>> Karen Parker, editor-in-chief
FROM THE EDITOR
Susan Sutton served as Editor-in-Chief, Integrated Media, of ASI magazine for many years. If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please contact Tom Fowler at fowlert@bnpmedia.com. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
AI and Innovation Help Adhesive Dispensing Reach New Heights
It is obvious that automation in the manufacturing industry has evolved significantly since the Industrial Revolution when manual labor was replaced with mechanized systems. The introduction of programmable logic controllers and robotics marked a shift toward automated assembly lines. With these systems, manufacturers achieved faster, more consistent production with reduced human error. With the integration of artificial intelligence, manufacturers have achieved a new level of sophistication and quality control in automation. AI-powered systems can now analyze real-time data, predict equipment failures, optimize supply chains, and adapt to changing production conditions without human intervention. Over the past 100 years, industry has made giant leaps with automation in manufacturing, and yet there is still room for progress and growth.
A new report on the adhesive dispensing equipment market from Allied Market Research placed a value of $11.6 billion on the market in 2023 and estimates the market will reach $19.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2033. Rising demand from the automotive, electronics, and packaging industries, which are increasingly relying on automated precision bonding, is driving market growth. To accommodate this growth, adhesive manufacturers are developing new technologies, such as UV-curable and high-strength adhesives.
The system-mounted adhesive dispensing segment leads the market. Demand is driven by rising automation across industries, including automotive and electronics. The study reports that these systems offer enhanced precision, speed, and integration into assembly lines, reducing human error and boosting productivity. The electric-powered segment holds the largest share, with demand driven by the need for efficient, automated solutions in manufacturing. These improve bonding accuracy, reduce labor costs, and ensure consistent product quality in sectors like automotive and aerospace.
In terms of adhesive technology, cold adhesive systems hold the largest market share, driven by growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to solvent-based adhesives, particularly in the packaging and construction sectors. According to the report, their versatility in bonding materials like plastic and cardboard, makes them ideal for meeting the expanding packaging needs fueled by e-commerce.
As automation advances, it reduces human error in assembly processes and allows for finer quality control. Our lead story in the October issue is an article by Coherix, a provider of precision process control technology for the adhesive and sealant industry, about the use of 3D laser-based inspection systems with machine learning and artificial intelligence. These systems can catch dispensing issues and resolve them quickly, helping manufacturers to reach near-zero defect rates within their assembly processes.
Looking at the big picture of adhesive and sealant innovation, we are featuring an article from Trinseo this month that explains how to build and manage a strategic product development pipeline that aligns with internal capabilities and targeted market opportunities. An article from Charles Ross & Son Co. discusses the importance of the mixing process in the manufacture of adhesives and sealants, and an article from Stabond Corp. provides an in-depth investigation into the interaction between material properties, sealant placement, and thermal performance. Also featured in this issue is an article that outlines the evolution of functional industrial coatings.
I hope you enjoy this issue of ASI and as always, please contact me at parkerk@bnpmedia.com if you have ideas or suggestions you would like to share.