The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG

 
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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
THE WORLD OF DISPENSING TECHNOLOGY
ISSUE 02

The perfect
PU foam gasket
Automatic production
of large quantities
Page 14

BONDING                   LUBRICANTS                   WHITE GOODS
Pioneers in retractable   Contactless application in   Metering technology for
solar roofs place their   the automotive industry      all production steps
trust in DOPAG
                                                       Page 20
                          Page 10
Page 6
The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
Did you know?
In 1937, after years of extensive research, the chemical
scientist Otto Bayer (1902 – 1982) filed a patent appli-
cation for a completely new type of material that would
revolutionise numerous industries: polyurethane (PU).
Polyurethane has been commercially available since 1941,
but it was only after the Second World War that consump-
tion increased sharply.

Polyurethane is now one of the primary materials that
can be processed with metering and mixing systems from
DOPAG. In single or dual-component form, it can be used
as an adhesive and sealant or as a potting compound for a
wide range of applications, for example for bonding in the
automotive industry, for sealing and potting of housings
and electronic assemblies, or in the production of house-
hold appliances. PU is easy to process, offers very good
adhesion and has high chemical resistance. Polyurethane
can be processed with eldomix or variomix from DOPAG.
PU gaskets can be produced with dynamicLine. This ena-
bles the material to be mixed dynamically. The gasket then
foams up and hardens at room temperature. PU gaskets
are found in applications such as lights and speakers (see
photo) in cars or in door seals in control cabinets.

Incidentally, when Otto Bayer invented polyurethane, he
was working for the Bayer Group in Leverkusen, but it is                                                      NEW
purely coincidental that the two names are the same.

                                                                          Select, compare,
                                                                        send a request online
                                                                         Our online product portal offers a wide range
                                                                                     of pumps and valves
                                                                                                               .....
Legal notice                                                 The rapid availability of components, whether for new systems or spare parts, is essential for successful
Hilger u. Kern GmbH                                           production. The DOPAG online product portal now contains all of our metering components and pumps.
Käfertaler Straße 253, 68167 Mannheim, Germany               In addition to product information and technical data, you can find STEP files and lots more. You can also
Phone: +49 621 3705 500, Email: marketing@dopag.de              compare products online and send requests. With original components from DOPAG, you can ensure
Editorial team                                                                    reliable and stable processes in your daily production operations.
Frank Pörschke (Manager), Sandra Lehmann

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
NEW      productportal.dopag.com

      Enjoy the benefits now
      Are you an operator of metering and mixing systems,
      a system integrator or a supplier of dispensing technology?
      Then our product portal is perfect for you.
      .....
      In our product portal, you can find all the relevant information    ogies and a wide range of valve types to process monitoring
      about a wide range of products – pumps, metering valves,            systems, we offer everything from a single source. Different
      dispensing valves and accessories. You can access technical         variants of individual products guarantee maximum flexibility.
      data, STEP files or service literature online whenever and
      wherever you need them on the product portal and request            Global availability
      items directly. You can also select products and compare
      them directly.                                                      Thanks to our extensive stocks, we can supply urgently
                                                                          needed spare parts as well as components for new metering
      Individual solutions                                                systems at short notice. Our global distribution network
                                                                          ensures consistent production standards and fast availability
      The modular structure of the product range enables an indi-         for international companies throughout the world.
      vidual solution to be developed that meets all the require-
      ments for the application. Single-component and dual-compo-
      nent lubricants, adhesives, sealants and potting compounds
      with different viscosities and properties can be processed.
      From various material supply systems and metering technol-
                                                                                                                                                                                             Functions and contents
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Comprehensive filter function for
                                                                                                                                                                                              product selection
      Our product range                                                                                                                                                                     • Compare products
                                                                                                                                                                                            • STEP files
          Drum and                                    Metering valves                            Dispensing valves
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Technical data
          barrel pumps                                                                                                                                                                      • Service literature
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Technical drawings

          Metering technologies                       Components for monitoring and
                                                      control

                                                                                                                                           Individual support   Large product range   Maximum product          Fast delivery
                                                                                                                                                                                          quality
                                                                                                          About DOPAG
                                                                                                          product portal

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
APPLICATION CASE

                                                                                                                                                                Everything is fully automated in the production hall: the photovoltaic modules are bonded to the metal frame with the eldomix metering and mixing system.
                                                                                                                                                                The material is supplied via gear pumps. They are then assembled into a complete retractable roof group.
                                                                                                                                                                Photos: dhp technology
Photo: dhp technology

                                                                                                                                                                The pair turned to cable car technology for the flexible                        The company has already used a rental system from DOPAG
                                                                                                                                                                photovoltaic roof. The lightweight system consists of a                         in the production of a prototype. ‘The solar modules are
                                                                                                                                                                galvanised support structure and the roof made of solar                         exposed to extreme weather conditions, from strong solar

                              Making clever use of the sun
                                                                                                                                                                modules suspended from supporting cables. These are                             radiation, wind and rain to snow and sub-zero tempera-
                                                                                                                                                                made from non-glare plastic and connected to one another                        tures,’ says Andreas Huegli.
                                                                                                                                                                by means of hinges.

