Two-component adhesives are widely used for assembly in numerous industries, including aerospace, automotive and construction. Applied correctly, these adhesives provide strong, durable bonds.

Comparative claims can be positive or negative, subjective or objective. But, in every instance, their main purpose is illustrative. A common example is when someone claims that a person or process is “as slow as molasses” (which, by the way, has a viscosity of only 5,000 to 10,000 centipoise [cps]).

Manufacturers that use adhesives and sealants to assemble their products know how critical it is for these materials to be dispensed with accuracy and repeatability.

Whether it’s a handheld pneumatic benchtop dispenser or a needle valve mounted to a Cartesian robot, there are many technologies for getting an adhesive, sealant or lubricant from a bulk supply and onto a part. By automating the dispensing process, assemblers can minimize waste, ensure quality and increase productivity.

More than 20 suppliers of equipment for dispensing and curing adhesives exhibited at The ASSEMBLY Show last fall. Here is a small sample of the new technologies to be found on the show floor.