Many wheels must mesh smoothly so that automated gluing processes can run optimally. If the process, systems, adhesive tapes and adhesives are perfectly tailored to the respective application, automated gluing in production enables a new standard of high performance.
Machines are capable of performing the same activity as often as they like with the same speed, precision and quality. The material consumption is always perfectly dosed and the error rate remains low, no matter how complex the application is. Machines are not only superior to humans when it comes to monotonous routine processes. You can also carry out gluing where manual application reaches its limits; for example, high-precision applications in the smallest of spaces, such as those found in the electronics sector. The accuracy required for this can only be achieved mechanically.
In addition, automated gluing minimises potential health risks that could be associated with manual application. For example, physical stress caused by the handling of parts is reduced, and hazards from environments or substances that are hazardous to health are avoided.
Automation: anything but standard
From the pre-treatment to the application of the adhesive system to the joining of the parts, basically all steps of the bonding process can be automated and can be carried out by machines or appropriately programmed robots. However, there is no off-the-shelf automation solution. Every application places specific demands on systems, processes and adhesive technology. Perfect results can only be achieved if these are optimally coordinated.
In close cooperation with customers and partners, 3M is working to make automated bonding even safer, more reliable and more efficient. One focus is the optimisation of existing adhesive systems for machine application, including 1K and 2K adhesives, adhesive tapes, hot-melt or spray adhesives. Each product type is associated with specific challenges that must be taken into account during further development.
With the automated application of double-sided adhesive tapes, for example, it is not uncomplicated to pull off the adhesive tape cover (liner) by machine. 3M has developed so-called pull tabs – special pull tabs attached to the adhesive tapes – that machines can use to grab and pull off the tape cover. In addition, the forces acting on the tape during the process must also be considered. Adhesive tapes can only withstand these forces if they have the necessary stability. A rule of thumb: The faster the automated process, the higher the forces that act and the more stable the backing material of the adhesive tape should be. Correspondingly optimised, automation-capable double-sided adhesive tapes still have proven their worth in many applications.
BOX: Adhere! Freedom for construction and design
Modern adhesive technology opens up almost limitless freedom for construction and design. Almost all common industrial surfaces can be bonded to one another reliably over the long term using either a single material or a material mix.
In contrast to mechanical joining methods, the surfaces of the joining partners remain intact when gluing. There is no need to drill holes that cause weak points. Bonded joints avoid unfavourable point loads and are able to dissipate forces. In addition, elastic adhesive systems can compensate for different coefficients of thermal expansion and tension. Lastly, gluing enables ‘invisible’ connections for sophisticated design.
