This document describes the VERMES Microdispensing Systems MDS 3010A-FD and MDS 3020A-FD, high-quality systems manufactured with precision and care, designed for various microdispensing applications.
Function Description
The VERMES Microdispensing System MDS 3000 family, which includes the MDS 3010A-FD and MDS 3020A-FD, is composed of piezo-based Micro Dispensing Valves (MDV series), a MicroDispensing Control Unit (MDC series), and optional supply units (MDX series). These systems are designed for precise and highly dynamic dispensing requirements in fields such as pharmaceutics, medicine, biotechnology, micro adhesion, micro lubrication, and micro marking. They enable contactless application of smallest reproducible drops with high speed and precision, even to difficult-to-reach points of dispensing (POD). External triggering allows seamless integration into superior control systems like PLCs.
The core of the system is the MicroDispensing Valve (MDV), which is modularly designed and consists of four basic modules:
- Sensor electronics: Contains electronics for sensor and actuator signals, with plugs for actuator and sensor cables connected to the control unit.
- Actuator system: The heart of the valve, containing the sensor (for regulated valves), the piezo actuator, and the mechanics for the tappet drive. The housing and mechanics are encapsulated to prevent contamination and humidity intrusion.
- Fluid box module: Thermally separated from the actuator system and easily demountable for stand-alone cleaning.
- Nozzle unit: Features a built-in nozzle insert that can be easily changed and cleaned using the "Quick Change" technology, allowing for fast switching between different nozzle inserts and reducing maintenance time.
The Control Unit MDC 3090A-FD is microprocessor-based and includes a switch-mode power supply, a display, a key panel with 4 LEDs, and various interfaces on the back. It manages all valve functions and can be remotely controlled via PC.
Important Technical Specifications
MicroDispensing Valve MDV 3010A/3020A:
- Dispensing quantity range: From 9 nl per cycle.
- Supply air pressure range: 0.1 to 7 bar (relative) (0.1 – 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), strongly fluid-dependent.
- Maximum dispensing frequency: 450 Hz.
- Continuous load dispensing frequency: 200 Hz.
- 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.
- Valve types: MDV 3010A (low viscous, ceramics tappet), MDV 3020A (low viscous, ceramics tappet), MDV 3200A (high viscous, ceramics or carbide metal tappet), MDV 3200F (high viscous, ceramics or carbide metal tappet).
- Special features: Normally closed (no uncontrolled leaking), Quick-Change nozzle insert.
- Material classification: Fluid contact parts are high-alloyed, rust-proof, acid-resistant stainless steels, PEEK, and PE. Sealings are available in NBR, EPDM, VITON, silicone, or CeTeDur. Nozzle inserts are made of stainless steel, plastics, ceramics, or technical glass.
Control Unit MDC 3090A-FD:
- Number of parameter storage spaces: 10.
- Display: 2 lines, 16 characters each, white backlighting.
- Push buttons: 12.
- Maximum heating temperature: 120 °C (with Heater MDH-230te).
- Pilot lamps (front side): 4 (First Drop, Heater, Adjust ok (green), Adjust not ok (red)).
- Pilot lamps (back side): 1 (Mains on).
- Interfaces: 8 (Power plug (230 V AC), 9 pin Sub-D EIA-232 (RS-232C), 15 pin Sub-D PLC, AUX socket, Actuator socket, Sensor socket, Socket for heater, Thermo couple socket).
- Operating temperature range: 10 to 50°C (20-30 °C for high precision).
- Housing color: Black.
- Button color: Yellow and grey.
- Ventilation concept: Convection airing, no forced ventilation needed.
- Line voltage: 230 V AC/DC.
- Line frequency: 50/60 Hz.
- Maximum current consumption: 300 mA.
- Housing design: Insert for 19 inch plug-in module.
- Weight: 1350 g.
- Dimensions: Width 101 mm, Height 128 mm, Depth 173 mm (without cables), 3 height units, 20 depth units.
Heating System MDH-230te:
- Resistance: All hydrous solvents.
- Maximum heater setting value: 120 °C.
- Dimensions (without cable): 57 x 25 x 38 mm.
- Weight (heating module without cable): Approx. 70 g.
- Supply Voltage: 230 V.
- Power consumption: 80 watt.
- Overheat Shutdown: 160 °C.
Usage Features
- Operation Modes: The system offers "First Drop" mode for initial setup and precise calibration of valve stroke, and "Normal Mode" for regular dispensing.
- Adjust and First Drop: A critical process for positioning the nozzle insert relative to the tappet, ensuring consistent dispense results. The control unit guides the user through the process, indicating proper adjustment with a green LED. The allowed range for adjustment is between 0 µm and 4 µm.
- Needle Lift Setting: The "Needle Lift" parameter (in %) determines the tappet's opening position and fluid flow from the nozzle. Calibration starts with a 15% NL value, adjusted in 1% steps until a visible drop appears.
- Remote Adjust: Allows adjustment of the nozzle via RS232 and PLC interfaces, valid for low viscous systems and when "First Drop" mode is switched off.
- Parameter Storage: The control unit can save up to 10 sets of dispensing parameters, including piezo value, sensor slope, heating adjustments, and key lock.
- Input of Values: Numeric inputs are processed continuously, with active figures blinking for easy modification using arrow keys.
- Menu Structure: The main menu includes "Pulse Parameters" (for modifying dispensing parameters), "Heater" (for heating settings), "Status" (for firmware, valve/MDC ID, maintenance info, error logs, and first drop function), "Calibration MDC" and "Service Code" (for general use).
- PLC Interface: A bit-oriented interface for status bits, voltage and current values, and trigger input settings.
- Serial Interface (RS232): Structured according to SCPI standard, allowing commands for status queries, adjustments, temperature control, maintenance status, and pulse parameter settings.
- Fluid Supply: Supports standard tube adapters, cartridges (MDX-CC), and pressure tanks for dispensing medium.
- Heating: Optional nozzle heating systems (MDH-230te) can be used to control dynamic viscosity, maintain constant temperature, or achieve higher temperatures for dispensing.
Maintenance Features
- Quick Change Technology: The nozzle insert is a consumable that can be easily changed and cleaned by the user, reducing the need for external service.
- Fluid Box Removal: The fluid box module is easily demountable for cleaning.
- MDT 301 Universal Tool: A specialized tool for preforming tappet sealing, pressing in/out tappet sealing and centering piece, and assisting with adjustments.
- Tappet Protection: A tappet guard is available to protect the tappet from damage when the fluid box is removed.
- Cleaning Tool Kit: Vermes MicroDispensing recommends a Cleaning Tool Kit (order no. 1010320) for cleaning fluid contacting parts, including fluid box cleaners, cleaning rods, and fluid box brushes.
- Cleaning Methods: Includes rinsing with appropriate cleaning medium (e.g., Isopropanol), ultrasonic bath for single parts, and mechanical pre-cleaning for heavily polluted components.
- AutoID: The valve logs in automatically into the control unit MDC 3090A-FD, transferring calibration data via a memory chip.
- Cycle Count: The valve saves the number of dispensing cycles, enabling a maintenance concept based on usage. The cycle count can be read out via the serial interface RS232.
- Error Messages: The system provides error messages (e.g., "EEPROM NOT FORMATED," "INVALID VALVE DATA," "VALVE DEFECT ERROR 501") to guide troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Calibration: The heating temperature can be calibrated to compensate for irregular heating temperatures between different control units. This process involves setting "ice point" and "boiling point" values or measuring them with a thermocouple.
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