Having worked in the dispensing equipment industry for over years, I have encountered various types of glue dispensers, among which 3-axis dispensers are the most widely used. With their cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance, they hold an important position in electronics manufacturing. At the same time, they have certain limitations and need to be selected according to specific process requirements.
3-axis dispensers are primarily used for planar products. In PCB production, they are commonly used for conformal coating and component bonding, requiring high batch consistency. In keyboards and membrane switches, glue must be applied quickly and evenly between keycaps and circuit layers. In backlight module assembly, they handle sealing and fixing tasks. These products have regular shapes and simple paths, making them ideal applications for 3-axis dispensers.
The advantages of 3-axis dispensers are mainly threefold. First, cost-effectiveness: compared with 4-axis or 6-axis machines, 3-axis dispensers are less expensive and can meet most standard dispensing requirements. Second, simple maintenance: the system structure is not complex, making repairs and upkeep easier with minimal downtime. Third, flexible operation: most modern 3-axis dispensers feature visual programming interfaces, allowing trained operators to work efficiently. I once worked with a keyboard factory where manual dispensing was slow and inconsistent. After switching to a 3-axis dispenser, production doubled and rework rates dropped below 1%, significantly improving efficiency.
However, 3-axis dispensers also have limitations. They are not suitable for complex 3D structures, such as the inner edges of mobile phone frames or automotive electronic connectors. Restricted to XYZ plane movement, they require frequent fixture adjustments for diverse product shapes, which can reduce efficiency. I recall a mobile phone metal frame project where the 3-axis machine could not meet angle requirements, and only a 4-axis dispenser resolved the issue. Such challenges are common in high-precision and 3D dispensing applications.
Nevertheless, when used correctly, 3-axis dispensers remain a highly cost-effective solution. From my experience, adding visual positioning systems can improve dispensing accuracy; optimizing movement paths reduces stringing at corners; and for fillers or settling-prone adhesives, constant temperature and stirring systems ensure stable dispensing. Integrating 3-axis dispensers into production lines as fixed workstations further enhances large-scale production stability.
In conclusion, 3-axis dispensers are highly suitable for planar electronic product dispensing. With their low cost and high efficiency, they remain the preferred choice for many manufacturers. However, their limitations become evident in complex structures and high-precision processes. Equipment choice is never absolute; the key is selecting the right machine for the process. Based on my twenty-plus years of experience, 3-axis dispensers remain a reliable, economical, and worthwhile investment for most small to medium-sized enterprises.