Executive Overview
Kirkco engineered an automated polyurethane adhesive bonding architecture for a European manufacturer of aluminum and glass assemblies. The system enabled production reshoring by replacing labor-driven assembly with a high-throughput robotic cell, delivering cost control, cycle-time reduction, and consistent bond quality.
Strategic Business Drivers
The manufacturer sought to reverse offshore production due to escalating logistics costs, extended delivery times, and supply-chain inefficiencies. Automation was selected as the strategic lever to offset labor costs while restoring domestic production capability.
Process Transformation
The bonding process transitioned from a single-component silicone adhesive to a fast-curing two-component polyurethane adhesive. This change reduced adhesive cure time to approximately 10 minutes, enabling near-immediate shipment and significantly reducing finished-goods inventory.
System Architecture
The solution consists of a robotic adhesive dispensing cell integrating multiple industrial robots with precision two-component metering and mixing systems. Polyurethane adhesive is proportioned at a controlled ratio of approximately 100:10 and dispensed directly onto aluminum frames prior to glass placement.
Material Handling & Supply
Base material and catalyst components are supplied directly from original drums via high-capacity drum pumps, ensuring uninterrupted material flow to the metering and mixing units. This architecture minimizes manual handling and stabilizes process consistency.
Automation & Throughput Control
Two robots apply the metered and mixed polyurethane adhesive to the aluminum frames, while a third robot places glass panels into position. Dispensing output is tightly regulated to ensure optimal adhesive volume, supporting repeatable bond integrity across all assemblies.
Operational Performance
The automated cell supports dispensing rates up to approximately 300 ml per minute, with output precisely controlled to meet quality standards. The integrated automation cell enabled production cost parity with offshore manufacturing while improving delivery responsiveness.
Reshoring Impact
By investing in purpose-built automation, the manufacturer successfully repatriated production, reducing logistics exposure and improving communication, lead times, and overall operational control.
Confidential Engineering CTA
Kirkco supports manufacturers evaluating reshoring, automation, or adhesive process modernization through confidential engineering consultations under NDA. Our team assesses labor displacement potential, material selection, automation scope, and ROI to architect scalable production systems.