Robotic Dispensing: Engineering Precision in Manufacturing

Today, manufacturing goes far beyond assembling parts and moving materials. Many applications require precise coordination between robotic motion, adhesive chemistry, and surface preparation—particularly when applying adhesives to oven doors, priming curved glass for automotive assembly, or dispensing sealants in industrial equipment. Manual processes often struggle to meet these expectations, especially under tight tolerances and high-throughput conditions.

With extensive experience integrating FANUC and KUKA robotic systems, DRM has developed custom dispensing solutions for a wide range of industries, from appliance manufacturing to automotive glass processing.

Precision Challenges in Robotic Dispensing

Dispensing may seem straightforward—until you consider the variables at play. The viscosity of the adhesive, the curing time, surface tension, ambient temperature, and even the angle at which materials are applied all affect the outcome.

In one oven door bonding project, DRM was tasked with applying an abrasive adhesive capable of withstanding self-cleaning cycle temperatures exceeding 500°F. The adhesive had a ten-minute set time, meaning even slight part movement during that window could compromise the bond.

“This adhesive isn’t easy to work with,” said Barry Brian, Partner at DRM. “It takes about ten minutes to set, which means you have to control movement perfectly. If the parts shift even slightly before curing, you end up with a misaligned or failed bond.”

To solve this, the DRM team engineered a robotic dispensing cell with:

• Precision part alignment using custom fixtures, robotic grippers, and high-accuracy feedback from vision systems

• Controlled initial part pressure applied by the robot to initiate adhesion

• Precision pressing automation at downstream stations to ensure a consistent final bond

The result is a system that improved quality, reduced waste, and ensured long-term durability for every oven door produced.

Robotic Dispensing in Glass Manufacturing: Flat vs. Curved Challenges

One of the most complex challenges in glass manufacturing is applying coatings, adhesives, and primers to surfaces that may not be uniform. In automotive glass production, for example, curved windshields introduce new variables that flat glass does not.

“With flat glass, every piece is identical,” Brian explained. “With curved glass, no two pieces are the same, so we have to build compliance into our tooling to adapt.”

To address this, DRM developed a robotic dispensing solution with compliant tooling and AI-supported vision guidance. The system dynamically adjusts to match each part’s unique curvature, maintaining consistent bead application regardless of surface variation. It also includes a surface treatment stage to improve adhesion reliability, enhancing bond strength and reducing rework.

These innovations have been applied in both commercial and automotive glass assembly, where even the slightest dispensing inconsistency could result in testing failure.

Choosing the Right Robot: KUKA, FANUC, and Beyond

Robot selection is driven by the specific demands of each dispensing application. DRM evaluates a range of technical factors when determining the best fit, including:

• Reach and articulation

• Payload and repeatability

• Software compatibility

• Plant integration standards and support needs

While DRM works with a variety of robotic platforms, the team frequently recommends FANUC and KUKA due to their proven reliability, strong performance, and dependable technical support both before and after deployment.

Rather than defaulting to a specific brand, DRM considers the functional strengths of each platform in the context of the application.

“FANUC’s iRVision is an excellent solution when vision guidance is required. KUKA’s world mouse feature on their Teach Pendant allows for the best path teaching when programming multi-dimensional arcs,” stated Doyle Cooper, engineer at DRM.

The Future of Robotic Dispensing

With new materials, faster robotic arms, and AI-driven quality control, robotic dispensing is advancing beyond simple adhesive application. Modern systems are now capable of self-monitoring, detecting inconsistencies in dispensing patterns, and making micro-adjustments in real time to maintain precision. By integrating predictive maintenance capabilities, these systems can anticipate failures before they happen, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

As manufacturers demand higher accuracy and repeatability, DRM continues to refine robotic dispensing solutions that maximize performance, reliability, and production efficiency.

To learn how robotic dispensing can improve precision and efficiency in your operations, contact DRM today.