Kirkco delivers precision metering, mixing, and dispensing systems engineered for the fenestration industry, helping manufacturers optimize the application of sealants, adhesives, and gasketing materials used in window and door assemblies. Our solutions provide consistent, repeatable material delivery across a wide range of viscosities and chemistries to improve product quality and reduce material waste. Designed for both manual and automated environments, Kirkco equipment integrates with production lines to support throughput and process control. These capabilities help fenestration manufacturers enhance weatherproofing, structural integrity, and overall performance of their products.
In fenestration production, accurate dispensing of sealants, adhesives, and gasketing materials is essential to ensure weather resistance, durability, and tight tolerances. Kirkco systems deliver the control and consistency needed to apply materials cleanly and efficiently, reducing rework and improving finish quality. Our metering and dispensing equipment supports a variety of processes from low-pressure bead dispensing to more sophisticated curtain and spray applications. With configurable controls and robust industrial design, these systems help manufacturers meet demanding production standards.
Kirkco offers systems that scale from compact bench-top models for lower volume lines to fully integrated automated solutions for high-speed production. Our equipment can be integrated with conveyors, gantries, and robotics to support repeatable, high-throughput dispensing across diverse materials. Built for reliability and ease of maintenance, these systems are engineered to minimize downtime and support continuous operation. This flexibility allows fenestration manufacturers to optimize both quality and efficiency as production requirements evolve.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By investing in purpose-built automation, the manufacturer successfully repatriated production, reducing logistics exposure and improving communication, lead times, and overall operational control.
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.
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