Why Do You Need a Docking Station for a Fluid Applicator?
Using an appropriate, high-quality applicator is one of the key factors for achieving accurate, consistent fluid application. But even high-quality applicators need to be properly used and maintained to achieve their full potential for accuracy and repeatability. This is why Designetics offers docking stations to be used with all our fluid applicators.
Whether fluid is being applied manually or with a semi- or fully-automated system, there will be times when the applicator is not being used and needs to be properly stored – whether for a few minutes while waiting for another process to be completed, or for a longer period, such as during a shift or production changeout. And when the applicator isn’t in use, it’s important to protect it from damage, contamination, and/or from drying out. The Designetics docking station meets all these needs.
In addition to protecting the applicator, the docking station is also used as part of the wet-out process for the applicator tip.
More Than Just a Resting Place
First, the docking station can be used as part of the wet-out process, to ensure the applicator is prepared for its first application. The user fills the docking station with the chemical being used (or its base solvent) and fills the applicator bottle with the chemical to be dispensed. Then the applicator tip is mounted to the bottle. With the bottle held upside down over the docking station, the user squeezes the bottle until chemical flows through the applicator, completely wetting out the applicator tip. To check that the applicator is properly wetted out, the user holds the bottle upright for five seconds and then turns it upside down again over the docking station, without squeezing the bottle. If there are no drips from the applicator, it’s ready to begin the application process.
The docking station protects the applicator from damage and from drying out when not in use.
Now that the docking station has been filled with the chemical or base solvent, the applicator can be placed upside-down (applicator head facing down) in the docking station to keep it from drying out and protect it from damage. While physical damage to the applicator can usually been spotted, an applicator that has dried out may look perfectly fine, but it will degrade the quality and accuracy of the application. And even applicators that aren’t completely dried out can cause poor applications, which means rework or scrapped parts – not to mention the time and expense of replacing applicators on a more frequent basis.
The Right Systems and Accessories for Your Application
Designetics provides the docking station as a standard accessory with both the Handheld Remote and the Applicator Track, or it can be ordered individually for processes that don’t use these devices – such as manual applications.
At Designetics, we strive to exceed your expectations, and that means providing the highest-quality fluid applicators and systems – and the tools that go along with them – to help you achieve your production, quality, and cost goals. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you find the right solution for your fluid application challenge.
