“Driving Efficiency Through Closed Adhesive Application Systems” – Robatech.
As a manufacturer of industrial adhesive application solutions, Robatech has built a strong reputation for developing reliable gluing technologies. Guided by the belief that sustainability starts with efficiency, the company consistently focuses on innovation and maintains a clear commitment to quality in industrial adhesive application. Over the years, Robatech has established itself through a broad portfolio of well-proven products. We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Florentin Cioranu, Industry Manager for Woodworking, who shared valuable insights into the company’s background, its product offerings, and more. Here are excerpts from our conversation.
WPE: Robatech has been active in adhesive application technology for 50 years. How do you see your role in the woodworking industry today?
Florentin Cioranu: Our role has evolved from being a component supplier to a solution partner for complete adhesive application processes. Woodworking manufacturers today are looking for systems that ensure consistent bonding quality, reduce waste and integrate seamlessly into automated production lines. At Robatech, we focus on designing adhesive application solutions that combine reliable hardware with intelligent control — tailored specifically to woodworking requirements such as edge banding, panel lamination and furniture production.
WPE: What key trends are currently shaping adhesive application in woodworking?
Florentin Cioranu: One of the most important trends has been and still is the move toward closed adhesive application systems.
In edge banding and many panel applications, the trend is clear: manufacturers are moving away from open, roller-based systems, where the adhesive is melted in a tank and then applied with a roller. These systems are simple, but they are prone to contamination, inconsistent dosing and higher adhesive consumption.
In contrast, closed adhesive application systems — where adhesive is melted and conveyed through heated hoses to nozzle application heads — offer much tighter control of adhesive delivery, repeatability and lower waste. Robatech has been actively developing solutions in this area because our customers want consistent, high-quality results across variable production demands.
WPE: Can you share an example of how such a system benefits manufacturers in practice?
Florentin Cioranu: We see clear benefits particularly in furniture and panel production with frequent format changes. Manufacturers using closed systems report more stable bond quality, fewer rejects and significantly reduced cleaning and maintenance effort.
Because the adhesive is processed gently and consistently, PUR adhesives maintain their performance over longer periods. At the same time, maintenance becomes more predictable and manageable — through smart system design that avoids unnecessary stress on components.
WPE: Sustainability is a major topic in woodworking. How does adhesive technology contribute here?
Florentin Cioranu: Sustainability starts with efficiency. Using less adhesive, avoiding scrap and extending system service life all have a direct environmental impact. Closed adhesive application systems help achieve exactly that. Robatech has always thought ahead and acted consciously for the benefit of people and the environment. Taking responsibility for our actions—today and for future generations—is generally central to our approach.
WPE: Looking ahead, what’s next for adhesive application systems in woodworking?
Florentin Cioranu: We see continuous refinement of closed systems. The next steps will involve more data-enabled quality control — for example, tracking application volume against job parameters to flag anomalies — and even tighter integration with plant networks. For now, the focus is on helping customers achieve repeatable, high-quality results with minimal waste and downtime.
WPE: Thank you for sharing these insights. Any final message for our readers?
Florentin Cioranu: Adhesive application is no longer a secondary process — it plays a decisive role in product quality, efficiency and sustainability. Manufacturers who invest in integrated, closed systems will be better positioned to handle future challenges in woodworking production.
