At Krattiger Holzbau, the automated application of single-component PUR adhesives has replaced manual labour, guaranteeing process safety. The company's timber constructions can now be bonded more precisely, faster, cleaner and with less manpower.
The CX application head with multi-nozzles applies the single-component PUR adhesive to the wooden beams to be bonded for roof construction.
Robatech
About five years ago, Krattiger Holzbau's Amriswil facilities in the canton of Thurgau (Switzerland) became too small. The planning of a new plant began with the aim of expanding production and it was at this time that the idea of switching to fully automated gluing came about. Krattiger therefore invested in a WEINMANN multifunction bridge with an integrated Robatech adhesive application system with multi-nozzles, which was erected in the designated assembly hall in Amriswil and commissioned in April 2015. Until then, the bonding was carried out by hand using cartridges and compressed air. The adhesive is now applied using Robatech's fully automated PurTack2 adhesive system. "The closed system is ready for operation at any time and with minimum effort. This makes it easier for us to use bonded joints as often as possible. Now our workers no longer have to climb over the components to apply the adhesive with cartridges. This makes the entire manufacturing process a lot easier and safer", explains Urs Krattiger, owner and managing director of Krattiger Holzbau.
Consistently high quality
According to Mr. Krattiger, "the amount of glue is now precisely dimensioned, and the same amount can be repeatedly applied and logged". He went on to explain that this ensures a statically perfect joint and prevents the adhesive from getting onto the hands and clothes of the fitters. "The surfaces where the adhesive is not applied now also remain clean. In addition, the application is a lot faster. Our employees can now carry out other tasks while the plant's application program is running", adds Project Manager Dirk Schallenberg. In addition to saving time, automatic adhesive application provides consistent quality. This is due to the fact that the nozzles are controlled by the machine control software and that they do not clog up despite the use of a reactive adhesive. The automation also causes the barrels containing the adhesive to be almost completely emptied, which makes it easier and faster to change the barrels. The application system has been used successfully at Krattiger for three years now and, according to the company, ensures high bonding quality with low wear.