Volume Measuring Cells in 2K Dispensing Applications
In applications involving 2K adhesives and sealants, the mixing ratio directly determines the performance of the bond. Even small deviations can cause adhesive joints to fail or result in the required sealing performance not being achieved. From our perspective, volume measuring cells are therefore a key element for a controlled and reproducible 2K process.
Illustration: Gear metering pump with volume measuring cell
The illustration shows a typical configuration consisting of a servo drive, a gear metering pump, and a downstream volume measuring cell. This combination enables not only precise dispensing but also continuous monitoring of the actual dispensed volumes.
Why the mixing ratio is critical for 2K adhesives and sealants
2K adhesives and sealants react extremely sensitively to deviations in the mixing ratio. Even minor differences between the target and actual ratio can:
– reduce the mechanical strength of the adhesive bond
– impair chemical crosslinking
– negatively affect the long-term durability of the bond
– fail to ensure reliable sealing performance over time
The challenge is that these effects are often not immediately visible, but only become apparent later in service or under load.
Why control systems and setpoints alone are not sufficient
In many 2K dispensing systems, the mixing ratio is defined solely by setpoints in the control system, for example via pump speeds or theoretical displacement values. However, this approach is based on assumptions.
The control system knows what should be dispensed, but it does not measure what has actually been dispensed. Changes caused by viscosity, temperature, or material batch variations therefore remain undetected. As a result, the mixing ratio can shift unnoticed.
What volume measuring cells measure – and why this is decisive
Volume measuring cells record the actual dispensed volume of each component. The measurement is performed with high resolution and allows verification of the dosing accuracy down to 0.025 ml.
This means the mixing ratio is not calculated, but actually measured. Deviations are detected immediately and can be processed directly.
More than monitoring: additional use cases
Beyond pure mixing ratio monitoring, volume measuring cells offer further advantages:
– precise control of recipes based on defined volumes
– accurate dispensing of a specified material volume
– determination of the applied material volume per component
Especially in automated applications, this enables a highly transparent and traceable process control.
Basis for automatic closed-loop control
The measurement data provided by volume measuring cells can also be used to automatically adjust the speed of the gear pumps. This allows continuous compensation for influences such as:
– changes in viscosity
– temperature fluctuations
– material batch variations
– wear of the gear pump
As a result, the mixing ratio remains within tight tolerances, even over long operating periods.
Typical risks without volume measuring cells
Without real volume measurement, the following risks commonly occur in practice:
– unnoticed shifts in the mixing ratio
– unstable adhesive or sealing properties
– lack of process traceability
In hindsight, the root causes are often difficult or even impossible to identify clearly.
Our recommendation for 2K adhesive and sealant applications
Manual 2K applications: strongly recommended
Automated 2K applications: indispensable from our point of view
Volume measuring cells create transparency, enable active control, and form the basis for permanently stable dispensing processes.
Summary
In 2K adhesive and sealant applications, the mixing ratio is a safety- and quality-critical factor. Volume measuring cells enable precise monitoring and control of the actual dispensed volumes, thereby ensuring process reliability, reproducibility, and transparency.
Individual quotation
Would you like to evaluate whether and how volume measuring cells can be meaningfully integrated into your 2K application?
Request an individual quotation here
