marc3 system
The modular dispensing robot for high-precision microdispensing applications.
The marc3 system is a modular dispensing robot designed for precise and repeatable dispensing processes. The standardized gantry platform can be flexibly adapted to different products, workspaces, and production requirements—from compact machine designs to large-format dispensing applications.
Depending on the configuration, the dispensing robot enables positioning accuracies of up to 3 µm and the integration of dispensing heads and tools weighing up to 13 kg. At the same time, the rigid machine design allows for a low machine weight starting at approximately 350 kg.
As the third generation of the marco gantry platform, the marc3 system combines the experience gained from the marc1 and marc2 gantry systems into a unified machine concept. Its modular architecture combines high precision, flexible system integration, and comprehensive process control on a standardized technical foundation.
marc3 system
Positioning accuracy of up to 3 µm
Depending on the configuration, the dispensing robot enables high-precision dispensing, joining, and automation processes down to the micrometer range.
Dot on Position
Image acquisition, dispensing operations, and other process steps are executed with precise positional accuracy—even during motion and at varying travel speeds.
High Dynamic Performance with Linear Motors
Linear motors on the X, Y, and Z axes enable high-speed dispensing with accelerations of up to 3 g while maintaining consistent repeatability.
Machine weight from approximately 350 kg
The rigid design combines high precision with significantly less mass than traditional gantry systems, which weigh several metric tons.
X-axis travel adjustable by up to 1.5°
The X-axis guidance can be aligned with the component. This eliminates the need for an additional rotary table, particularly in the case of multiple dispensing heads.
Quick-change dispensing heads
The tool holder is designed for weights up to 13 kg and allows for the flexible interchange of various dispensing and joining heads. Tools from other manufacturers can also be integrated.
Single or double conveyor belt
Enables parallel processes and linked manufacturing steps such as dosing, joining, and bonding.
Can be integrated into cluster systems
The gantry system can be integrated as a process module into automated manufacturing concepts, for example with automated wafer loading and unloading via a wafer handling system.
Cleanroom Compatible
The dispensing cell can be configured to meet a wide range of clean manufacturing and cleanroom requirements.
Open Software Platform
The software, developed in C and extensible with Python, provides comprehensive process control, flexible system integration, and a consistent operating concept across all platforms—from the marc0 to the marc3 system.
Continuously Evolved from the marc1 and marc2 Systems
The marc1 system established the technological foundation for marco's gantry platforms. Building on this foundation, the marc2 system introduced larger working envelopes and enabled more application-specific machine configurations.
The experience gained from both system generations has been directly incorporated into the development of the marc3 system. The primary objectives were exceptional positioning accuracy, stable motion control, and reliable process control, while providing greater flexibility in working envelope, system integration, and machine configuration.
The marc3 system brings these capabilities together in a modular, standardized system architecture. Precision axis guidance, an open software platform, and flexibly configurable machine modules allow the dispensing cell to be tailored precisely to the specific application and production environment.
Product Features and Customer Benefits in Detail
Precision Without Unnecessary Mass
The marc3 system is built on a highly rigid machine frame and a mechanical design engineered consistently for maximum precision. Depending on the configuration, the machine weighs as little as 350 kg, making it significantly lighter than conventional gantry systems, which often weigh several tons.
The key is not maximizing machine mass, but strategically providing high rigidity where it matters most mechanically. This approach enables the marc3 system to deliver precise, stable motion while maintaining a substantially lower overall weight.
For users, this results in an excellent footprint-to-work-area ratio and easier integration into existing production environments. At the same time, the mechanical foundation required for highly precise and repeatable dispensing processes is fully maintained.
Rigid Axis Design for Repeatable Dispensing Processes
The axis architecture of the marc3 system is engineered for stable tool guidance and highly precise motion. The X and Y axes are available as independent modules in various lengths, enabling different machine configurations and work envelope sizes.
The direct-drive axis design supports precise positioning and dynamic motion control. This allows motion, positioning, and dispensing to be synchronized with a high degree of accuracy.
