Precision metering, mixing, controlling, and dispensing for all applications.
Since 1985, Kirkco has been a leader in providing adhesive, sealant, and lubricant dispensing solutions for the automation and assembly industry. Our robotic systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into your production lines, delivering unparalleled precision and efficiency for a wide range of applications.
Overview
Six axis robot cells can be provided either as stand-alone semi-automatic machines or as part of fully automated and integrated production lines. Used in more complex applications, such as when laying three dimensional multidirectional gaskets or where access is limited, this type of system affords the ultimate in flexibility, both in it's superior reach and in it's capacity to store many different programs with minimal changeover time. When laying liquid gaskets, the bead profiles can be accurately controlled by utilising the unique proportionally controlled dispensing valve, which will allow the robot to slow down or speed up as required, without affecting the diameter of the bead. Conversley, the valve can be programmed to lay beads of different diameters whilst the robot is moving at a constant speed.
Two and three axis robots are a cost effective way of automatically applying sealants, greases and adhesives for moulding, bonding, potting or gasket laying applications of any size in two or three dimensional paths. These machines can be integrated with any Kirkco single or plural component pumping or metering system to form a fully self-contained semi-automatic cell, capable of producing perfect quality products time after time.
We offer both two/three-axis robotic systems to meet the specific demands of your assembly processes.
Our systems are designed for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, with minimal changeover time and the ability to produce perfect quality products time after time. By integrating with Kirkco's single- or two-component pumping and metering systems, our robotic solutions provide a fully self-contained, semi-automatic cell for your assembly line.
This Application Architecture defines a production-ready, NDA-safe framework for engineered dispensing, metering, and encapsulation processes used in advanced manufacturing environments.
Applications addressed by this architecture are driven by repeatability, quality assurance, and risk mitigation.
The process requires controlled material delivery, stable process conditions, and predictable execution.
Material behavior, viscosity stability, and temperature control are critical to process integrity.
The system architecture integrates metering, dispensing, automation, and verification subsystems.
Automation and controls coordinate motion, dispensing, and validation with traceability support.
The architecture delivers improved quality consistency, reduced scrap, and scalable production throughput.
Lifecycle support includes validation, commissioning, and long-term optimization.
This Application Architecture defines a standardized, NDA-safe framework for engineered dispensing, metering, and encapsulation systems aligned to production-critical manufacturing environments. The architecture establishes process intent, quality drivers, and system boundaries without exposing IP.
Applications governed by this architecture demand repeatability, reliability, and risk reduction. Quality outcomes depend on controlled material delivery and stable automation.
The process requires precise metered dispensing, repeatable positioning, and integration with surrounding operations.
Materials may include multi-component epoxies or filled systems requiring viscosity and temperature control.
The architecture is built around precision metering, application-specific dispensing hardware, and scalable automation.
Automation synchronizes motion control, metering, and validation checkpoints with traceability support.
Outcomes include improved shot accuracy, reduced scrap, and predictable throughput.
Support includes validation, commissioning, optimization, and future scalability planning.
Manufacturers may engage Kirkco under NDA for confidential process review and system development.
Kirkco engineered a micro-dosing elastomer dispensing architecture for high-speed automotive seal production requiring extreme accuracy.
Millions of parts annually with sub-second cycle times.
Two-component FKM elastomer metered at 0.06g ±0.01g.
Gear-pump metering with snuff-back valve and static mixing.
Drip-free dispensing and precise volumetric control.
Kirkco supports elastomer micro-dosing systems under NDA.
This Application Architecture defines a standardized, NDA-safe framework for engineered dispensing, metering, and encapsulation systems aligned to production-critical manufacturing environments. The architecture establishes process intent, quality drivers, and system boundaries without exposing IP.
Applications governed by this architecture demand repeatability, reliability, and risk reduction. Quality outcomes depend on controlled material delivery and stable automation.
The process requires precise metered dispensing, repeatable positioning, and integration with surrounding operations.
Materials may include multi-component epoxies or filled systems requiring viscosity and temperature control.
The architecture is built around precision metering, application-specific dispensing hardware, and scalable automation.
Automation synchronizes motion control, metering, and validation checkpoints with traceability support.
Outcomes include improved shot accuracy, reduced scrap, and predictable throughput.
Support includes validation, commissioning, optimization, and future scalability planning.
Manufacturers may engage Kirkco under NDA for confidential process review and system development.
Kirkco implemented a robotic silicone dispensing architecture for long-format LED assemblies requiring uniform sealing beads and environmental protection.
Manual cartridge sealing has been replaced with automated bead application.
6-axis robot with bulk-fed silicone and pressure regulation.
Consistent bead geometry, reduced waste, and cleaning.
Bulk material handling lowers consumable costs.
Kirkco supports robotic sealing automation under NDA.
Application Architecture
Kirkco engineered an automated polyurethane adhesive bonding architecture for a 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 precisely 100:10 and dispensed directly onto aluminum frames before 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.
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