1. Caution! During dispensing from cartridges and syringes, pressure will build up in the tubes. With incorrect handling, this can lead, in the worst case, to bursting of the cartridge or syringe. When using dispensing apparatus like manual or pneumatic dispensing guns, consideration must be given to the pressures that will be generated and care taken that the burst pressure of the cartridge or syringe is not exceeded even in the case where material in the mixer is cured. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during the handling and use of filled cartridges and syringes. 2. Usage Cartridges and syringes are used to store and dispense reactive adhesives, reactive foams, coatings and other reactive materials. Sulzer cartridges and syringes are available in several materials for use with a wide range of chemical products. The following table helps the filler choose the suitable cartridge material depending on the chemical to be contained. However, stability and dispensing tests have always be made to ensure product suitability. Cartridge & Syringe material Epoxy Suitable for the storage of the following adhesives Silicone Polyurethane Polysulfide Acrylic Polyester with styrene Polyester without styrene PP / PE X X X X (X) X PA (X) X 3. Tests for cartridge suitability To determine the suitability of a particular cartridge for an application, the following tests should be done: 3.1 Dispensing test Test dispensing from the resin-filled cartridge with the appropriate dispensing gun at the maximum pressure and temperature expected during actual consumer use. The cartridge should not leak in the area of the pistons or the outlet. The strength of the cartridge or syringe can be influenced by the selection of the cartridge or syringe material of construction. Attention! During dispensing from cartridges, pressure will build up in the tubes that can lead, in the worst case, to bursting of the cartridge! Wear safety glasses! - 1 -
3.2 Storage stability / Chemical resistance The suitability of the cartridge to the chemical product must be tested with a long-term stability test. First, the cartridge must be filled with the chemical products being tested, taking care to exclude as much air as possible. Second, the pistons are inserted into the cartridge. Third, the sealed cartridge should be placed in a heated oven for a period of 2 to 12 weeks at the maximum temperature (for example 45 C) and humidity expected. The cartridge should remain leak-free during the entire test period. Leaking can be observed visually. Critical areas to observe are the pistons and the outlet. No material should have hardened in the cartridge (hardened product would be evident during dispensing from the cartridge). In case of questions or problems, please contact Sulzer so that we can give you suggestions or offer alternative products. 4. Instructions for filling The cartridges will normally be supplied with the nose plugs and caps fully assembled. The filling of the resin into the cartridge or syringe would normally be done from the rear. The filling can, however also be done through the nose. In this case the pistons will be preassembled. The cartridges and syringes are suitable for manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic filling. The filling method used is dependent on the quantity to be filled. The following table gives indicative information about the different filling possibilities. Manual filling Semi-automatic filling Fully automatic filling Costs < 5000 Euro 20 75'000 Euro 200 350'000 Euro Filling performance 10 30 car./h 100 350 cart./h 600 1000 cart./h Number of people to handle the machine 1-2 1-2 1 In any case the filling machine must be adjusted to fit the cartridge and to accommodate the piston style used. Care must be taken that the pistons are set without entrapping air between the chemical material and the pistons and that the pistons are not pushed too far in resulting in material being forced out through the air bleed. The following table will give an overview of which piston technology is suitable for manual and automated filling piston insertion: piston technology manual automated valve piston X X closed piston (X) X piston with sealing plug X (X) welded piston (X) X For further advice on cartridge filling or piston insertion, please contact your local Sulzer Quadro Systems representative. - 2 -
It is important to observe the following piston insertion guidelines to insure leak-free cartridges: - insert pistons straight into the tubes - Do not overfill the tubes. The trailing edge of the pistons must clear the entryway bevel Valve piston: The valve piston is a self-bleeding design. Air will escape automatically during piston insertion through the patented micro-valve. Solid piston: Air will escape at the tube wall by using a plastic shim. A shim made of Teflon is recommended to avoid damaging the sealing lip of the piston. - 3 -
Piston with sealing plug: Air will escape through a center hole in the piston. After inserting the piston, a sealing plug must be inserted in the hole. Welded piston: Air will escape through a special center hole in the piston. After inserting the piston, the hole will be welded closed using a hot tip, similar to a soldering iron. Pistons for syringes: In the standard syringe, air will escape through slits in the tube wall. The filled resin volume has to be exact in order to avoid leaking and to avoid entrapping air. Selfbleeding plungers are also available. Air will escape through an integrated filter in the plunger. The filling volume can be adjusted over a wide range, according to the requirement. Attention! Cartridges and syringes are not designed to be refilled! It is recommended they are stored in a vertical position to minimize distortion and thus possible leakage. - 4 -
5. Durability of cartridges All plastic parts undergo a natural degradation process. The degradation will be accelerated with heat, UV-light and certain chemical influences. With degradation the plastic parts lose their mechanical and chemical stability. Store plastic parts in closed boxes and in a cool and dry environment. Avoid exposure to direct sun light and to temperatures above 50 C. Use the cartridges in the same order as they are purchased ("first in first out ). Cartridges that are older then two years should be tested for suitability before filling. 6. Disposal of cartridges and syringes Unfilled cartridges and syringes are made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide or other plastics that can be disposed of in municipal waste or recycled, following local regulations. Attention! A partially filled cartridge s un-reacted contents could pose a hazard to the environment. Follow the material manufacturer s recommendation for disposal. 7. Instructions for 2K-dispensing guns Due to the relatively high viscosities of many adhesives and sealants, the dispensing backpressure can be significant. Therefore we strongly recommend the use of quality dispensing tools for proper results. During dispensing, the dispense gun frame must not distort, nor should the cartridge twist out of the gun s carriage. The use of poor quality dispense guns can result in: Leaking cartridges (piston blow-by ) Increased dispensing forces (back-pressure) The destruction of the cartridge. In addition to the overall structural integrity of the dispense gun, the mechanical advantage of the gun s mechanism is important to consider. Manual dispensing guns with a mechanical advantage of 18:1 or greater allow for the dispensing of higher viscosity materials quite easily. For frequent users, pneumatic or battery operated guns are recommended. These types of guns allow for easier operation, a more even material flow and a relatively high dispensing rate. For further advice on the recommended gun type for your cartridge application please contact your local Sulzer Quadro Systems representative. - 5 -