In industrial manufacturing, there are automated machines specifically designed to control fluids and apply them in drops or as a coating onto the surface or interior of products. These include dispensing machines such as potting machines, coating machines, and glue dispensing machines. So, what is the difference between a potting machine and a dispensing machine?
A potting machine, also known as an AB glue potting machine, is an automated device specifically designed to control fluids and apply them in drops, costings, or for potting inside or on the surface of produces. The purpose is to achieve effects such as sealing, fixing, and waterproofing. It generally uses two-component adhesives. A dispensing machine, also referred to as a glue dispensing machine, drop dispensing machine, or glue application machine, is also used to control fluid application. It applies fluids in drops or coatings onto product surfaces or interiors and can perform 3D or even 4D path dispensing with high precision, accurate positioning, precise glue control, no stringing, no leakage, and no dripping.
Dispensing machines are mainly used for accurately applying adhesives, paints, or other liquids to precise locations during product manufacturing. They can perform dotting, line drawing, circular or arc-shaped dispensing.
Key differences between potting and dispensing machines:
Main difference: Potting is used for products that require large volumes and large surface areas of adhesive. Dispensing is more suitable for accurate, small-scale applications requiring precise control.
Use case: Potting machines are ideal for large-volume, wide-area applications. However, they are more expensive than dispensing machines. If monthly usage is under a few hundred kilograms, potting machines are typically not considered; manual operation or dispensing machines are preferred.
1.Glue Control Mechanism: Most dispensing machines on the market use air pressure to control glue output. Although some newer models have moved away from air pressure, potting machines primarily rely on metering pumps. These control the glue flow rate by adjusting pump speed. Common pump types include: Gear pumps – suitable for adhesives without fillers. Screw pumps – suitable for filled adhesives, wear-resistant. Plunger pumps (ceramic pumps) – highly wear-resistant but expensive. The choice of pump depends on the glue's characteristics and application needs. HOLS Automation can recommend the most cost-effective equipment based on customer requirements.
2.Glue Output Volume: Potting machines generally have a larger minimum glue output than dispensing machines. They can dispense 10–20+ grams per second, while some dispensing machines can go as low as 0.001g.
3.Dispensing Precision: Dispensing machines offer higher precision in glue application compared to potting machines.
4.Glue Type Compatibility: potting machines are mainly used for two-component adhesives such as: silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, crystal glue, etc. Dispensing machines are typically used for single-component adhesives, including: UV glue, EPOXY (black glue), white glue, EMI conductive glue, instant adhesives, silver glue, red glue, solder paste, thermal paster, conformal coatings, screw locking adhesives, etc. However, due to technological advancements, many modern dispensing machines can now also handle two-component adhesives.