Precision made in Switzerland
How Swiss engineers ensure that DOPAG valves are perfect to the finest detail
Cham is one of five DOPAG production sites worldwide. We have been manufacturing drum pumps, metering valves and components there for more than 50 years - Products that show their origin.
Metering and applying lubricants, adhesives and sealants is becoming increasingly challenging. Greases and oils need to be automatically applied precisely and reliably to complex, hard-to-reach places or inside drill holes. The economical or loss-free use of the o!en expensive materials is also becoming increasingly important. DOPAG engineers have all this in mind when developing new components or enhancing existing ones. Both the Development and Product Management departments work in line with market requirements. It is always essential to understand and support the customer.
In 1976, the first drum pumps and valves were developed at the Cham site near Lake Zug (Switzerland). Even back then, emphasis was placed on what characterises Swiss products in general: precision, quality and durability. This still holds true today.
During the development process, Raffael Endres, Product Manager, and his colleagues pay close atention to ensuring that the components live up to these atributes. It takes one year from the initial idea to series production for smaller projects, and two-and-a-half years for larger projects such as the new drum pumps (please also read the article DOPAG presents new drum pumps for lubricants, adhesives and sealants). ‘The ideas for new and further developments come from the market, either directly from customers or from our own considerations and technical innovations,’ says Raffael Endres.
He has been with DOPAG for six years. However, many members of the team have been with us for ten, 20, 30 years or even longer. Take Peter Brunner, for instance. In his case, it’s been more than 20 years. He heads up the Development department and works closely with Raffael Endres. During the development phase, the two keep in close contact with each other and with colleagues, sharing information and making decisions. One thing is important to both of them: ‘It is crucial to us that we understand the metering processes and that we know exactly what we are doing. That we analyse them and then translate this understanding into effective products,’ he says. The focus is always on customer benefits. The DOPAG team continuously analyses the market, looks at which specifications are needed and implements them in the development process. This may involve the further development of existing products, such as the chamber metering valve (see also the article Up to 8 million shots with consistent accuracy). Completely new products may also be developed, such as the rotary applicator for 360° grease application.
Swiss precision in every assembled component
The metering components and pumps are all assembled at the Swiss site in Cham. Gianfranco Termini works on the control unit for drum pumps (left). Component fitters Robert Fischli (center) and Christian von Allmen assemble valves.
Testing for long-term use
Another challenge is the materials being metered. Lubricants are continuously being developed and greases are becoming increasingly complex. Accordingly this fact forces the development team to work continuously on the products and to tailor the metering systems precisely to the customer’s materials. ‘Thanks to the many endurance tests we carried out so far, we are confident to supply customers with clean, precise metering and also long-lasting products,’ explains Peter Brunner.
Michael Braun, Manager Technical Centre, extensively tests new products with regard to their long-term usability at the company’s own technical centre. ‘We test the valves for their long-term usability, general availability and durability. We test how we can use the valves and how many millions of shots they can handle in order to make sure that the eight millionth shot is the same as the first,’ he says. This number of shots can be achieved with the new chamber metering valve and the newly developed Long Life Seal concept integrated in the valve.
In the prototype phase, the product is first put through its paces. Extensive functional tests and endurance tests must demonstrate feasibility before moving on. Once all this has been achieved, the component is made suitable for series production in the pilot run. In addition to other endurance tests, assembly processes are checked and optimised here. Then it’s time for series production. At the production facility, component fiters build individual valves, pumps and other components as well as individually configured metering systems for customers. The team consists of a total of eleven colleagues, seven of whom work exclusively on component assembly and four of whom work exclusively on system construction. The first quality check is carried out at the incoming department before production begins. Later, before the finished product leaves the factory, it undergoes another final inspection.
Series production and individual configuration
Production is divided into two parts. Standard valves are manufactured and stored in larger quantities so that they are available quickly. This plays an important role in the spare parts business, in particular. Special valves and metering systems that are adapted to the customer’s requirements are only produced by the team on request. It is not uncommon for special components to be developed and manufactured only for a single customer, for example for semi-automated metering stations. As a result, DOPAG manufactures more than 2,500 different items.
