Automated Dispensing: The Unsung Hero of Modern Manufacturing

March 2025

In advanced manufacturing, certain technologies frequently capture attention, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital twin systems. Yet, behind these high-profile innovations, other essential processes quietly ensure productivity, accuracy, and consistency. Among these, automated dispensing stands out as a critical enabler of quality manufacturing.

Precision automated dispensing has a significant impact on production quality, efficiency, and reliability, whether dispensing adhesives, sealants, lubricants, or other specialised fluids. At SP Automation & Robotics, we regard automated dispensing as a foundational technology, essential for enhancing the effectiveness and competitive advantage of modern production lines.

SP Automation & Robotics Dispense Systems

Over the years, SP Automation & Robotics have installed dispense systems in areas such as Electronics, medical devices, automotive, and consumer goods. Although these dispensing systems all moved a “fluid” from A to B, they required different pump and valve technologies to meet the customers’ requirements.

From dispensing and aspirating reagents for accuracies of less than 10 μl, to high-volume dispensing of sealants in continuous bead flow, each application requires different solutions and technologies. The pump selection is critical, and listed below are some examples of pumps used in these applications.

Positive Displacement Pumps

These pumps move a fixed amount of fluid per cycle and are commonly used in precise dosing and high-pressure applications.

• Gear Pumps – Used for precise fluid handling in hydraulic systems.
• Peristaltic Pumps – Ideal for medical and chemical automation, as they prevent contamination.
• Diaphragm Pumps – Used for chemical dosing and hazardous fluid transfer.
• Piston Pumps – Provide high pressure for hydraulic automation systems.
• Screw Pumps – Used in high-viscosity fluid applications.
• Precision syringe pumps – Used in accurate dispensing fluid applications

Just as necessary for the correct pump selection, valve selection is also crucial and will be determined by several factors such as volumes, viscosity and accuracy:

Valve Types

Time-Pressure Valves  – Uses air pressure and time control to dispense fluids.

Needle Valves – Use a needle to control flow precisely.

• Ideal for small-volume dispensing, such as in microelectronics and medical automation.
• Works well with low- to medium-viscosity fluids.

Diaphragm Valves – Separates the fluid from the valve mechanism, preventing contamination.

• Suitable for corrosive or reactive fluids, such as adhesives, cyanoacrylates, and UV resins.
• Often used in medical, electronics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Piston (Positive Displacement) Valves  – Uses a piston to deliver a precise amount of fluid per cycle.

• Ideal for high-viscosity fluids like grease, solder paste, and sealants.
• Provides repeatable and accurate dispensing.

Jet Valves – Contactless dispensing via high-speed pulses.

• Suitable for ultra-precise micro-dispensing in electronics and semiconductor applications.
• Works well with adhesives, coatings, and solder pastes.

Pinch Valves – Uses a flexible tube that is pinched to control flow.

• Best for sanitary and disposable fluid applications.
• Common in food, medical, and biotech industries.

Spray Valves – Dispenses fluid as a fine mist or spray.

• Ideal for coatings, lubricants, and conformal coatings in the electronics industry.

Auger Valves – Uses a rotating screw (auger) to dispense thick materials like solder paste or grease.

Understanding Automated Dispensing

Automated dispensing precisely and consistently delivers liquid or semi-liquid materials using programmable and highly controlled processes. By eliminating the variability inherent in manual applications, manufacturers achieve:

• Exceptional accuracy and repeatability
• Significant reduction in material waste
• Enhanced throughput and production efficiency
• Improved product quality assurance

Automated dispensing systems seamlessly integrate with existing or new automation lines, often incorporating vision systems or robotics to elevate precision and adaptability.

Industry Applications and Real-World Impact

Across numerous industries, precise dispensing capabilities are critical for meeting stringent quality and regulatory standards:

Electronics & PCB Assembly: Micro-dispensing solutions provide micron-level accuracy essential for applying conductive adhesives, solder pastes, and conformal coatings reliably and consistently.

Automotive & Electric Vehicles (EV): Precision dispensing systems facilitate accurate bead placement and controlled volumes for applications like thermal paste application and battery enclosure sealing, directly contributing to component safety and performance.

Medical Devices: Precision and consistency are non-negotiable in regulated medical environments. Automated dispensing ensures compliance and scalability in manufacturing diagnostic tools, drug delivery systems, and wearable medical devices.

General Manufacturing: Automated dispensing solutions streamline various repetitive fluid application tasks, such as gluing, potting, and lubrication, reducing manual labour requirements. Crucially, this reduction allows companies to upskill employees, transitioning them into more rewarding, higher-value roles such as process oversight, quality control, or operational planning.

The Business Advantage of Automated Dispensing

Investing in automated dispensing technology provides more than immediate speed improvements—it contributes substantially to long-term efficiency and cost-effectiveness, including:

• Material Savings: Precise application reduces unnecessary material use.
• Scalability with Consistency: Enables consistent quality in high-volume manufacturing.
• Reduced Rework: Decreases defect rates and minimises the need for corrective operations.
• Enhanced Workplace Safety: Limits direct operator exposure to hazardous materials.
• Employee Upskilling: Automation of repetitive dispensing tasks creates opportunities to reposition employees into skilled, fulfilling roles, enhancing overall employee satisfaction and workplace efficiency.
• Comprehensive Traceability: Systems integrate data logging for volume tracking, batch information, and timestamps.

Customised Dispensing Solutions from SP Automation & Robotics

Recognising that each production environment and material has unique requirements, SP Automation & Robotics designs customised dispensing solutions tailored to specific client needs:

• Custom-integrated automated dispensing within broader production systems
• Standalone dispensing units incorporating robotics and vision inspection
• Servo-driven volumetric dispensing and time-pressure systems
• Solutions accommodating single- and dual-component materials
• Heated dispensing and UV-curing capabilities
• Comprehensive technical support and service programmes

SP Automation & Robotics ensures each dispensing system aligns precisely with the client’s operational, spatial, and regulatory specifications, from precision micro-dispensing tasks to robust, high-volume applications.

The Future of Automated Dispensing: Intelligent and Data-Driven

As Industry 4.0 transforms manufacturing landscapes, automated dispensing technologies are becoming increasingly intelligent, adaptive, and connected. Modern dispensing systems now:

• Self-optimise based on real-time sensor feedback
• Integrate seamlessly with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for immediate data-driven insights
• Enable remote monitoring to anticipate maintenance needs
• Support efficient recipe management and rapid process changeovers

The emphasis has evolved from mere precision to intelligent and adaptive dispensing systems, poised to drive further productivity and quality enhancements in manufacturing.

Enhancing Your Dispensing Processes

Transitioning from manual or semi-automated dispensing approaches presents substantial opportunities for productivity improvement and cost reduction. Additionally, automating dispensing tasks enables your workforce to transition from repetitive manual roles into more rewarding, skilled positions—contributing positively to both employee satisfaction and organisational performance.

Whether you’re initiating a new product line or modernising your existing production processes, automated dispensing technologies offer significant advantages for performance, reliability, profitability, and employee development.

For more information on optimising your dispensing process through automation, please contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.

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