                                                                                                                                                                ‘As far as production is concerned, we have focused                             ‘ Stable, durable bonding of the modules to the frame

                              Precise bonding for the world’s first retractable solar roof                                                                      on automation from the very beginning, as this                                  is therefore vital for us. We are impressed by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                precise, reliable metering and mixing technology
                                                                                                                                                                allows us to grow.’
                              .....                                                                                                                             Gian Andri Diem
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                from DOPAG.’
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Andreas Hügli
                                                                                                                                                                For the production of the individual solar modules, the
                              Parking spaces, logistics areas and wastewater                  the young Swiss company based in Zizers in the canton of          eldomix metering and mixing system from DOPAG was                               Eldomix conveys the two components by means of two
                              treatment plants require a lot of space. Why not                Graubünden. This all began with the roofing of wastewater         integrated into the production line. It meters and mixes a                      gear metering pumps. These are driven by three-phase
                              make efficient use of this space? This is what the              treatment plants. In 2018, the first model went into opera-       dual-component adhesive which is used to bond the thin                          asynchronous motors and offer high metering precision.
                              Swiss start-up dhp technology thought when it con-              tion in the wastewater treatment plant for the town of Chur.      plastic photovoltaic modules to a metal frame. Application                      The material is supplied directly from the original container
                              structed the world’s first retractable solar roof. The          It was the first installation of its kind in the world. With an   of the material is fully automated. The individual modules                      by means of two drum pumps. In general, eldomix is suitable
                              individual modules are manufactured with dispens-               area of 6,400 m², the retractable solar roof covers 20 per        are then assembled into a complete retractable roof group..                     for processing low to medium-viscosity multi-component
                              ing technology from DOPAG.                                      cent of the electricity demands of the energy-intensive                                                                                           materials based on polyurethane, epoxy or silicone. The ma-
                                                                                              wastewater treatment plant. The benefit of this is that the                                                                                       terial is homogeneously mixed via a static mixing system.
                              At the car park for Kronberg cable car system in the Swiss      entire system remains fully accessible, and the retractable                                                                                       The mixing ratio and the discharge quantity are variable.
                              canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, visitors have a pleasant       solar roof provides shade during necessary maintenance                                                                                            The material can be discharged in shot form or continuously
                              surprise in store. They can park in the shade and charge        work in summer and reduces algae growth.                                                                                                          via a dispensing valve.
                              their electric vehicles at the same time. The 4,000 m² car
                              park is covered by a retractable solar roof. This provides      The retractable solar roof has a system control function                                                                                          In this way, the photovoltaic modules can be safely and reli-
                              power to the Kronberg cable car system, which climbs from       with an integrated meteo algorithm. In connection with                                                                                            ably bonded to the metal frame and then assembled into a
                              the valley to the mountain station situated at approximate-     data collected by a weather station mounted on the system,                                                                                        high-quality retractable solar roof. Andreas Hügli and Gian
                              ly 1,600 metres. During stormy weather, hail or snowfall, the   the modules are either unfolded or, during inclement weath-                                                                                       Andri Diem have been successful with their idea. The pro-
                                                                                                                                                                 Photo: dhp technology

                              solar modules fold up by themselves and are stored in long      er, folded up and stored in a garage. Managing directors                                                                                          duction line is running at full capacity and more retractable
                              garages. The world’s first patented retractable solar roof      Andreas Hügli and Gian Andri Diem have found a niche in the                                                                                       solar roof systems will soon follow in Switzerland and
                              was developed under the name Horizon by dhp technology          market with this business idea.                                                                                                                   Germany.
                              AG. The car park roofing is one of the latest projects from

                                                                                                                                                                Managing directors Gian Andri Diem and Andreas Hügli

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
GREASING AND OILING

      Precise metering                                                                                                                                                                                                            Spray valve:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         spray cone and directions

      from distance                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Spraying straight

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Round jet             Flat jet
      Metering systems for contactless
      application of lubricants
      .....

