Low-Cost Pipetting Robot Based on a Portal Milling Machine

Abstract

Chemical adhesion promoters are necessary for the production of long-term stable metal-rubber composites. After these have been applied, rubber is molded onto the metallic base bodies by rubber injection molding. In (very) small batches, the adhesion promoter can be applied in precise volumes by hand using a fluid dispenser. However, this prevents homogeneity and uniformity of the layer thickness, which can cause variation in the reliability and strength of adhesion. As a technical solution, a pipetting robot has been envisaged. With the aid of several mechanical and electrical adaptations - including a new control technology - various fluid dispensers were integrated on 3-axis portal milling machines. Thus, full functionality could be achieved.