Robots make short work of flange sealing

New automated dispensing equipment at Ford puts down flange sealant fast enough to do an engine every 5 min. The new equipment applies beads of Loctite 59000 RTV silicone consistently in the same position on every joint. Devised by Ford and Loctite, the robot's tight control of adhesive volume and placement eliminated problems endemic to manual methods. These difficulties included excessive or misplaced material squeezing out of joints, as well as insufficiently filled joints that could later cause leaks.