Precision valve controller improves dispensing speed

The ValveMate 9000 incorporates advanced features such as Auto-Increment mode that adjusts dispensing parameters after a certain number of shots or a specific elapsed time.

The ValveMate 9000 offers independent dual-valve control programming, each with 24W temperature controllers for J-type thermocouples. Each channel can drive a remote high-speed solenoid valve up to 500Hz. At such fast dispense speeds, the high voltage can potentially damage the dispense system, so the ValveMate 9000 incorporates a clever solution with a unique spike-and-hold functionality. When properly set, the spike-and-hold function allows the controller to spike the voltage for a user-specified spike time and then throttle the voltage down to a user-specified hold voltage after the spike time expires.

In addition, two electronic pressure regulators provide stability in the fluid reservoir by maintaining consistent dispensing with full-to-empty pressure control. This allows the system to compensate for periodically changing conditions, such as fluid viscosity changes and can be used to alter the dispensing patterns and create deposits of different sizes.

Unlike existing controllers, the ValveMate 9000 offers the ability to remotely program the set-up parameters of the dispense station from the host PC or programmable logic controller. This feature enables adjustments to be made quickly and easily on-the-fly, without stopping the production line.

Claude Bergeron, Global Product Line Manager, Nordson EFD, commented: "Valve controllers offer an extremely accurate and cost-effective way to regulate the dispensing cycle and keep assembly lines running at maximum efficiency, without the need for time-consuming programming or mechanical adjustments that require the production line to be shut down. The benefits of controlled fluid dispensing include higher yields, greater process control, better quality, less rework, fewer rejects and lower production costs."