      The contactless application of lu-     household appliance industries. Here,     terial. Both valves apply the material
      bricants meets all conditions for      contactless greasing in the form of       in dot form, with the application tak-
      complex, automated production          shot or spray application is often the    ing place in the longitudinal direction
                                                                                                                                 High flexibility                          of material and valve should always
      processes and is now standard in       only option.                              of the nozzle. With the shot valve, the                                             be chosen. The main advantage of                            2.
      many industries. We present the                                                  shot direction can be varied depend-      Contactless greasing is always a          contactless greasing is the higher             Spraying at an angle
      options available and what needs       Contactless material application          ing on the extension. The dots can be     solution when the point of use of         frequency and speed of metering. In
      to be considered in the design of      offers numerous benefits: precision,      set individually or overlapping in the    the valve is not freely accessible.       series production, in particular, a few     90° round jet        45° round jet
      the metering system.                   speed, reproducibility, reliability and   form of a bead. Application remains       Thanks to a wide range of extensions,     seconds can be critical and can lead
                                             documentation. With contactless           contactless compared to a dot appli-      attachments and nozzles, all valves       to improved efficiency and greater
      Today, the limitations of dot appli-   material application, the lubricant is    cation using a needle metering valve,     offer a high degree of flexibility.       cost-effectiveness. The valves can be
      cation or continuous application       applied to the component from a set       where lubricant temporarily bridges       Different distances, shot angles and      optionally supplemented with various
      in bead form are quickly reached.      distance. Regardless of the position-     the gap between the metering valve        spray patterns, as well as complex        measuring devices for optimum quali-
      Lubricants often have to be applied    ing of the valve on the axis, for exam-   and the component. Spray valves are       geometries, are possible without          ty assurance and documentation, such
      in hard-to-reach places. This is the   ple, shots can be set with 100 per cent   ideal for contactless, full-surface       any difficulty. Contactless greasing      as a light barrier for shot detection,
      case, for example, in the automotive   accuracy with a shot or high-speed        application of greases and oils. They     is a good solution when the compo-        a gear flow meter, stroke detection
      industry, where grease has to be ap-   valve, even from distances of up to       are capable of both intermittent and      nent in question cannot be greased        or a pressure sensor. This means that
      plied to components after they have    120 millimetres. The shot valve can       continuous material application. Here,    before the assembly of other parts        process reliability, high quality, and
      been assembled, as well as in other    perform up to 200 switching cycles in     too, the shot direction can be varied     that subsequently prevent access to       continuous monitoring and control           2 x 90°                     360°
      industries such as the furniture and   a second with minimal amounts of ma-      depending on the extension.               the application point or when a long      are possible at all times, even with       round jet                  round jet
                                                                                                                                 immersion distance has to be bridged.     short cycles, high repetition rates and
                                                                                                                                 With the shot valve, for example,         stringently defined tolerances.
                                                                                                                                 grease can be applied on two sides
                                                                                                                                 simultaneously, while, with the spray     The challenges involved in contactless
                                                                                                                                 valve, 360° application is possible.      greasing should not be underestimat-
                                                                                                                                                                           ed. The type and consistency of the
                                                                                                                                 High cost-efficiency                      grease and oil play an important role.
                                                                                                                                                                           Not all types of material are suitable
                                                                                                                                 Whether contactless greasing is           for all valves, for example thin wetting
                                                                                                                                 suitable and offers advantages over       of surfaces with the spray valve. De-
                                                                                                                                 material application with a metering      pending on the nozzle size, materials
                                                                                                                                 valve should always be checked for        with different viscosities can be pro-
                                                                                                                                 the particular application. Both con-     cessed with the high-speed and shot
                                                                                                                                 tactless application with dispensing      valve. In any case, it is important to
                                                                                                                                 valves and metering valves enable         consider the main criteria involved in
                                                                                                                                 precise metering and clean material       the decision process before selecting
                                                                                                                                 application. The nature of the material   the metering system. In this way, there
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Watch live
                                                                                                                                 itself plays an important role in the     are many benefits in terms of speed,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              videos now
                                                                                                                                 choice. The optimum combination           precision and material cost savings.

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
This involves bonding a plastic compo-
                                                                                                                                    nent to a metal or composites panel.
                                                                                                                                    The eldomix metering and mixing
                                                                                                                                    system from DOPAG is used, which is
                                                                                                                                    ideal for bonding applications and can
                                                                                                                                    be easily integrated into the highly
                                                                                                                                    automated production lines in the au-
                                                                                                                                    tomotive industry. A dual-component
                                                                                                                                    polyurethane is metered and mixed. In
                                                                                                                                    the application, a robot with a speed
                                                                                                                                    of 300 cc/min places a bead around
                                                                                                                                    the trim of the tailgate with maximum
                                                                                                                                    precision.

                                                                                                                                    Precise, reliable metering

                                                                                                                                    In the automotive industry, high pre-     Above: Gear pumps ensure reliable
                                                                                                                                    cision with extremely stringent toler-    conveying of the material
                                                                                                                                    ances as well as high process reliabil-
                                                                                                                                    ity and reproducibility are required.
                                                                                                                                    Due to this, and owing to the sensitive
                                                                                                                                    nature of the material, DOPAG put the
                                                                                                                                    entire mixing head of the eldomix at
                                                                                                                                    the end of the robot arm in the design
                                                                                                                                    process. As a result, deviations of the
                                                                                                                                    measured values from set parameters                                                 Right: The eldomix metering and mixing
                                                                                                                                    are very small and all requirements                                                 system was implemented worldwide and
                                                                                                                                    for metering precision can be met.                                                  ensures consistent standards in production
                                                                                                                                    Eldomix enables a highly complex ma-
             BONDING                                                                                                                terial to be metered with a high flow
                                                                                                                                    rate and a very narrow error rate to be
                                                                                                                                    controlled and maintained.

