10 Tough Questions: Part Three - Replace Your Valve System?

Part Three: Should You Replace Your Current Dispense Valve System?

This blog series discusses some common problems encountered with typical dispense valve setup by asking some of the most common questions. The first two parts of the series covered how to choose the right valve system and valve troubleshooting.

In this final part, we offer some advice to consider when deciding whether you could benefit from a high-speed jetting (non-contact) or a new contact dispensing system.

We hope that you find this information helpful.

9. Are You Cutting Corners with Your Dispense Tips?

Tip quality has a surprisingly big impact on the accuracy and uniformity of fluid deposits – especially in critical applications where very small deposits are required.

Correct tip selection is very important to dispense valve performance. The best choice is using a tip with the largest possible internal opening for the intended application. This will prevent air bubbles from forming.

Trying to save a few cents on lower-quality tips may cost more in the long run once factors such as fluid waste and additional operating time are factored. Even the most precise dispensing system will not produce consistent results if the tip – the last path the fluid travels before it reaches the part – is obstructed by debris from the molding or machining process.

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Dispensing Tip.

10. Would High-Speed Jetting Fit Your Application Needs?

Non-contact jetting systems can dispense a wide variety of fluids at speeds of up to 1500Hz, or 1500 shots per second. By combining high speed with exceptional accuracy, these systems allow products to be built more cost-effectively with consistently high quality.

Additionally, since jet valve systems are non-contact, it is possible to apply fluid in hard-to-access areas or onto uneven or delicate substrates where dispensing needles cannot be used.

Jetting can be used with a wide range of fluids.

It all comes down to the biggest question:

Should You Replace Your Current Dispense Valve System?

It can be difficult to calculate just how much poorly optimized valve performance is really costing you. However, doing so can save you money, increase production, reduce bottlenecks, and improve the overall quality of your products.

Some key points to analyze:

• How much time and labor are you spending on valve setup?
• How much are valve-related downtime and maintenance labor costing you per year?
• Is most of your valve maintenance scheduled, or do your valves break down unexpectedly?
• If your current valves make it hard to control shot size, how much are you spending on valve related rework, rejects, and cleanup?
• Are your dispensing stations causing a bottleneck?
• Are you wasting expensive assembly fluid?
• Do you have any valve-related safety issues – spills, fumes, storage/ disposal of hazardous waste?

In many instances, the savings will pay for the new equipment in a surprisingly short time and continue to reduce operating expenses year after year.

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].