The Challenge
Achieving Microliter-Scale Accuracy in Adhesive Application
Manual adhesive dispensing on small ventilator components presented several challenges:
- Inconsistent bead volume and placement affecting assembly integrity
- Requirement for circular bead patterns on fragile parts
- Fast dispense cycles (3–5 seconds per part) with no deviations
- Maintaining clean operations and avoiding contamination
The customer needed an automated solution capable of precisely measuring and depositing adhesive while also ensuring speed and part accuracy.
The Solution
Desk‑Mounted Cartesian Robot with Laser Z‑Calibration & Refillable Syringe System
MWES delivered a turnkey system with the following features:
- Compact Cartesian robot cell sized for benchtop deployment
- Laser distance sensor to automatically calibrate nozzle height per part
- Disposable adhesive syringe (6 oz) with in‑cell refill station for continuous operation
- Teach-pendant controlled recipes with circular bead dispensing paths
- Operator installs parts and triggers the automated dispensing cycle
Thanks to the height calibration and consistent dispensing logic, the system delivers highly accurate adhesive application repeatedly.
Summary: This small-scale system achieves fast (< 5 sec/part) and precise adhesive deposition with minimal operator touch—ideal for sensitive medical components.
The Results
High-Speed, Clean, and Consistent Adhesive Application Without Waste
The automation system achieved meaningful operational improvements:
- Delivered consistent, repeatable adhesive bead application in 3–5 seconds per part
- Reduced waste thanks to precise dispense volume and laser-guided positioning
- Eliminated inconsistent manual dispensing and improved cycle speed
- Suitable for clean‑room environments with minimal contamination risk
