Benefits of Robotic Gluing

Gluing is a common fastening process used in manufacturing that can be successfully automated by industrial robots. Gluing is ideal for robotic automation given the repetitive and precise nature of the process. The Yaskawa Motoman HP20D and the FANUC M-20ia are two industrial robots capable of gluing automation. Robotic gluing can be used for the assembly of any type of material and is the preferred choice as it limits the number of parts needed to build a complete product. Manufacturers in the automotive, plastics, consumer goods, furniture, and pharmaceutical industries have implemented gluing robots. Automating gluing with industrial robots provides a number of benefits which include:

• • Control of Adhesive Distribution - Robotic gluing allows for the complete control of adhesive distribution. With the ABB IRB 2600 beads of adhesive will be accurately placed with every part as it is programmed with the specific parameters of the application. With manual gluing, adhesive distribution is inconsistent with varying amounts of adhesive applied as workers cannot effectivity control glue distribution.


• • Better Product Quality - Accurate adhesive distribution leads to better product quality. Ensuring the correct amount of glue is distributed and in the correct location allows parts to be accurately and securely fastened to one another. The chance of product failure due to poor fastening becomes unlikely. The chance of ruining the product aesthetic or function due to the application of too much adhesive also becomes unlikely with the FANUC M-710ic/50 and other gluing robots.


• • Reduced Scrap - The prevention of gluing errors will reduce the number of parts that are scrapped as a result. Less material is wasted and consumed as parts are correctly fastened on the first cycle run. The need for rework and additional materials is prevented with robotic gluing. Reducing scrap helps manufacturers lower their environmental footprint.


• • Better Part Access - Articulated robots can solve part access issues. Six-axis robots, such as the KUKA KR16 L6, provide a full range of motion that allows them to access parts from any angle, which is helpful for difficult to reach parts. Robot manipulators with bigger work envelopes can effectively apply adhesive to large parts. The various mounting options of industrial robot arms can also help with part access.


• • Reduce Consumable Usage - Gluing robots use the correct amount of glue with every part which lowers consumable usage. Not only is consumable usage reduced but it also becomes predictable with the consistency of the Yaskawa MH50 and other robotic manipulators.


• • Increased Productivity - Factory robots can glue more parts together in less time than human workers. Faster operating speeds combined with the prevention of errors and rework will increase productivity. Manufacturing robot arms can also operate around the clock which allows for more parts to be glued and higher productivity.


• • Versatility - Robotic gluing provides greater versatility as industrial robotic arms can handle a variety of part types, sizes, and shapes. Robots can also glue dissimilar materials together. Robotic gluing allows companies to expand their manufacturing capabilities using robots.


• • Lower Costs - Using robots are more cost-effective than manual methods. Manufacturers can save on labor, material, and consumable costs with automated gluing. Costs may also become more predictable with the consistency of robots.