en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 23rd, Swedish furniture manufacturer IKEA has recently successfully implemented automated adhesive application technology in the production of its new product, the Pax 2.0 wardrobe. This innovative move aims to enhance production efficiency and optimize the furniture assembly process. To achieve this goal, IKEA collaborated with German automated woodworking equipment company Lehbrink and Swiss automated application technology company Robatech.
The Pax 2.0 wardrobe is a foldable wall cabinet designed for quick assembly by a single person without tools. Its core concept involves directly bonding the back panel to the side panels using a one-piece pre-bonded structure, which utilizes a "wedge tenon" joint for snap-fit connection, significantly reducing assembly time. To ensure precise adhesive application at the seams, an automated adhesive application system became crucial.
Lehbrink developed a continuous flow production system for the Pax 2.0, capable of aligning side panels and back panels with millimeter precision, addressing the main production challenge. Robatech provided the RobaPUR 20 MOD melting unit and customized Vivo 18 flat nozzles, ensuring the hot-melt polyurethane adhesive maintains a stable temperature during application for uniform coating. In initial tests, standard nozzles proved inadequate for adapting to the rough surface of particle board. After multiple geometry adjustments, the application effect was finally optimized.
The application of automated adhesive technology not only improved production efficiency but also ensured product quality. Joachim Alves, Regional Sales Manager at Lehbrink, stated: "We particularly appreciated the transparent communication and flexibility with Robatech in the joint project, which made the collaboration very pleasant and efficient." Robatech also traveled to Sweden to train IKEA's manufacturing personnel, further facilitating the technology's implementation.
IKEA expressed satisfaction with the automated adhesive application system, placing additional orders even before the first system in Sweden began operation. Currently, the system has been expanded to IKEA factories in Italy and China, demonstrating the global application potential of automated adhesive application technology. This collaboration case highlights the importance of cross-company cooperation in driving innovation within the furniture manufacturing industry.
