Tin tức
How Valve Design Impacts Flow Stability in Adhesive Dispensing Systems
Dec
After working in adhesive dispensing systems for many years, I’ve accumulated extensive experience in valve design and flow control. The valve is the core component of an adhesive dispensing system, directly affecting flow continuity, uniformity, and ease of maintenance. Across production lines, I have seen clear differences in flow-channel design, sealing mechanisms, and actuation methods between various valves. These elements determine the overall stability and performance of adhesive dispensing.
Screw Valves
The screw valve was the first type I worked with. It operates by rotating a threaded screw to push adhesive through a relatively long flow channel, providing stable performance for continuous or high-volume dispensing. For example, in PCB assembly or semiconductor packaging lines, screw valves help maintain consistent adhesive thickness between pads and reduce rework.
However, low-viscosity adhesives sometimes cause backflow. In practice, incorporating an anti-backflow mechanism or slightly reducing internal pressure can significantly improve flow stability.
Needle Valves
Needle valves feature short flow paths and fast response times, making them ideal for ultra-small, high-precision dispensing applications such as microelectronics or small medical devices. I once worked with needle valves in a medical syringe production line where stability had to be maintained even at low temperatures.
The needle seat design and spring characteristics play a major role in dispensing uniformity. By fine-tuning these parameters and optimizing the design, viscosity variations can be compensated for while maintaining relatively stable flow.
Jet Valves
Jet valves are commonly used in high-speed production lines or automated assembly systems. They operate by rapidly opening and closing to “shoot” adhesive out of the nozzle. At high frequencies, flow fluctuation is common.
Based on my experience, selecting the appropriate core materials, control pressure, spring stiffness, and performing regular maintenance are key to ensuring long-term stable operation. Understanding the structural characteristics of the valve is essential to achieving reliable dispensing performance in high-speed environments.
Additional Design Considerations
Beyond valve type, flow-channel geometry, sealing method, and compatibility with the actuator also impact flow stability. Each adhesive—such as epoxy, silicone, or UV adhesive—combined with specific production requirements must be considered when selecting or designing a valve.
From experience, matching process requirements with adhesive properties, choosing the right valve, optimizing the design, and ensuring proper maintenance can greatly improve stability and reliability in dispensing systems.
Conclusion
Screw valves are well-suited for continuous high-volume dispensing. Needle valves excel in micro-volume, high-precision applications. Jet valves are ideal for high-speed automated production lines.
Throughout my years in the industry, I’ve found that each valve type has its own advantages and limitations. Selecting the right valve type and optimizing its design are the keys to achieving stable and efficient adhesive dispensing performance in manufacturing environments.