DOPAG develops custom dispensing systems with material feeding, control unit and outlet valve in tandem with the customer. The compilation of the systems are precisely according to customers´requirements. ‘We develop components not just for the customer, but with the customer - from the idea to the solution. We see ourselves more as a partner than a service provider or supplier,’ explains Dominic Kaufmann, Director of the Competence Centre Components. These systems are also built at the production facility in Cham (Switzerland).
Comparing valves and pumps online
Standard items are available in the DOPAG component portal, amongst other places. Products can be compared directly online, technical specifications, instructions and STEP data can be downloaded, accordingly. In addition, the products can be requested directly online. With the portal, DOPAG rounds off its portfolio and provides its customers with the information they need around the clock and around the world. DOPAG experts are at their customer´s Service and support them actively.
Discover DOPAG’s full portfolio for dispensing technology
→ Valves and pumps for dispensing technology
→ Compare products in the DOPAG component portal
→ Discover more applications for greasing and oiling
‘DOPAG metering components are 100 per cent Swiss Made. They are developed, assembled and tested in Switzerland. In this way, we guarantee extremely precise, reliable products of superb quality.’
Raffael Endres, Product Manager
‘This has also partly to do with our Swiss eye for detail. We atach huge importance to precision and the durability of the products. It is also reflected in the strength of our products, how indispensable they are on the market and the fact that we have been able to sell good products successfully for almost 50 years.’
Peter Brunner, Development Manager
‘Our components are durable, so nothing breaks. That’s what our customers can rely on.’
Michael Braun, Manager Technical Centre
‘We are offering a unique modular system for metering components. The customer receives everything from a single source, from pumps and valves to regulators and sensors. Regardless of whether they want just one component, a metering system with a grease adaptor or a system for integration. We are also on hand to provide advice and support.’
Dominic Kaufmann, Director Competence Centre Components
- One contact for the entire system solution
- All applications from one provider
- Implementation of specific requirements and automation
- Competent support from DOPAG experts
- A dedicated technical centre for testing and customer training
- Close collaboration with material manufacturers
- Decades of experience in metering and mixing technology
- Global distribution and service in over 40 countries
Your contact
Reference projects
All DOPAG articles at a glance:
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Frank Bals explains how DOPAG supports integrators with expert guidance, global service and tailored metering solutions.
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At our Cham site, DOPAG engineers develop and assemble high-precision valves and pumps – built to last and tailored to your process.
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The dynamicLine enables automated series production. The result: short cycle times and low material consumption.
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By switching to DOPAG metering and mixing technology, our customer benefits now from an extremely high precision and cost savings.
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The dynamicLine applies PU foam gaskets to heat pump housings - highly precisely and automatically. This provides optimum protection against environmental influences such as dust, dirt and moisture.
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The eldomix metering and mixing system offers an efficient solution for the automated potting of electronic components.
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We ensure that your dispensing system runs reliably - with our DOPAG services. These range from maintenance and repairs to spare parts ordering and online support.
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Bischof+Klein uses the eldomix to bond packaging for the food industry. We were on site.
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Large quantities of adhesive are required in the manufacture of rotor blades. This is achieved with specially developed metering and mixing systems.
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For the secure bonding of paintbrushes we have customised the metering and mixing system economix.
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Precision is crucial when it comes to planning. Which factors are particularly important and how can common design flaws be avoided?
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The vectomix TC metering and mixing system from DOPAG processes thermally conductive materials precisely and cleanly. This application shows the processing of Wacker Semicosil 9672.
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Higher quantities in less time - For bonding housings for LED luminaires, DOPAG has configured an automated metering system that meets precisely these requirements.
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Technology, material and component - these three factors must be optimally coordinated for the automated production of PU foam gaskets. DOPAG and Stassen Industries GmbH advise customers together.
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SAE Schaltanlagenbau Erfurt relies on the dynamicLine from DOPAG for the individual production of control cabinets. We have visited them on site.
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We configured an automated lubricant dispensing system that optimises production processes in the automotive industry.
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The eldomix dispensing system fills an impregnation bath for the production of hydrogen tanks using the filament winding process.
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Particularly strict conditions apply to production in the medical technology and food industries. A special configuration from DOPAG enables the use of the dispensing system in the clean room.
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When is it beneficial to switch from manual dispensing to a metering and mixing machine? - We support you to identify all relevant influencing variables.
