Gear or piston metering technology: which solution is right for your application?
Piston vs. Gear Metering Technology – why the pressure profile makes the difference
The most important technical difference between piston and gear metering technology lies in the pressure profile within the system. This determines whether a dispensing system is suitable exclusively for manual use or can also be used for reproducible and automated processes.
Illustration: Pressure profile in the system
The illustration shows typical pressure profiles for different system configurations. It highlights why piston metering systems inherently generate pressure fluctuations and why gear metering systems enable a particularly uniform material output.
Piston metering technology (1K and 2K)
Piston metering systems operate with pneumatically driven follower piston pumps. Our follower piston pumps convey material during both the downward and upward stroke. Pressure fluctuations occur mainly at the changeover points of the pump.
Regardless of whether a 1K or 2K piston metering system is used, this behavior remains fundamentally the same. The pressure profile is not fully constant and can become noticeable at the material outlet in demanding applications.
Pressure smoothing using a material pressure regulator
For manual applications, a material pressure regulator can smooth pressure peaks at the changeover points and make the material output more stable. This significantly improves handling and application quality.
Conclusion: piston metering technology
Piston metering systems – whether 1K or 2K – are exclusively suitable for manual applications. They are not designed for automated applications with robots or linear gantries.
Gear metering technology (1K and 2K)
Gear metering systems operate volumetrically. Metering is performed by servo-driven gear metering pumps with a defined displacement per revolution. This results in a very uniform and reproducible material output throughout the process.
Follower piston pumps are used solely for material supply from the container. The actual metering accuracy is achieved in the gear pump, ensuring a smooth material flow and highly stable dispensing behavior in practical operation.
Wide range of applications
Gear metering systems are suitable for both manual applications and semi- or fully automated applications using robots or linear gantries.
High precision at low output rates
Another key advantage is the ability to achieve very low output rates in a stable and reproducible manner. This makes gear metering technology ideal for highly precise and delicate applications.
Conclusion: gear metering technology
Gear metering systems are the right choice whenever process reliability, reproducibility, precision, and automation capability are key requirements.
Why automation requires gear metering technology
Automated dispensing processes require a consistent material output across varying motion profiles, path geometries, and start-stop cycles. Pressure fluctuations quickly lead to dosing errors, uneven beads, and scrap.
In practice, gear metering technology therefore forms the technical foundation for stable, scalable, and reproducible automation solutions.
Relevant system categories
1K piston metering systems (manual applications)
1K gear metering systems (manual and automated)
2K piston metering systems (manual applications)
2K gear metering systems (manual and automated)
Summary
Piston metering technology is robust and well suited for manual applications. Gear metering technology enables particularly uniform and reproducible dispensing and forms the basis for automated processes as well as highly precise, delicate applications.
Get an individual quotation
Would you like to know which technology and system configuration best fits your application? Request an individual quotation here
