THE BUSINESS OF VISCOSITY BLOG

In this series we’ve been discussing the impact of changes in fluid properties, specifically viscosity, on the performance of robotic fixed displacement dispensing systems.  In the first installment, “Fixed Displacement Dispensing Doesn’t Guarantee Fixed Results”, we examined common dispensing defects, contrasting those that can be readily addressed through the implementation of a robotic fixed displacement dispensing system, and those that are the result of changes in physical fluid properties, which prove to be more resilient.

Topics: Viscosity, Manufacturing, Fluid dispensing systems, Point of Application, fluid process control, Can / Container, viscometry, temperature control systems

In our last segment, Fixed Displacement Dispensing Doesn’t Guarantee Fixed Results, we examined how viscosity variation impacts your robotic fixed displacement dispensing system and the many defects that can still exist, even in the most highly advanced of these systems.  In this installment, we look more closely at the phenomenon of bead profile, it’s importance to the quality of your end product, and why simply controlling path, dispense rate, and total volume does not guarantee that your process will produce consistently high-quality parts.

Topics: Manufacturing, Fluid dispensing systems, Temperature control, Point of Application, Can / Container, automotive, temperature control systems

It has become commonplace to employ fixed displacement systems when dispensing mid-to-high-viscosity fluids like sealers and adhesives.  It makes sense.  Proper performance in these applications hinges on making sure that the right amount of sealer or adhesive is dispensed in the right place on every part.  When coupled with a robot to assure that path, speed, distance and angle to part are consistent and repeatable, it is easy to believe that the dispense job will be perfect every time.

Topics: Manufacturing, Point of Application, fluid process control, automotive, temperature control systems, automotive finishing

Below is a continuation of the previous blog post. Please click here to review What is UV and Why is It Important? (Part 1).

Topics: Manufacturing, sustainability, Printing, paint and coating, Industrial finishing, Coating Technology, coating, wood and furniture coating

The week of March 18^th I was privileged to attend RadTech’s Big Ideas Conference in Redondo Beach California.  In addition to offering a nice reprieve from the Michigan winter, it also provided some keen insight into important things happening in the field of UV.  So, for the next few pages, let’s take a look at how UV affects us in our everyday lives.

Topics: Manufacturing, sustainability, Printing, paint and coating, Industrial finishing, Coating Technology, coating, wood and furniture coating

The heat exchanger is the core device in virtually every fluid temperature control system.  Unfortunately, properly selecting a heat exchanger can be a daunting task.

First, there is the thermal load that must be transferred. Next are working pressure, flow rate, and chemical compatibility requirements.  Coupled with the thermal transfer, these determine the configuration (gasketed plate, brazed plate, shell & tube, etc.) and the materials of construction (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.). 

Topics: Manufacturing, Temperature control, Point of Application, fluid process control, temperature control systems

Industry 4.0 refers to the rapid pace of digitization in manufacturing today.

As defined in strategy+business magazine, Industry 4.0 is the combination of innovations in digital technologies—advancements such as robotics and artificial intelligence, sophisticated sensors, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), compliance with smartphones, and many other applications.

For generations, manufacturing processes and techniques have evolved and helped businesses improve their production, performance and output.

Topics: Manufacturing

If you work in manufacturing, chances are you’ve heard about “The Internet of Things.” As defined in this Forbes article, the Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the concept of connecting to the internet anything that has an on and an off switch.

For coating and print manufacturers, this can mean building a connected network of heaters, coolers, robotic spray arms, automatic control consoles, and other equipment.

How exactly would the IoT help to impact (and improve) your manufacturing process then?

Topics: Manufacturing

For those of us old enough to remember shoe shopping before the internet, there was a lot of going to the store to try stuff on.

What was the point of buying a pair of shoes unless you were sure they would fit? The process for buying shoes went something like this:

To get the exact measurements of your foot, you would place your foot on something that looked like it was designed for discomfort while the shoe professional made the required adjustments. The sales person would then go to the back to get a box. You would try on the shoes and walk around a little bit. If they fit, great.  If they didn’t, you would continue to try on shoes until you got it right.

Topics: Manufacturing

As suppliers of process improvement equipment, we’re often faced with a conversation that centers on, “Why do we need it? We’re operating fine without it.”

For many other equipment suppliers, this is not an issue. Much of the time those conversations are centered on, “Why should I pick you?” We are fortunate enough, (or unfortunate enough), to have to engage in both conversations regularly.

Topics: Manufacturing