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Learn all about Form-In-Place-Foam Gasketing (FIPFG) and how it’s already begun revolutionizing engineering industries and applications around the world.
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PU gaskets and potting compounds protect the sensitive electronics in a wallbox against dust, dirt and moisture. We offer solutions for both applications.
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We offer dispensing systems for a reliable application of adhesives and sealants in the manufacturing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport tanks.
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The contactless application of lubricants meets all conditions for complex, automated production processes and is now standard in many industries. We present the options.
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With the dynamicLine, DOPAG provides an automated and clean application of PU foam gaskets on recyclable HEPA filters from the Swiss manufacturer Tecnofil.
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The Swiss start-up dhp technology constructed the world’s first retractable solar roof. The individual modules are manufactured with dispensing technology from DOPAG.
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With the dynamicLine, DOPAG offers a system for both applications and thus enables an efficient, automated series production.
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DOPAG offers special dispensing stations for the manual application of lubricants. With the help of an adapter, components such as O-rings and other seals can be greased or oiled manually.
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Self-adhesive labels and stickers are produced with silicone coating via coating systems. We provide the metering system to ensure material feed.
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DOPAG provided a metering and mixing system for potting electronics boards for e-bike battery packs.
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With the dynamicLine, DOPAG offers an efficient solution for series production of PU foam gaskets in all industries.
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The metering and mixing system volumix provides a smart solution for filling cartridges with adhesives and sealants in aircraft production.
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For the production of plastic filter elements, DOPAG configured and automated metering and mixing system.
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DOPAG provides an individual solution for the application of one-component sealant in the production of cardan shafts for special vehicles.
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With the dynamicLine, DOPAG offers an efficient solution for series production of PU foam gaskets in all industries.
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DOPAG develops a metering and mixing system for adhesive bonding of automotive components to ensure uniform standards worldwide.
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DOPAG offers furniture manufacturers flexible and reliable solutions for the automated application of lubricants.
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For the automated application of PU gaskets to control cabinet doors, DOPAG provides a dynamic mixing system in combination with a linear robot and shuttle sliding tables.
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With the dispensing system coredis, the honeycomb core of sandwich panels, which are used for the interior of aircraft, could be filled homogeneously.
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DOPAG successfully supported a truck manufacturer with a dispensing system for the manual application of a single-component sealant.
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Valves for the spray application of grease and oil. Contactless application of lubricants in areas difficult to access.
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Precise potting of filters and filter elements is necessary for high safety and purity. DOPAG supported a global manufacturer with individually configured metering and mixing systems.
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With the dynamicLine from DOPAG, customers will be able to implement gasketing and bonding applications with just one system.
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The requirements for the type of lubricant dispensing vary and always depend on the application being carried out. Learn here more about the four key factors for successful system design!
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The membrane dispensing valve ensures a clean application and a high reliability in automated dosing processes.
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Using thermal gap fillers leads to more advanced metering technology requirements - learn more about the solutions from DOPAG.
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Compared to manually inserted seals, automatically applied PU gaskets offer many advantages.
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DOPAG presents the shot valve in a new video: It is perfectly suited for contactless material application in highly automated processes.
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The control cabinet manufacturer Fandis applies foam gaskets on various components. DOPAG has designed a FIPFG system for this application.
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DOPAG has developed two special lubricant application systems for the production of ball screws in automotive industry.
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The eldomix dispensing system fills material reservoirs of 3D printers with liquid printing technology.
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DOPAG provides automated potting solutions for variuos applications - two practical examples!
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CTO Daniel Geier talks in the interview about challenges in automated dispensing technology.
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DOPAG presents a production cell, that could be used for greasing and oiling applications. Disocver also valves for contactless material application.
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Metering and mixing systems are necessary in various applications in rotor blade production. DOPAG presents its solutions.
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The household appliance manufacturer Amica uses an invidual glue dosing system from DOPAG for the production of oven doors.
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With dynamicLine, the metering technology manufacturer DOPAG presents a new dynamic mixing system for a wide range of applications.
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DOPAG developed a special dosing system for the automated lubrication of gas springs.
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Individual grease and adhesive dispensing systems from DOPAG guarantee highest quality electric parking brakes.