           For complex demands                                                                                                      Material pressure regulators and flow
                                                                                                                                    meters are used to ensure optimal
                                                                                                                                    control and process monitoring. The
                                                                                                                                    material pressure regulators reduce
                                                                                                                                                                              Metering system in operation
                                                                                                                                                                              around the world

                                                                                                                                                                              The automotive supplier has produc-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Below: A dual-component polyurethane is
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        metered and mixed. A robot then places a
                                                                                                                                    the pressure of the material being        tion sites in more than 30 countries.
           Bonding automotive components                                                                                            conveyed down to the necessary            Production lines are planned once
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        bead around the trim of the tailgate

                                                                                                                                    working pressure. The flow meters         and then implemented worldwide. As
           consistently and reliably around the world                                                                               enable accurate measurement of the        a global manufacturer itself, DOPAG
                                                                                                                                    current material flow, thus ensuring      is able to meet this requirement

           .....                                                                                                                    highly precise application. Gear
                                                                                                                                    metering pumps with a servo drive are
                                                                                                                                                                              precisely and replicate the metering
                                                                                                                                                                              system at all desired final locations
                                                                                                                                    used for material supply and mixing.      across the world. For the automotive
           A total of over 18 kilograms of       Countless components are bonded         ticular, the joining of components is      Even slight changes in temperature        supplier, in addition to the individual
           adhesive is used per vehicle in       to one another in modern automotive     extremely important. For the bonding       could lead to overpressure or fluctua-    design, this was a key reason for the
           the automotive industry. Many         production. This not only makes the     to hold reliably and have a long service   tions in the mixing ratio. The material   partnership with DOPAG. Should mod-
           parts of lorry trailers and special   vehicles lighter, but also increases    life, precise metering and mixing of       cannot be allowed to overheat. To         ifications to the system be necessary
           vehicles are also bonded. DOPAG       safety in the case of accidents. Com-   the adhesive is essential. DOPAG           ensure a constant temperature, the        due to changing requirements, DOPAG
           developed an individual metering      pared to welded cars, they perform      came up with an individual solution for    entire material supply takes place in     implements these modifications
           system for an international auto-     better in crash tests. For example,     a global automotive supplier.              a climate-controlled cell. Observance     worldwide on all systems that are
           motive supplier, which has been       bodywork and interior components,                                                  of all of these requirements ensures      already in use and on future systems.
           implemented worldwide.                windows and even engine components      The metering and mixing system is          continuously high metering precision
                                                 are bonded. In electric cars, in par-   used in the production of tailgates.       and repeatability.

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
news
                   New product line for 1K bonding and sealing                                                                                               Coating release papers evenly
            glueLine offers a wide range of components and complete systems                                                                  coatingmix processes silicone for the production of stickers

                                               With its glueLine product line, DOPAG offers individually        To enable stickers to be removed from their release paper, the
                                               configurable solutions for the metering and application of       release paper is given a silicone coating. With its coatingmix
                                               single-component adhesives and sealants in all industries.       metering and mixing system, DOPAG offers an efficient, safe
                                               The product line includes high-quality components such as        solution that is specially tailored to this application, meeting
                                               drum pumps for material supply, metering pumps, dispensing       all requirements and offering high flexibility. Coatingmix can
                                               valves and components for monitoring and control that can        be easily integrated into automated and existing application
                                               be integrated individually into existing production lines. For   systems. It fills the material reservoir and keeps this full dur-
                                               customers who need an operational metering system for            ing production. The metering system is suitable for all system
                                               their production, DOPAG offers complete system solutions.        types as well as for the highest coating speeds (from 200 m/
                                               All components and systems are available in various forms,       min to > 1,000 m/min). The material is supplied directly from
                                               individually configured by DOPAG experts based on the            original containers such as IBC containers or 200-litre drums.
                                               requirements of the respective application and production        Coatingmix enables the processing of silicone coatings with
                                               process. The DIN standard 2304 for the professional imple-       two to seven components. Several variants of the formula can
                                               mentation of adhesive processes is met in each case.             be stored and accessed flexibly.

