Because of their precision, reach and agility, six-axis robots are a natural for dispensing adhesives, sealants and other materials. In the automotive industry, for example, robots are employed to dispense a variety of one- and two-part materials, including adhesives, formed-in-place gaskets, lubricants, sealants, sound deadeners and structural foams. Similarly, window and door manufacturers use six-axis robots to apply adhesives and gaskets, while appliance assemblers employ six-axis robots to dispense adhesives, gaskets and insulation.
In practice, assemblers have two options for dispensing with six-axis robots. Most often, the dispenser is mounted to the robot. The metering equipment is located on or near the robot, and the material is transferred through one or more hoses to a valve attached to the robot's end effector.