indication of the delivery pressure crucial. The appeal of this new development is that the precision application of the adhesive leaves no rims of adhesive on displays or micro-cameras, as well as no adhesive oozing from the corners and edges on glued components in everyday consumer goods.

“In our new double cylinder devices, we rely on a Festo control module with pneumatic automation technology,” said Martin Stadler, managing director of ViscoTec. “The control module indicates pressure and controls delivery. It was developed in close cooperation with Festo, from the development of the prototype to the current production-ready device.”

The control module is a ready-to-install device delivered by Festo directly to the ViscoTec assembly line. The control module monitors the pressure and quality of the adhesive application independently of temperature and viscosity. It enables volumetric filling. The module offers optical filling level monitoring as a standard feature. Customers have the option of an electric level monitoring version. The double cylinder control module consists of a Festo VUWS valve, VHER hand lever valves, flanged pressure gauges, LR-D pressure regulators, fittings, silencers, and PUN tubing.

“Having the module delivered ready for installation saves us time and effort, since we know we can integrate it directly into the cartridge applicator device without any adjustment issues,” said Christian Heidinger, head of product management at ViscoTec.”

Additional details are available at www.viscotec-america.com and www.festo.us.