Automated dispensing equipment, suppliers

A wide variety and numerous suppliers of automated dispensing equipment are available as listed in Table 4.22. An important consideration in selecting an automated, contact-type dispensing system is the pump used in the system, of which there are three types time-pressure, auger, and linear piston or positive displacement. " ... 

The introduction of robots to these applications has not been matched by any development by the dispensing equipment suppliers, the equipment being essentially automated versions of the manual system. 

Before developing an automated process for dispensing fluids, it is critical to know and understand the desired results and this begins by understanding the fluid characteristics. Often it is best to collaborate early with both the fluid supplier and the supplier of the dispensing equipment. 

When developing an automated dispensing process, the equipment suppliers need to know the desired end result. This may seem like a trivial... 

Designing a dispense process requires a decision to load parts into the dispenser manually or to use an automated loader. If the parts are to be loaded manually, tooling can be configured with the equipment supplier. If the parts are to be loaded automatically, time and money can be saved by following one of the equipment mechanical and electrical interface standards. 

The use of automated systems for application is already placing demands on the materials suppliers to provide consistent products, and this pressure is likely to increase. Controlled application is critical to the success of a bonded assembly. Additionally, the automation equipment will in itself become more sophisticated, and fully adaptive systems capable of monitoring and controlling flow rates will become available. These will enable the correct amount to be applied to the correct location without risk of either panel or fixture contamination. A comparison of manual and automatic dispensing system requirements is shown in Fig. 4.8. 

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