Automatic Adhesive Filling System

Four Reasons to Use an Automatic Adhesive Filling System

Who benefits from a filling system for adhesive granules, and why? An automatic filling system for adhesive granules is not an essential requirement for every production facility with an adhesive application system. So, when does it make sense to invest in a GlueFill granule hopper and RobaFeed 3 granule feeder when purchasing an adhesive application system, or to upgrade an existing application system? Four advantages of using an automatic adhesive filling system: • Cleanliness, • Safety, • Cost savings, • Full integration.

1. Reason: Cleanliness

Adhesive application system being installed in a production facility that must be impeccably clean, such as food or pharmaceutical industry? Without an automatic filling system, you may encounter problems such as a dirty tank opening in the melting unit, an overfilled melting tank, or granules spilled on the floor. Although the tank opening is wide enough for convenient manual filling, adhesive granules can sometimes spill. This can occur due to carelessness or when the melting unit is mounted in a location that is not easily accessible. A much more unpleasant result occurs if plant personnel overfill the melting tank with granules. This can happen unknowingly or in a stressful situation and can have serious consequences for cleanliness. Granules stick to the tank lid and edges, melt and burn. The tank lid and rim become stuck together. This is not a pleasant sight, as hygiene is the primary priority in production. Melted granules flow out of the tank and gradually fill the outside of the melting unit. As a result, additional work emerges that will take considerable time during the next service of the equipment.  

2. Reason: Safety

If safety regulations for worker protection are stringent, an automatic filling system is mandatory. Despite protective devices on the tank such as tank seals or CoolTouch insulation, the risk of burns from a hot tank lid or from already melted adhesive in the tank still exists if carelessness occurs. Another safety argument involves vapors that arise when hotmelt adhesive melts. These can be inhaled during manual refilling. Although hotmelt adhesives are generally non-toxic, vapor contact should still be avoided. [caption id="attachment_151943" align="aligncenter"] Burns and vapors are among the risks that can arise during manual filling.[/caption]

3. Reason: Cost Savings

The purchase costs (in euros) of the RobaFeed 3 granule conveyor with GlueFill granule hopper are in the four-digit range. The answer to where cost savings are found is: less maintenance time and a more cost-effective melting unit. With an automatic filling system, you can opt for a melting unit with lower melting capacity. This can be purchased more cheaply than a melting unit with a large tank. Furthermore, the melting unit also consumes less energy in this case. The exact quantity of granules needed in the process is conveyed to and melted in the tank. This also prevents contamination that could develop on and around the melting tank.

4. Reason: Full Integration

Are you a machine manufacturer? Or are you integrating an adhesive application system into your machine? For manual filling, plant personnel must enter the safety area. This causes production to stop. In this case, there is no reason to hesitate: The automatic filling system is part of the hotmelt adhesive application system.

Automatic Adhesive Filling System: Compatibility and Upgrades

When purchasing a new adhesive application system, our Robatech sales team will check before purchase whether an automatic filling system makes sense for your system. What about upgrades? Simply contact your local representative. The automatic adhesive filling system is compatible with Concept, Vision and JumboFlex melting units as well as similar third-party equipment. The upgrade can be handled quickly. In just half a day, you can enjoy greater cleanliness, safety and efficiency. Electronic connections are standard on our melting units.   Birgit Herrscher-Lingua Marketing Editor Robatech