Gluing Robots

Gluing is a commonly used industrial fastening method to adhere parts or materials together. It is a time saving and simple adhesive technique that can limit the number of parts needed for an assembly application. Gluing applications are ideal for automation with industrial robots since they require precise and repetitive movements. Industrial robots used for gluing include traditional 6-axis robots, for example the FANUC M-710ic/20L, or delta robots, like the FANUC M-2ia. Robots used for gluing applications are typically integrated with a type of dispensing tool for the EOAT. This allows for the accurate distribution of adhesive. Gluing robots may operate in-line or be housed within a robotic workcell. To ensure proper assembly and dispensing, part positioning tools and clamps are used to correctly place and hold parts while a robot dispenses the glue.

Gluing has become a popular fastening method amongst manufacturers since it allows for dissimilar materials to be bonded together. For instance, it can be both difficult and time consuming to weld together aluminum and steel, but with gluing they can be effectively attached to one another relatively easily and quickly. In addition, the increase of composite materials being used for products has also led to the growth of gluing as a material joining method in manufacturing. Automating gluing tasks with industrial robots like the FANUC Lr Mate 200id results in an efficient assembly process. Manufacturers in the automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and glass industries are automating their assembly lines with robots dispensing adhesives.

Robots improve the precision and accuracy of gluing tasks with their ability to control adhesive bead distribution and cross-sections. They are programmed to dispense accurate amounts of adhesive, repeatedly, and to follow the exact application path. The accurate distribution of glue improves product quality as each part is correctly and securely attached during the gluing process. Manual gluing can result in inaccurate and inconsistent amounts of adhesive being applied, which can negatively affect quality. Parts may fall apart from too little glue or excess glue may ruin the aesthetic or function of parts. These issues are eliminated when gluing processes are automated with robots.

The elimination of fastening errors and material waste with robotic gluing can improve profitability for manufacturers. Adhesive materials can be expensive, so it is important to keep waste to a minimum. The accuracy of a Yaskawa HP20 optimizes glue consumption rates, preventing over use and the need for touch ups. In addition, cycle times are reduced with the operation speed of industrial robots, increasing productivity. With less wasted adhesive and more products assembled in less time, profits can significantly increase through robotic gluing automation.

Industrial robots can also solve part access issues with gluing applications. Articulated robots provide ample range of motion for accessing difficult to reach parts. 6-axis robots have larger work envelopes with longer reaches, allowing for greater part access. In addition, larger work envelopes can accommodate bigger workpieces. A gluing robot is able to apply even beads of adhesive to large parts. Many robots also have options for different mounting arrangements, which can help improve robot part access as well. For instance, the ABB 4400 can be mounted overhead. Robots provide greater flexibility when it comes to solving part access issues in relation to gluing applications.

Contact us by email mm@robotsdoneright.com or phone (440) 724-6568 today to discuss buying or selling a Gluing robot.