Robotic Cartridge Dispenser Case Study
Project Summary and Challenge
A customer needs a more repeatable method of testing prototype adhesives and high-viscosity fluids. These materials come prepared in their standard 32oz cartridges and require high-pressure dispensing equipment to properly apply them.
A candidate design for a robotic dispensing system would need to meet the following objectives:
- Accurately and repeatably dispense beads of material for evaluation
- Safely operate at dispense pressures up to 3000psi
- Accept customer’s standard cartridge sizes
- Allow for easy adjustment of important test parameters
- A Fanuc M10iD Series robot, with 1103mm of reach and a 16kg payload
- Two custom Jesco jack screw dispensing systems
- Two heated hoses with a custom retractor system
- Multiple dispensing applicators that allow for easy changeover on the robot
- Laser sensor for automatic measurement of the applicator length, which allows the customer to use any mix tube length
- Adjustable stage for dispensing, which allows the system operator to dispense material from 0 degrees up to 90 degrees
- A custom machine base for portability and minimized footprint
The system control system allows the operator to teach and dispense material in four default shapes (line, square, arc, and circle), as well as provide the foundation for any custom patterns to be added by the customer. Cartridges are loaded into the dispensers, and can be brought to a specified pressure with the push of a button. Options for manually running the dispensers, pre-cycle nozzle purge, and dry running cycles are also included. The dispense system also utilizes the IBA software to generate reports on important test parameters to help further analyze material test cycles and development.
Benefits:
- The system gives an operator control over a huge variety of testing parameters, from the speed the robot travels to the temperature of the hoses used.
- Cartridge system is easy to load, unload, and clean, and the system gives feedback on pressures and remaining fluids in the cartridge.
- Automatic sensors for the tilting dispense stage and nozzle length help minimize robotic collisions and errors in the system.
- Automated data reporting allows for easier analysis and review of testing.
Result: Premier was able to design, assemble, test, and deliver a versatile system for our customer. The robotic dispense system makes it faster and safer to test difficult materials and gives the customer the ability to further customize the tests in the future.