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When it comes to dispensing two-component sealants and adhesives, there are plenty of systems available, but finding the right one for your needs can be tricky. Two-part materials require accurate mixing and dispensing to ensure optimal performance. You also want a system that fits your application, works in your job environment, and is easy to use.
Our team reviews the HG Skinny Bear, a two-component dispensing system for silicones and adhesives that has a compact design for tight and confined jobsites. We break down the advantages and limitations of the HG Skinny Bear dispensing system, as well as whether it could be the right system for your application.
About The HG Skinny Bear Dispensing System
The Skinny Bear is a two-part dispensing system from HG that is made in the United States and is most notable for its compact and lightweight design. It is pneumatically powered, equipped with wheels, and has an all-aluminum frame for easy portability and use in remote jobsites.
The system is compatible with viscosities ranging from 15,000 to 1,800,000 cps and has a flow rate of 0.20 to 0.65 gallons per minute, depending on the viscosity. The Skinny Bear dispenser directly dispenses from 5-gallon pails and has a hose length up to 50 feet.
Pros
There are advantages and pros to the Skinny Bear silicone dispensing system compared to other similar systems. It has beneficial properties, including:
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Compared to other high-volume systems, the Skinny Bear is small and not as bulky. This setup makes it great for jobs in confined spaces where larger or heavier dispensers cannot operate.
- Pneumatically Powered: Being fully pneumatically powered, the system does not require any electricity, so it is ideal for fieldwork where electrical power sources are limited. They also require less paperwork when shipped abroad.
- Portable: Equipped with wheels, compact in design, and pneumatically powered, the Skinny Bear silicone dispenser is easily transported for quick relocation between jobsites.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand rugged conditions, the system ensures reliable performance even with frequent transport or rough handling.
- Simple Design: Without complicated electronics, the system is easy to operate and may also help reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to electronic systems, pneumatic systems tend to be lower in cost.
Overall, the Skinny Bear dual-component dispensing system is best known for its mobility and use on remote, off-the-grid jobsites, where other high-volume dispensing systems may fail.
Cons
While there are advantages to using the HG Skinny Bear system, it is not without its downfalls. Some limitations and cons of the Skinny Bear dispenser include:
- Lower Volume Capacity: Compared to some other two-component dispensing systems, the Skinny Bear’s more compact design makes it less ideal for very high-volume production.
- Dependent on an Air Compressor: The system requires an external air compressor, which can limit mobility and add extra equipment to manage compared to handheld equipment.
- Limited Programmability: The Skinny Bear material dispenser may lack some of the advanced features available in electronic dispensing systems.
- More Expensive and Complex Than Manual Tools: While generally more affordable than electric dispensing systems, it requires a significant investment to go from handheld cartridge guns to something like the Skinny Bear. Training for employees is also required.
When to Choose the Skinny Bear Over Other Dispensers
The Skinny Bear is a great middle ground between handheld cartridge guns and bulky, high-volume dispensing systems. Because of its compact design, the HG Skinny Bear is recommended for applications where portability is a priority, and other dispensers may be too difficult to maneuver.
Some ideal applications for the HG Skinny Bear dispensing machine include:
- Fieldwork where portability and mobility are a priority
- Higher volume applications where jobsite space is limited
- Remote jobsites where electrical power sources are not readily available
- Scaffolding or swing stage applications where weight is restricted
- Applications that involve dispensing high-viscosity, two-component silicones or other materials
- Challenging work environments with rough handling, where durable construction is needed
If it sounds like the Skinny Bear is the right fit for you, you can contact us to learn more about this equipment. If you are looking for a higher-volume dispensing system or one built more for a factory setting, you might prefer a different system like the HG 437.
Still Not Sure?
Based on our review of the HG Skinny Bear two-component dispensing system, we believe it is a great option for many applications, but that does not mean it is the best fit for your needs.
If you need help determining what system is right for you, we want to help. Reach out today, and you can speak with one of our dispensing experts about your application.
