What is the difference between 1K and 2K metering?
Metering and mixing technology means the processing of one or two component materials. These could be greases and oils or adhesives and sealants such as polyurethane, epoxy or silicone. Single component materials are frequently used in the automotive industry. Two component materials will be processed in applications like potting or bonding of components, sealing, glazing and many more. For the processing of two component materials, they are filled in separate tanks and are then fully mixed during the dosing process. This could be for example epoxy resin and hardener.
What is 1K Metering?
1K metering and mixing machines are used for the processing of one component (or one-part) material. This could be greases and sealants or pastes and adhesives such as polyurethane, epoxy or silicone.
Pressure-time dispensing
- The easiest and most cost-effective dispensing method
- Valve opens for a certain period of time and material is dispensed under pressure (pressure and flow rate remain constant)
- Low safety and repeatability
- Suitable for manual metering of adhesives or automatic metering with low quality requirements
Volumetric dispensing
- Most popular metering option
- Metering with regard to the volumetric quantity
- Two possibilities:
- time-dependent: exactly defined volume is applied at a specific location
- time-independent: volume has is metered over a specific period of time and a defined distance or area
- Automatic dispensing
- Suitable for applications with high requirements on safety and reproducibility
What is 2K Metering and Mixing
2K metering and mixing is more complex than 1K metering because the two components are not only metered and applied but also mixed before the application. A given mixing ratio must be adhered to closely and the mixture must be perfectly homogenous. This process relies on one of two available technologies:
- piston pump
- gear pump technology