Table of Contents
- Pneumatic Dispensing Systems
- Electric Dispensing Systems
- Pneumatic vs. Electric Dispensing Systems
- How to Choose Between the Two
- When to Choose Pneumatic Dispensing Systems
- When to Choose Electric Dispensing Systems
- FAQs
Adhesive dispensing systems are an important part of the manufacturing process. The right dispensing system can improve product quality and overall operational efficiency. The wrong dispensing system can lead to problems and wasted time or money.
Pneumatic dispensers and electric dispensers are two common options for material dispensing systems. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses that make it a better fit for certain applications over others. Our team takes a closer look at pneumatic adhesive dispensing systems versus electric adhesive dispensing systems to help you decide which is best for your application.
What Are Pneumatic Adhesive Dispensing Systems?
Pneumatic adhesive dispensing systems are machines that rely on compressed air to dispense and apply adhesives, sealants, and other materials. These pneumatically-powered machines do not contain any electrical components and therefore do not require an electrical outlet. Instead, they use shop air or a portable air compressor for power. The air from the air compressor helps push the material through the valves and nozzles until it is ultimately dispensed onto the substrate. Pistons and diaphragms can help control the adhesive flow.
Pros:
- Simplicity in design
- Ideal for off-the-grid or remote field work
- Less maintenance and no electronic failures
- Less paperwork for international sales
- Lower initial investment
Cons:
- May lack some of the bells and whistles
- Dependent on an air compressor
- Air pressure fluctuations can impact consistency
What Are Electric Adhesive Dispensing Systems?
Electric dispensing systems use electric motors and controls to dispense adhesives and other materials. The motor drives a piston or screw that pushes the adhesive and ultimately dispenses it from the machine. These systems need an electrical power source and operate across a wide range of voltages depending on the specific piece of equipment. Electrical dispensing systems are usually ideal for automated environments with complex dispensing needs where more programmable control is necessary.
Pros:
- More programmability and control
- High precision
- Better energy efficiency
Cons:
- Complex design
- More maintenance required
- Potential for long downtimes when repairs are needed
- Higher initial cost
Comparing Pneumatic & Electronic Adhesive Dispensing Systems
To break it down a bit more and help you make an informed decision, we have created a table that compares pneumatically-powered and electronically-powered dispensing systems.
| Feature | Pneumatic Dispensing Systems | Electric Dispensing Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Power Needs | Shop air supply or air compressor | Electrical power and electronic compliance |
| Design | Simple and robust | Complex and involved, electrical control board |
| Programmability | More limited | High amount of programmable control |
| Precision | Good precision, but dependent on air pressure stability | High level of precision |
| Maintenance Requirements | Less maintenance required, usually easy to fix | More maintenance required, may require specialized parts/technicians |
| Energy Consumption | Higher | Lower, motor only runs during dispensing |
| Upfront Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost |
| Ideal Use Cases | Remote or field work dispensing | Automated and complex dispensing |
How to Choose Between Pneumatic & Electric Dispensing Systems
Every application has different needs. When deciding between pneumatic dispensing equipment and electric dispensing equipment, consider multiple factors. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine which type of equipment is best for your needs.
- What are my priorities?
- What type of work environment and infrastructure do I have?
- How important is system simplicity to my team?
- What level of programmability do I need?
- What maintenance capabilities do we have easy access to?
- How scalable does our system need to be?
- What regulatory compliance requirements do we need to meet?
- What is my budget for initial cost and lifecycle costs?
The answers to these questions can help you home in on your exact needs and application requirements, but the following information may help you make a final decision.
Pneumatic Material Dispensing Systems
Choose a pneumatic adhesive dispenser when:
- You are working in a remote or off-the-grid job site where electrical power sources are limited or unavailable
- The dispensing system needs to be easily transported
- Your work environment is harsh and involves dust or chemicals that could damage electronic components
- Simplicity and dependability are priorities
- You want to minimize unnecessary downtime and maintenance
- You do not want to deal with electrical regulatory compliance for international shipping
- You are looking for a lower upfront cost and lower maintenance costs
Pneumatic systems work best for operations that value simplicity and durability. They offer a dependable performance and reduce the likelihood of extended downtime due to electronic failures. If your team needs a system that performs reliably without complex controls, pneumatic dispensing equipment is often a good fit.
Recommended Pneumatic Adhesive Dispensing Systems:
- HG 437 Two-Part Silicone Dispensing System
- HG 250H Single-Component Pump for 5-Gallon Pails
- HG 350H Single-Component Pump for 55-Gallon Drums
Electric Material Dispensing Systems
Choose an electric adhesive dispenser when:
- Your facility has reliable electrical power, and the environment is safe for electrical components
- Your application demands high precision and programmable dispensing control
- You have trained personnel for maintaining electronic equipment
- You are prepared for potentially longer downtimes
- You are willing to invest in higher upfront costs and maintenance costs
- You are integrating with an automated system or plan to move to an automated system in the future
Electric dispensing systems work well for complex dispensing applications that require fine-tuning dispensing profiles and a high level of programmability. If your operation demands full control and you have the resources to support electronic equipment, electric systems may offer long-term value.
Recommended Electric Dispensers:
- GMP 050 Two-Part Dispensing System
- Graco E-Flo Single-Component Pump for 5-Gallon Pails
- Graco E-Flo SP Single-Component Pump for 55-Gallon Drums
Find What You Need
Both types of dispensing systems offer unique benefits and have potential tradeoffs. Choosing between pneumatic and electric adhesive dispensing systems depends on your specific needs, production environment, and budget.
If you need help deciding what is right for you, our team is happy to assist you. We can walk through your questions and concerns and also provide a personalized equipment recommendation.
