NDA Protected Application
High-Viscosity Gear Pump Metering for Structural Adhesives
Executive Overview
Kirkco engineered a high-viscosity gear pump metering architecture for structural adhesive applications requiring stable flow, pressure consistency, and repeatable volumetric output. The system was designed to process filled and unfilled chemistries while maintaining dosing accuracy across continuous and intermittent production cycles.
Business & Production Drivers
Manufacturers applying structural adhesives face increasing demands for bond-line consistency, reduced scrap, and predictable cure behavior. Manual or low-precision metering methods introduced variability that impacted joint strength, cosmetic quality, and downstream assembly performance.
Process Requirements
The application required controlled delivery of medium- to high-viscosity adhesives with minimal pulsation. Accurate volumetric control, pressure stability, and compatibility with abrasive fillers were critical to achieving consistent bond geometry.
System Architecture
The metering platform utilizes precision gear pumps sized to match material rheology and required flow rates. The architecture supports continuous circulation to maintain material homogeneity and temperature stability, with dispensing valves selected to provide clean cutoff and repeatable start-stop behavior.
Controls & Validation
Closed-loop control monitors pump speed, pressure, and dispense timing to ensure consistent output. Process parameters were validated to maintain repeatable adhesive volume across varying cycle times and production conditions.
Operational Performance
The system improved bead consistency, reduced material waste, and stabilized application timing. Production reliability increased by eliminating flow variation associated with cartridge-based or pressure-pot dispensing.
Lifecycle & Scalability
Designed for long operational life, the gear pump architecture supports future expansion to multi-station or robotic dispensing. Component selection enables serviceability and adaptation to evolving adhesive formulations.