Engineering firm Dürr has introduced the EcoMeter XS, a compact microdispensing unit that automatically applies very small quantities of adhesives, sealants and other high-viscosity materials. The unit is mainly intended for battery, electronic component and electric motor manufacturers.
Applications include vehicle battery assembly, power electronics manufacturing and magnet bonding in electric motors, as well as grease and seal dispensing and small-volume potting. Dürr has used its EcoShot Meter dispensing systems for these applications, but they reach their performance limits when manufacturers need to apply extremely small quantities.
The EcoMeter XS meters and applies material continuously, so it doesn’t pause for refilling as conventional piston dosing systems do. It is based on the continuous-dosing technology Dürr uses for large volumes in applications such as vehicle window bonding. Flow rates range from 0.00005 to 1 cm³/s, and the dosing rate can be controlled when material is supplied from cartridges or hobbocks.
The unit weighs 0.8 to 1.6 kg, depending on the configuration, so it can be installed on conventional robotic systems, axis gantries and robots with low payload capacities.
The EcoMeter XS has a modular design that supports multiple configurations for different application quantities, material viscosities and component geometries, so users can adapt the system as process requirements change. A centralized dosing and process control system combines all functions and is designed to simplify operation.
For round battery cells, a spot of material can form a thermal bridge between the cell and the cooling unit. “One tenth of a cubic centimeter, applied to the front surface of the cell, is enough to establish thermal contact,” said Sebastian Jochum, Product Manager for Dispensing Technology at Dürr. “With the EcoMeter XS, Dürr now offers the perfect solution for these specific requirements in the manufacture of battery systems.”
Source: Dürr