                                               Overview of all products: www.dopag.com/glueline

                           Clean application of lubricants                                                                                      Dispensing technology for battery production
            Individually configurable dispensing stations for manual application                                                                vectomix TC processes thermally conductive materials

                                               DOPAG uses special dispensing stations for the manual            DOPAG offers its vectomix TC metering and mixing system
                                               application of lubricants. With the help of an adapter,          with special features specially for the processing of ther-
                                               components such as O-rings and other seals can be greased        mally conductive materials. In the field of electromobility,
                                               or oiled manually. The metering process is triggered by the      it is used in the production of batteries, in particular, as well
                                               downward pressure of the component on the adapter. The oil       as in the potting of printed circuit boards or sensors. The
                                               or grease is metered and evenly applied to the component.        vectomix TC dispensing system consists of two piston me-
                                               The dispensing station is easy to use, and any contact be-       tering units which are available in different sizes and which
                                               tween the user and the material is prevented. The dispensing     can be combined together. This modular structure enables
                                               station is particularly suitable for semi-automated assembly     a diverse range of applications as well as variable mixing
                                               stations and fully automated assembly cells, such as in the      ratios and discharge ratios. The components are equipped
                                               automotive industry. The adapter and the entire system           with a special coating to protect them from excessive wear
                                               can be configured individually. Volumetric metering valves       and to ensure consistent and reliable processing. The mate-
                                               also offer high repeatability. Pneumatic compressed air is       rial can be discharged in shot or bead form.
                                               required for material supply.

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
IN FOCUS

            The perfect
            PU foam gasket
            Automated production
            with dynamicLine
            Strong adhesion, long durability and high reproducibility
            – with dynamicLine from DOPAG, series production of PU
            gaskets can be designed efficiently.

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The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
The application of PU gaskets on com-
                                                                                                                                              ponents for control cabinets is a typical
                                                                   IN FOCUS                                                                   application of dynamicLine                   PU foam gaskets

                                  PU foam gaskets                                                                                                                                          Benefits of automated production compared to manually inserted
                                                                                                                                                                                           seals

                                                                                                                                                                                           • They are automatically fixed in position and can stick without any addi-
                                 High-quality and efficient production                                                                                Watch application
                                                                                                                                                                  video                      tional adhesive tape.
                                                                                                                                                                                           • Thanks to the precise coordination of metering volume and robot speed,
                                                                     .....                                                                                                                   the start and end points of the foam bead come together perfectly, so
                                                                                                                                                                                             there are no undesired coupling points or open joints or notches.
                                                                                                                                                                                           • Considerably lower costs for a seal
       Polyurethane (PU) gaskets protect             offers significantly higher process        opening, which could otherwise create         and hoses can be controlled. The con-        • Higher-quality seal
       component interiors from moisture,            reliability. The seal adheres firmly and   an untidy sealing bead or make the            trol unit can store several metering and     • Short cycle times enable efficient, automated production.
       dirt and other environmental influences.      permanently to the component. There        component or belt system dirty. PU            positioning programmes. For example,         • Practically no waste compared to punched or cut seals
       For example, they seal control cabinets,      are no coupling points or open notch-      gaskets can also be produced much             it is possible to switch between differ-     • System is rinsed with water, solvent-free
       their housings and doors, or the lights       es. Thanks to a controlled overlap,        faster and in higher volumes by means         ent components or material formula-
       and speakers in cars. They are also used      the start and end points of the foam       of the FIPFG process (formed-in-place         tions. Furthermore, different discharge
       in the filtration and packaging industries.   bead merge. A nozzle-closure system        foam gasket).                                 capacities with varying seal widths or
       PU foam gaskets can be inserted man-          ensures seamless closure of the sealing                                                  heights can be selected.
       ually. However, an automated solution         bead. It prevents dripping at the nozzle   PU gaskets are made from reactive
                                                                                                polymer materials. In general, two com-       High flexibility: applications for
                                                                                                ponents are processed with a dynamic          bonding and potting                          Knowledge
                                                                                                mixing system. Metering and mixing are
                                                                                                carried out precisely and with consist-       DynamicLine also offers solutions for        With the FIPFG process (formed-in-place foam gasket), reactive polymer-
                                                                                                ently high quality. With the use of a         the dynamic mixing and automated             ic materials are metered, mixed and then applied using a dynamic mixing
                                                                                                linear robot, the gaskets can be applied      metering of adhesives and potting            system such as dynamicLine from DOPAG. This involves an A-component
                                                                                                directly onto the component automat-          compounds. The dynamic mixing head           (polyol) and a B-component, as well as the hardener (MDI isocyanate). The
                                                                                                ically. It is also possible to position the   is suitable for a wide range of materials,   A-component has molecule chains of different lengths. They determine
                                                                                                component beneath a permanently               from extremely liquid to highly thixo-       how soft or hard the foam is after hardening. The longer the molecule
                                                                                                installed mixing head with the aid of         tropic. The use of linear or industrial      chains, the softer and more flexible the foam. Mixing the A and B-com-
                                                                                                an industrial robot and start with the        robots makes automation possible that        ponents in the mixing system starts the reaction. The molecule chains
                                                                                                geometry of the foam bead. The result         meets the exact requirements of the          connect with one another and a polymer is formed. This produces carbon
                                                                                                is a soft foam seal that hardens at           application.                                 dioxide as a fission product. With the technology used by DOPAG, the
                                                                                                room temperature. To compensate for                                                        low-pressure process, this is responsible for foaming the material and
                                                                                                different ambient temperatures, the                                                        then hardening it at room temperature.
                                                                                                temperature of the mixing chamber as
                                                                                                well as that of the material containers

