Overcoming Fluid Dispensing Problems for Specialty Chemicals

• Automotive manufacturing: Specialty chemicals like adhesives, primers and sealants are used throughout vehicle assembly for bonding, corrosion protection and vibration dampening.
• Electronics and semiconductors: High-performance coatings, thermal interface materials and encapsulants require ultra-precise dispensing to avoid damaging sensitive components.
• Aerospace: Lubricants, bonding agents and lightweight composite resins are applied in tightly controlled environments to ensure performance under extreme conditions.
• Medical device manufacturing: Specialty fluids such as biocompatible adhesives and coatings must meet strict regulatory and cleanliness standards during application.
• Construction and infrastructure: Specialty sealants, waterproofing chemicals and concrete admixtures are dispensed in specific volumes to ensure durability and strength.

Specialty chemicals are formulated for specific performance and functional outcomes. Unlike commodity chemicals that are produced in bulk for general use, specialty chemicals are engineered for precision in targeted applications.

Examples include:

• Adhesives
• Coatings
• Lubricants
• Primers
• High-performance sealants

Those materials are commonly used where performance, safety and aesthetics are critical. For example, they may be applied to bond parts in an engine, seal electronics against moisture or coat components for UV resistance. Because those applications often involve narrow tolerances and strict quality standards, dispensing must be highly controlled. Inconsistent flow, improper placement or contamination can cause product failure, warranty claims or safety issues.

Dispensing specialty chemicals brings unique challenges, often requiring more advanced systems and expertise. Some of the most common issues include:

• Handling aggressive or corrosive materials: Certain chemicals can degrade standard equipment, leading to leaks, failures and contamination.
• Managing wide viscosity ranges: Some materials are watery thin, while others are thick or thixotropic, requiring different pump and valve setups.
• Sensitivity to environmental conditions: Temperature and humidity can affect flow rates and cure times, demanding adaptive systems.
• Tight application tolerances: Many applications require exact fluid volumes and placement to meet engineering or regulatory requirements.

Specialty chemicals can span a broad viscosity spectrum, from low-viscosity solvents to thick epoxies and sealants. Those differences can impact flow behavior, accuracy and repeatability during dispensing. Without the right setup, thicker materials may clog systems, while thinner ones may drip or flow inconsistently.

Fluid dispensing systems must be carefully selected and calibrated to address those issues. This includes using specialized pumps (like gear, peristaltic, or progressive cavity), applicators with controlled tip sizes, and temperature-controlled reservoirs or feed lines to maintain stable material properties.

Not all materials can be used with every fluid dispensing system. Specialty chemicals can react with tubing, seals and pump components, causing degradation. Over time, that compromises your product and equipment.

Using compatible materials such as PTFE, stainless steel and chemically resistant plastics is essential. Dispensing systems should be designed with fluid path integrity in mind, ensuring that all wetted components are safe for long-term exposure to the specific chemical being used. This also helps extend equipment life and minimize downtime due to maintenance or replacements.

For most specialty chemical applications, precision is not optional. Each dose must be uniform in volume, placement, and timing. Repeatability ensures each product coming off the line meets spec, performs as intended and passes quality control.

Advanced dispensing systems use automation, closed-loop controls, and feedback sensors to maintain accuracy. That level of consistency reduces waste, rework and liability.

The challenges of dispensing specialty chemicals can be solved with the right technology and expertise. A well-designed fluid management system tailored to the material, environment and application can streamline production, reduce defects and enhance safety.

At Designetics, we specialize in fluid application systems that are engineered for precision and durability. Whether you’re dealing with high-viscosity sealants, corrosive adhesives or complex multi-material applications, we’ll help you select or design a system that addresses your dispensing challenges and improves product quality and operational efficiency.

Ready to optimize your specialty chemical dispensing process?
Contact the experts at Designetics today and discover how our solutions can support your application.