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 NeverEmptyTMMaterial-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.