16   ...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ...   17
The perfect PU foam gasket - Automatic production of large quantities - DOPAG
Automated application of gas-
                                                                                                                                       kets to a control cabinet door

                                                          PROJECT OUTLINE                                                                                                               PROJECT OUTLINE

                                     Series production of PU gaskets                                                                                         Convenient material handling thanks
                                       in the automotive industry                                                                                                 to shuttle sliding tables
       The challenge                                                 the dynamic mixing head, which is mounted on a travelling       The challenge                                                 The solution
                                                                     axis. The mixing head can move to the two positions on the
       Production in the automotive industry involves high-quan-     left and right in order to apply the material. The robot then   The automated production of PU gaskets is only efficient if   To ensure efficient production processes, DOPAG combined
       tity orders, where reproducibility, process reliability and   takes over the application and moves the component in           the handling of the components is optimally integrated into   dynamicLine, consisting of a dynamic mixing head and a
       quality assurance play a crucial role. DOPAG developed a      accordance with the contour. The benefit of this approach       the production process. For an Eastern European manufac-      linear robot, with a shuttle sliding table. The control cabinet
       system that meets these requirements exactly for Gealan       is that a gasket can be applied to a component on multiple      turer of electronic products, DOPAG adapted its dynamicLine   doors are manually placed on the shuttle sliding table. When
       Formteile GmbH (a developer and manufacturer of indus-        sides in a single work step. The PU gasket then hardens at      product precisely to the company’s requirements. The cus-     the start button is pressed, the shuttle sliding table moves
       trialised plastic parts and components) and Foster (a sound   room temperature on a specially produced conveyor. Exten-       tomer needs to apply a PU gasket to control cabinet doors     into the application area, and the linear robot with the dy-
       system manufacturer) for the application of PU gaskets to     sive process assurance systems meet all the requirements        of different sizes. Handling should be as ergonomic and       namic mixing head moves into position and starts applying
       speaker modules. One of the primary requirements of the       of the automotive industry. The workpiece carriers can be       convenient as possible for users, even in the case of large   the PU gasket. In the meantime, the user can prepare and
       system is high flexibility. PU gaskets are to be applied to   replaced within a few minutes and the appropriate meter-        doors, and should also take as little time as possible.       insert the second control cabinet door on the second level.
       multiple different components at multiple points.             ing process can be conveniently selected using the system’s                                                                   The software automatically identifies which level is ready
                                                                     touch panel. This gives the user maximum flexibility in                                                                       for application of the gasket and brings the dynamic mixing
       The solution                                                  series production. The user can respond quickly to different                                                                  head into the right starting position automatically. The user
                                                                     needs and manufacture variable quantities of different                                                                        can respond flexibly, e.g. with the help of the hole pattern
       The system has several procedural steps, with three robots    components.                                                                                                                   grid on the shuttle sliding table, and can even insert several
       handling the components. These are inserted manually and                                                                                                                                    smaller control cabinet doors. A corresponding programme
       supplied via two conveyors. A robot picks up a component                                                                                                                                    can be stored for each application and then selected in just
       on the left or right and directs it to a nozzle for plasma                                                                                                                                  a few steps as required, ensuring maximum flexibility in the
       pre-treatment. This ‘activates’ the surface of the com-                                                                                                                                     production of PU gaskets at all times. The materials for the
       ponent, enabling the gasket to stick to it. The robot then                                                                                                                                  subsequent PU gasket, the A-component and the B-compo-
       places the component in a workpiece carrier. These have an                                                                                                                                  nent, are conveyed into the mixing head via pressure tanks.
       important secondary function, as they help with ionisation.                                                                                                                                 A material conditioning system controls the temperature
       The components are statically charged and the surfaces                                                                                                                                      of the containers and hoses. This compensates for fluctu-
       are neutralised for the subsequent application of material.                                                                                                                                 ations in the ambient temperature and ensures that the
       The other two robots then take turns picking up the compo-                                                                                                                                  material is prepared reliably with a constant temperature
                                                                                                       Complete
       nents from the workpiece carriers. The gasket application                                      case study                                                                                   and consistent level of quality.
       then follows. The polyurethane is metered and mixed in                                          and video

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INDUSTRY IN FOCUS

       Maximum comfort
       Premium metering and mixing technology
       ensures durability and high quality for                                                                                                                                                                       DOPAG offers solutions for all
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     steps involved in the production
       kitchens and household appliances                                                                                                                                                                             of household appliances: bonding,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     sealing, greasing, potting and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     gasketing
       .....

