The VERMES Microdispensing System MDS 3010A-FA/3020A-FA is a precision microdispensing system designed for a wide range of applications, from pharmaceuticals and medicine to biotechnology and micro-optics. It is capable of dispensing various fluids, including low-viscosity (water-like), medium-viscosity (e.g., ink, honey-like), and high-viscosity (e.g., grease, pastes) materials. The system consists of a Micro Dispensing Valve (MDV), a Micro Dispensing Control Unit (MDC), and optional supply units (MDX).
Function Description
The core function of the system is to precisely dispense minute quantities of fluid. This is achieved through the Micro Dispensing Valve (MDV), which utilizes a tappet-based mechanism for controlled fluid ejection. The system supports various dispensing modes, including continuous dispensing and single-shot dispensing. The control unit, MDC 3090A-FA, manages the valve's operation, including trigger signals, opening and closing times, and the number of pulses. It features a user-friendly interface with an LCD display and tactile buttons for easy adjustment and monitoring of dispensing parameters.
The system offers several key functionalities:
- Adjust and First Drop: This feature allows for precise calibration of the valve stroke and ensures consistent first drop performance. The process involves adjusting the nozzle insert position and performing test shots to achieve optimal results.
- Quick-Change: The fast adjustment of the nozzle orifice allows for quick changes, making the system adaptable to different dispensing requirements.
- Null-set dispensing: This feature enables dispensing without medium (inflow disconnected), leading to stronger wearing, mainly of the nozzle insert.
- Modularity: The Micro Dispensing Valves are configured modularly, allowing for easy exchange of components and reduced maintenance costs.
- PLC Interface: The system can be integrated into automated production lines via a PLC interface, enabling external control of dispensing parameters.
Important Technical Specifications
The MDS 3010A-FA/3020A-FA system boasts impressive technical specifications that contribute to its high precision and reliability:
Micro Dispensing Valve MDV 3010A/3020A:
- Dispensing quantity range: from 9 nl per cycle
- Supply air pressure range: 0.1 to 7 bar (relative) (0.3 – 73 psi)
- Dynamic viscosity of dispense media: Low and middle viscous media (depending on thixotropy)
- Response time: about 1 ms
- Accuracy of dispensing quantity: < 1 % (at p, T = const) – this property is strongly fluid-dependent
- Maximum dispensing frequency: 450 1/s
- Continuous load dispensing frequency: 220 1/s
- Operating temperature range: 10 to 50 °C
- Corrosion resistance: all aqueous media, organic solvents, weak acids and alkaline
- Dimensions (basic version): 115 x 39.5 x 10 mm
- Weight: 220 g
Control Unit MDC 3090A-FA:
- Number of parameter storage spaces: 10
- Lines on display: 2
- Colour of display: white (backlighting)
- Push buttons: 12
- Maximum heating temperature: -
- Heating circuits: 1 (no function)
- Pilot lamps (front side): 3 (first drop, adjust ok (green), adjust not ok (red))
- Pilot lamps (back side): 1 (mains)
- Interfaces: 8 (power plug (230 VAC), 9 pin Sub-D RS-232C (EIA-232), 15 pin Sub-D PLC, 4 x multi pin sockets, 2 x sensor counter socket)
- Operating temperature range: 10 to 50°C; for high precision operation is a temperature constancy of ± 1°C in the field of 20-30 °C mandatory.
- Housing colour: black, yellow and grey
- Ventilation concept: Convection airing
- Line voltage: 230 V AC/DC
- Line frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Maximum current consumption: 0.5 A
- Housing design: Insert for 19 inch plug-in module
- Weight: 1550 g
- Dimensions: Width 101 mm, Height 173 mm, Depth 173 mm (without cables), Depth about 180 mm (with cables), 1 height unit, 20 depth units
Usage Features
The system is designed for ease of use and operational safety.
- User Interface: The MDC 3090A-FA features a clear LCD display and intuitive buttons for navigation and parameter adjustment. Function keys like "trig," "save," "recall," "adj," "enter," "esc," and arrow keys provide comprehensive control over the dispensing process.
- Parameter Adjustment: Users can easily adjust parameters such as rising time, falling time, open time, needle lift, delay, and number of pulses. These parameters can be saved and recalled for different applications.
- Safety Instructions: The manual emphasizes critical safety instructions, including checking fluid box connections, ensuring proper pressure supply, and avoiding overpressure. It also highlights the importance of wearing protective clothing, face protection, and gloves when handling aggressive, reactive, or toxic fluids.
- Starting Procedure: The system allows for a quick start-up. The control unit takes time to shut down the system without voltage, but rapid switching between on and off state is possible.
- Fluid Box Integration: The MDF 3070-FA-cyano-SSI fluid box is specifically designed for processing anaerobic glue. It includes features like a pressure source solvent, solvent reservoir, dispense level sensor, and solvent flush screw for easy cleaning.
- Adjust and First Drop Procedure: A detailed step-by-step guide is provided for adjusting the nozzle insert and performing the "First Drop" calibration, ensuring optimal dispensing performance. This includes visual feedback on the display and instructions for fine-tuning the tappet position.
- Cleaning: The system includes features for easy cleaning of the nozzle and fluid box, ensuring proper maintenance and preventing contamination.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the VERMES Microdispensing System.
- Cleaning Methods: The manual provides detailed instructions for cleaning the micro dispensing valve and its components. This includes cleaning the fluid box, cleaning rods, and fluidic brushes.
- Component Removal: Instructions are given for removing the fluid box and nozzle unit for cleaning or replacement. This includes unscrewing components and carefully handling delicate parts like the tappet.
- Compatibility of Sealing Materials: A comprehensive table lists the compatibility of various sealing materials (e.g., VITON, EPDM, NBR, PEEK, PTFE) with different chemicals, ensuring that appropriate materials are used to prevent damage and maintain system integrity.
- Error Messages: The system provides clear error messages (e.g., "EEPROM NOT FORMATTED," "VALVE DEFECT ERROR 501") to help users diagnose and troubleshoot issues. Corresponding corrections are provided for each error.
- Tooling: Specific tools, such as the MDT 301 Universal Tool and MDT 303 nozzle changing tool, are recommended for maintenance tasks like adjusting the nozzle insert and tappet.
- Decontamination: A decontamination certificate is provided, indicating the system's suitability for use in controlled environments.
The VERMES Microdispensing System MDS 3010A-FA/3020A-FA is a robust and versatile solution for precision microdispensing, offering high accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive maintenance support.