As electronics manufacturing continues to evolve, manufacturers need automation solutions that are flexible, compact, and easy to adapt to changing production requirements. Rather than developing separate machines for every process, Kitron is building a standardised tabletop automation platform that can support multiple manufacturing applications on a common foundation.
The latest innovation from the Kitron Global Automation Team is the Tabletop Dispensing Machine, the first application developed on this modular platform.
This represents another step in Kitron's long-term vision of creating reusable automation solutions that support our low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment while reducing engineering effort, simplifying maintenance, and improving scalability across production sites.
Modular Platform, First Application
The Tabletop Automation Platform is built around a common mechanical structure, motion system, electrical architecture, and software framework. Instead of designing dedicated machines for every manufacturing process, the same platform can be configured for different applications by changing only the process-specific modules.
The first application developed on this platform is the Tabletop Dispensing Machine, designed to deliver accurate and repeatable dispensing for a wide range of manufacturing applications.
The machine supports various dispensing materials, including RTV silicone, adhesives, epoxies, UV-curable resins, thermal interface materials, solder paste, and other low- to medium-viscosity materials. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for flexible production environments where space optimisation and quick product changeovers are important.
As the platform evolves, the same modular base will also support future tabletop automation solutions, including automated screw fastening and selective soldering, providing a consistent automation experience across multiple manufacturing processes.
How Does It Work?
The Tabletop Dispensing Machine automates the complete dispensing process using a programmable motion system and an intuitive software interface. Operators can easily create dispensing recipes, define dispensing paths, and configure process parameters to support different products and materials.
The machine supports multiple dispensing patterns, including dots, continuous beads, circular paths, contours, and area filling, enabling it to handle a wide variety of manufacturing applications with consistent dispensing quality.
Key Features
- Modular Platform: Common mechanical, electrical, and software architecture designed for multiple tabletop automation applications.
- Multi-Material Dispensing: Supports various dispensing valves and materials within the same platform.
- Simplified Software: User-friendly recipe creation, parameter management, and quick product changeovers.
- MES Connectivity: Enables traceability through manufacturing execution system integration.
Benefits for Our Operations
- Standardised automation architecture across multiple applications.
- Faster development of future tabletop machines.
- Reduced engineering, maintenance, and spare parts requirements.
- Flexible support for different manufacturing processes and products.
- Improved process consistency with complete production traceability.
Looking Ahead
The Tabletop Dispensing Machine is the first solution built on Kitron's modular tabletop automation platform, marking the beginning of a new generation of standardised automation solutions.
By using a common mechanical design, electrical architecture, and software framework, future tabletop applications – including screw fastening, selective soldering, and other process-specific solutions – can be developed faster while maintaining a consistent user experience and engineering standard.
This modular approach enables greater flexibility, simplifies maintenance and training, and provides a scalable foundation that can evolve alongside future manufacturing requirements. As new applications are introduced, they will build upon the same platform, strengthening Kitron's vision of smarter, standardised, and reusable automation solutions across our global operations.