                                                                                                                               Systems for sealing                       side. Ceramic hobs or the frames of      range of metering components, valves
                                                                                                                                                                         washing machines and dishwashers         and pumps enables individual systems
       For protection against dust and             Bonding and potting                                                         For sealing, DOPAG offers metering        are also sealed in this way.             to be set up, which can be integrated
       moisture or for a secure hold,                                                                                          systems for the dynamic mixing and                                                 into automated production lines. All
       various components are potted,              In joining technology, the household                                        application of sealing foams as well      Application of lubricants                metering and mixing systems are
       bonded, greased and sealed                  appliance industry relies primarily                                         as metering and mixing systems for                                                 adapted to the specific application
       during the production of house-             on partially and fully automated                                            the application of sealants. Various      Greases and oils ensure low friction,    and configured according to the
       hold appliances. High-precision             processes, in which various pre- and                                        systems fitted with piston or gear        smooth, quiet operation and long         requirements.
       metering and mixing technology              post-treatment processes, such as                                           pumps are available for the metering,     durability for components and knobs.
       ensures safety and high quality             plasma pre-treatment or hardening                                           mixing and application of sealants.       Lubricant is therefore used in numer-
       for consumers and producers.                of the components, are already                                              For the dynamic mixing and appli-         ous components in the production of
                                                   integrated. Silicone is primarily used                                      cation of PU foam gaskets, DOPAG          household appliances. For example,
       The quiet hum of the refrigerator, the      here, as it can withstand the often       Washing machine: drum bear-       offers an efficient, automated solution   lubricant is applied in various places
       gurgle of the dishwasher or the smell       high ambient temperatures without         ings and seals are greased, the   in dynamicLine. Ceramic or stainless      in pumps for washing machines and
       of freshly ground coffee – there is an      any difficulty. For example, panels       control housing and water pump    steel sinks, for example, have foamed     dishwashers and in electrical motors.
       array of electronic devices in every        and housings for washing machines,        are sealed, heat condensers are   seals like this on the installation       For greasing and oiling, a modular
       modern kitchen to ensure a high level       dishwashers and refrigerators are         potted
       of comfort. The appliances, which are       bonded. In ovens, for example, glass
       easy to operate, have gone through          panes and profiles for the doors are
       countless production steps before           bonded together. There are various
       ending up in the kitchen. Metering and      different options for every applica-
       mixing technology is an integral part       tion. The adhesive can be applied in a
       of almost all production steps. Auto-       multifunctional cell, which can also be
       mated processes require high repro-         integrated in the line. Alternatively,
       ducibility and reliable application. The    DOPAG designs individual special
       various parts and electronic compo-         systems that meet all requirements
       nents are bonded, sealed, greased or        precisely. The same applies to the                                                                                                                             Above: Automated application of adhesive
       potted during the production process.       potting of electronic components with                                                                                                                          to components for the production of oven
       Single and dual-component materi-           epoxy resin, such as in heat condens-                                                                                                                          doors. Pre-treatment with Pyrosil has
       als based on polyurethane, epoxy or         ers for tumble dryers or control units                                                                                                                         already been carried out

       silicone, as well as lubricants, are also   for dishwashers and refrigerators. In
       used. DOPAG provides the custom-            addition to protection against dust,
       ised metering and mixing systems            moisture, corrosion and shock, this
       required for every type of application.     also includes sight protection and pro-
                                                   tection against replication.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Watch application
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      video

20   ...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...   21
INSIDE DOPAG

       International                                                                                                                   Following
       networking of teams                                                                                                             DOPAG
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Roger Hermann is Director
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Key Market Automotive
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     & Lubrication at DOPAG
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     AG, Switzerland. Here, he
       DOPAG digitises distribution processes                                                                                          This time in Switzerland                                                                      introduces Cham and Lake
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Zug and gives some tips for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     a visit there.
       .....                                                                                                                           .....

