1.FM50 Hot Melt Foaming Machine

Nitrogen-assisted hot melt adhesive system · 380 V · 50 L tank

The FM50 is OSD’s dedicated machine for applying foamed hot melt adhesive. A conventional hot melt machine dispenses a solid bead, while the FM50 mixes nitrogen into the adhesive to create a cellular bead that expands as it exits the nozzle. Depending on the application, foamed adhesive can reduce material consumption by approximately 40–60% compared with a solid bead covering a similar bonding area.

The FM50 is designed for precise bonding, sealing and gap filling. Typical applications include sealing air filter frames, filling HVAC filter housings, refrigerator door gaskets, bonding upholstery foam, finishing mattress edges, cushioning automotive interiors and potting electronic components. These applications often call for a flexible seal, vibration damping or gap coverage rather than maximum bond strength. The expanded adhesive bead is more compliant than a solid bead and can accommodate uneven joints.

The FM50 uses nitrogen-assisted foaming. Nitrogen is inert and dry, helping provide consistent foaming conditions without introducing the oxygen and moisture found in ambient air. The system combines a 50 L adhesive tank, a PLC touchscreen and support for one to four heated hoses.

2.How Nitrogen-Assisted Foaming Works

The FM50 first melts and pumps the adhesive. Nitrogen is then metered into the adhesive through a static mixer. As the mixture leaves the nozzle and pressure drops, the gas bubbles expand, creating a foamed adhesive bead. The foam ratio can be adjusted from 0% to approximately 60%, depending on the material and process settings.

The touchscreen allows operators to monitor and adjust key process parameters, including adhesive temperature, nitrogen pressure, gas flow and open time. An optional PT100 sensor provides precise temperature measurement. The custom pump is designed for foaming adhesives with a viscosity of 1,000–5,000 cP and a high gas content.

The recommended foaming temperature is 130–150°C, with nitrogen pressure adjustable from 45–80 bar and gas flow from 6–20 g/min. Open time can be set from 0 to 120 seconds to suit part size and joint conditions. The FM50 operates on 380 V and has a rated power of 11.8 kW.

In applications such as air filter frame sealing, refrigerator gaskets and foam lamination, the expanded bead can help reduce adhesive use while providing flexible coverage. Actual material savings and payback depend on the adhesive, product design, line settings and production volume.

3.Key Features

• Nitrogen-assisted foaming with an adjustable foam ratio from 0% to approximately 60%
• Potential adhesive savings of up to 60%, depending on the application and process
• 50 L adhesive tank for extended production between refills
• PLC touchscreen for monitoring foaming temperature, gas pressure, gas flow and open time
• Supports one to four heated hoses for multiple application stations
• Optional PT100 temperature sensor with control accuracy of ±1°C
• Custom pump designed for foaming adhesive with a viscosity of 1,000–5,000 cP and high gas content
• Adjustable foaming temperature, nitrogen pressure, gas flow and open time

4.Applications

The FM50 is suitable for continuous production lines requiring foamed adhesive for sealing, cushioning, gap filling or reduced adhesive consumption. Typical applications include:

• Air filter frame sealing
• HVAC filter housing fill
• Refrigerator door gasket sealing
• Furniture foam bonding
• Mattress edge finishing
• Automotive interior cushioning
• Electronic component potting

5.Selection Guide

Choose the FM50 for foamed adhesive applications that require sealing, cushioning or gap filling, when the adhesive viscosity is 1,000–5,000 cP, the target foam ratio is 0–60% and the process needs one to four application stations.

If your adhesive viscosity exceeds 5,000 cP or your process requires a foam ratio above 60%, consult OSD’s engineering team about a custom configuration. The FM50’s standard operating range is designed for common foaming applications; processes outside that range may require a tailored solution.