The production cell has been developed by RAMPF Production Systems GmbH based in Zimmern ob Rottweil, in the German federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. The basis for the production cell is the company’s new dispensing system C-DS , a solution for processing one- and two-component adhesives, resins, and sealants. The modular design of the new solution should simplify integration into existing production lines. Not only is the integration of joining tools with linear motors possible, but also the use of traversing axes for mixing and dispensing technology, as well as for automatic discharging. The system works in tandem with 2-component polyurethane adhesives and has been specially designed to bond exterior parts such as spoilers, rear spoilers, side panels, and tailgates in the auto industry – according to a study conducted by Capgemini , this is currently the sector investing the most in the development of networked products.

The system encompasses a material conditioning, metering, and mixing unit and boasts a PLC control unit for process automation. Before the adhesive is applied, cleaning sensors verify that the parts to be bonded have been pre-cleaned. The system is Industry 4.0-fit, thanks to the possibility of combining it with robots from FANUC , KUKA , and ABB : If required, several machines can be integrated to correctly line up the various parts on the conveyor. Following bonding, Curing on Demand is used to help speed up the curing process.