       With eleven of its own branches           DOPAG branches will be connected to         want to work with the same tech-          Which highlights should not be missed?
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Sunset with lake views – There are no mountains around
       and more than 30 distributors,            the CRM in the next months.                 nology at each site. With the help of       Villette-Park – Magnificent English-style park with             the town of Zug, so it makes for a great spot to admire
       DOPAG has a global presence.                                                          the CRM system, DOPAG employees             mature trees spread over an area of 46,000 m², located          some beautiful sunsets. The sun then sets in the lake.
                                                 New customer, quote and project             worldwide can access the data from          directly on Lake Zug in Cham. There’s plenty to discover
       The majority of the company’s                                                                                                                                                                     Before that, you can enjoy a piece of traditional Zuger
                                                 management processes are present-           the previously installed metering and       and lots of places to relax along the 7.4-km loop trail.        Kirschtorte there. It can only be made in the canton of
       customers also operate inter-
                                                 ed clearly with the CRM system and          mixing system and configure it at           Zugerberg – Easily accessible with the Zugerberg funic-         Zug and contains kirschwasser made from the famous
       nationally and cooperate locally          organised efficiently. ‘In this way,        the relevant location with the same         ular. Even though it’s just 1,000 metres high, the views        Zug cherries (Swiss German: Zuger Chriesi).
       with DOPAG. With a new CRM                we can process each enquiry in the          parameters. ‘We want to shine the           of the mountains, lake and, depending on the weather,
       system, the company shapes its            best-possible form, no matter how           light even more on our international        the sea of fog are amazing. There are also lots of leisure   Where to go for a culinary experience?
       distribution processes trans-             complex it may be, and share it with        customers and sales teams,’ explains        opportunities available.                                     If you’re in Villette-Park, you can enjoy some high-class
       parently and internationally.             the right contact person, so that our       Knaus. 'With the CRM system, we are         Tour on Lake Zug – With a tour on the lake, you can ex-      Swiss cuisine with lake views at Villa Villette. If you prefer
       Customers in particular stand to          customers receive an expert answer          connecting all of our teams in DOPAG’s      plore the region from the water. Or hop off at one of the    a more rustic experience, then Restaurant Raben in Cham
       benefit from this.                        promptly,’ says managing director           branches around the world and in-           nine stops, such as in Zug or Arth am See. From Arth, you    serves delicious Swiss cuisine. The time-honoured sur-
                                                 Steffen Knaus. From the initial enquiry     creasing transparency.’ This increases      can climb the Rigi and admire Lake Lucerne.                  roundings provide an intimate atmosphere.
       In just a few clicks, DOPAG employees     and project management to delivery          knowledge transfer between the
       around the world will be able to get an   of the system, all data is stored in the    individual branches and also provides     What can be explored off the beaten path?                      What do you like most about your region?
       overview in the future: What metering     CRM system.                                 the option to access existing data and      Chomer Märt – Has traditionally been held in Cham on         Cham and Lake Zug are very diverse. The lake and moun-
       and mixing system was the customer                                                    experience during the construction          the last Wednesday before the first Sunday of Advent         tains offer a wealth of leisure opportunities, and if you’ve
       previously using? Where is the system     Sharing knowledge around the                processes of new systems. The CRM           for almost 200 years. There are over 100 market stalls       already done everything around Lake Zug, you can also be
       in operation? Which colleague was         world                                       system remains flexible despite the         with lots of different things on offer.                      in Zurich or Lucerne on Lake Lucerne quite quickly.
       working on the project and is familiar                                                international nature. It has a modular      Ziegelei Museum – Small museum near Cham on the
       with the application? – These are the     The aim is not simply to optimise           structure and is scalable. It will also     history of brick making, the only one of its kind in Swit-
       types of questions that DOPAG em-         and digitalise the entire distribution      serve as a strategic control tool in        zerland. You can take classes to create your own bricks.
       ployees deal with every day. Thanks to    process as part of DOPAG’s global           the future, helping to identify trends
       the recently launched customer rela-      digitalisation offensive. It is more that   more quickly and use the insights for
       tionship management system (CRM),         the CRM system simplifies interde-          the benefit of DOPAG customers.
       these questions will be answered in       partmental and, above all, internation-
       the future. In 2019, DOPAG began to       al cooperation, and thus also offers                                                  Cham is located on Lake Zug in Switzerland and is home         technology has been concentrated in Cham to this time.
       introduce the world’s leading CRM         many benefits to the customers. This                                                  to DOPAG Dosiertechnik und Pneumatik AG. DOPAG was             Here, all metering systems for greasing and oiling are de-
       system Salesforce. Additional coun-       is because many customers who have                                                    founded here in 1976 and the first metering valves and         signed and produced according to customer requirements
       tries followed in 2020 and further        multiple production sites worldwide                                                   pumps for greasing and oiling in the automotive industry       and tests are carried out in DOPAG’s own technical centre.
                                                                                                                                       were developed here. The entire expertise for 1K dispensing

22   ...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ...   23
Global sales and service network
You can find your local DOPAG contact at
www.dopag.com/contacts

      Branches
      Distributors

We are one of the world’s most experienced manufacturers of               DOPAG is part of the HILGER & KERN GROUP, a reliable supplier
high-quality metering and mixing technology. Wherever adhesives,          and a development and service partner to industrial companies in
resins, silicones, sealing foams or lubricants are metered and            a variety of market segments for more than 90 years. The group
applied in industrial production, we offer reliable, precise solutions.   employs around 350 people and has subsidiaries and distributors in
We provide systems and components for highly automated pro-               more than 40 countries.
duction processes, including for the automotive, wind, household
appliances and electrical industries, as well as for aerospace.

                     ISSUE 02
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