Benchtop dispensing robots are a cost-effective way to automate manual production processes that involve repeated application of adhesives, lubricants, sealants and other assembly fluids. By increasing productivity, reducing costs and improving quality, they can provide assemblers with a significant competitive edge.

Many companies have already replaced manual fluid applicators like squeeze bottles and hand syringes with air-powered dispensers. By using controlled air pressure and digital timers to determine the amount of material applied, air-powered dispensers remove subjective operator judgment from the dispensing equation. The ability to apply the same amount of fluid on every part, every time greatly reduces rework, rejects and waste.

However, it is still up to the individual operator to determine where and how fast the fluid is applied. While the dispenser can ensure that the amount of fluid applied remains constant, there can still be operator-to-operator variations in the placement of the deposit, and different operators will work at different speeds. New operators must also undergo training and a learning curve before they become familiar with the production process.

This is where benchtop dispensing robots can provide a significant advantage.

Instead of leaving it up to the operator to position the dispensing tip, a robot automatically positions the dispensing tip and deposits the fluid in the same place every time. By automating both the positioning and dispensing processes, a robot can apply fluid much faster and with much greater accuracy than even a very experienced operator.

With a robot, all the operator needs to do is load the part or parts into a fixture, place that fixture on the robot’s worktable, and press the start button. As the fluid is being applied, the operator can be loading the next fixture or performing other value-added tasks.

With all variations in deposit size, placement and application speed eliminated, workflow and product quality will be improved, bottlenecks minimized or eliminated, and production rates will become more predictable. Another benefit is that because benchtop dispensing robots are small and self-contained, they are ideal for lean environments where they can be easily moved to other cells and reconfigured for other applications, without the need to purchase additional equipment.

For more information, contact EFD at 800-556-3484 or visit us at www.efd-inc.com/pr/asm-0308.