Robatech describes how its new adhesive application system significantly reduces adhesive and energy consumption, as part of our Innovation Spotlight series.
To help production companies lower their operating costs while advancing their sustainability goals, Robatech has developed a new generation of adhesive application systems.
“The Alpha adhesive melter enables energy savings of 46% compared to its predecessor, the Concept melter,” explains Rolf Gräser, industry manager for Packaging at Robatech. “Our development focus was on the use of robust, energy-efficient components and a high melting capacity (8 kg/h or 12.5 kg/h) with a relatively small tank (4.1 or 6.8 litres). This makes Alpha a compact but powerful all-rounder for the packaging industry.”
Electric application heads: the future of efficient gluing
Switching from pneumatic to electric application heads offers significant cost-saving potential. Compressed air systems are not only maintenance-intensive but also more prone to faults. That’s why Robatech recommends pairing the Volta electric application head with the Alpha adhesive melter. Volta consumes 60% less energy than conventional pneumatic heads and delivers exceptional durability - with over two billion operating cycles.
But Volta is more than just efficient and durable. Its integrated stitching function is a real game changer. Hot melt stitching breaks up adhesive beads into shorter beads or dots.
This function allows users to reduce adhesive consumption by up to 60% directly via the control on the application head - without compromising bond strength. This makes Volta the ideal solution for cost-effective and reliable gluing of both primary and secondary packaging. Best of all, it requires no changes to the packaging machine’s control system.
Precision in adhesive application also depends on the heated hose
The quality and precision of adhesive application is not determined by the melter and application head alone — the heated hose also plays a critical role. If the temperature of the molten adhesive is not consistently maintained along the entire hose length, the adhesive can crack or viscosity can alter. Robatech addresses this challenge with the fully insulated Performa heated hose.
Its high-tech insulation layer reduces energy consumption by 45% compared to conventional heated hoses. Another key factor in Performa’s outstanding energy efficiency is PrimeConnect. This innovative plug-in coupling eliminates thermal bridges at both ends of the hose, further improving the quality of the adhesive application.
Modernization made easy
To stay competitive both technologically and digitally while ensuring reliable adhesive application, Robatech offers companies the opportunity to modernize their gluing systems step by step. For example, the Alpha adhesive melter is backward compatible with heated hoses and application heads dating back to the year 2000.
This allows existing systems to be upgraded without replacing all components. The integrated Robatech Control System (RCS) simplifies system integration via standardized interfaces and offers intuitive operation — both directly on the melter or remotely.
This content was sponsored by Robatech.