The result is a solid foundation for repeatable dispensing performance—even in demanding applications involving complex motion profiles, varying travel speeds, and intricate dispensing tasks.
Modularity as a Standard
The marc3 is designed as a modular standard system. While the robot's core platform remains the same, the work area, equipment, and level of integration can be tailored to the specific application.
The X and Y axes are available as independent modules in various lengths, allowing the dispensing cell to be configured from a compact system to a large-format machine for components measuring several meters. The required work area is determined by the product and process requirements.
Depending on the application, the gantry system is available in several configurations:
🔹as a frame with a dispensing head for integration into existing machines
🔹as a standalone system, with or without an enclosure
🔹With manual loading or automated loading and unloading
🔹As an inline system or as a process module within a cluster production system
Single- or dual-conveyor configurations also support parallel workflows and integrated manufacturing steps such as dispensing, assembly, and bonding.
Tooling and Process Modules
The marc3 features a standardized mounting interface that allows different dispensing heads to be exchanged quickly and reproducibly. This enables various dispensing heads to be used for different applications while maintaining the same calibrated position. A pneumatic weight compensation system supports tool weights of up to 13 kg.
For multi-head applications, the system offers automatic Y-axis alignment. Each dispensing valve can be fine-adjusted by ±150 µm using a piezo actuator, after which a vision system precisely aligns the valves.
The NCA (Nozzle Cleaning, Inspection, and Analysis) process modules integrate cleaning, inspection, and analysis functions directly into the production line. This helps maintain stable processes, reduces manual intervention, and eliminates the need for additional external stations.
The material supply system can also be integrated flexibly, for example by using different reservoir systems, 2K mixing systems, and other marco modules.
Cleanroom-Compatible and Vibration-Isolated
The marc3 can be specifically designed to meet cleanroom requirements. Properly sized HEPA fan units can be integrated directly into the dosing cell.
A vibration-isolated base is available for particularly sensitive applications. Mounting on air cushions decouples the machine from external influences while also reducing the transmission of system-induced vibrations to the surrounding area.
Unified software, open interfaces
All marco dosing cells operate using the same software logic and a standardized user interface. This simplifies operation, process transfer, and integration.
Open interfaces, XML file formats, and DXF import support program development as well as customer-specific automation concepts. Remote access and easy system integration also simplify service, process adaptation, and data exchange.
Industries and Applications
The marc3 is designed for dosing applications that require high precision, a flexible machine architecture, and reliable process integration.
Typical industries and areas of application include:
🔹Electronics and Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing
🔹Wafer and Semiconductor Production
🔹Display Manufactoring and Optical Components (e.g., Mini-LEDs)
🔹Medical Technology
🔹Automotive Electronics
🔹Precision Assembly and Micro Manufactoring
Depending on the system configuration, the dispensing robot is suitable for applications such as:
🔹High-precision microdispensing
🔹Bonding, joining, and potting
🔹Dispensing solder paste, flux, and underfill materials
🔹Applying silicones, sealants, and filled materials
🔹Display and lens applications
🔹Automated inline and cluster manufacturing processes
Technical Highlights at a Glance
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Positioning accuracy up to 3 µm | For highly precise dispensing and positioning applications |
| Machine weight starting at approx. 350 kg | High structural rigidity with significantly lower overall mass |
| Payload capacity up to 13 kg | High flexibility for dispensing heads and tooling |
| X-axis guide tilt adjustment up to 1.5° | Precise alignment of the dispensing head with the workpiece |
| Automatic Y-axis alignment ±150 µm | Fine adjustment for multi-head applications |
| Linear motors on all axes | Precise motion control with accelerations of up to 3g |
| Integrated process modules | Cleaning, inspection, and analysis directly within the production line |
| Single or double conveyor belt | Parallel processes and integrated manufacturing steps on a single platform |
| Cleanroom compatibility | System configurable to meet different cleanroom classifications |
| Open software architecture | Unified operation, open data structure, and high integration capability |
Do You Have a Specific Application?
The marc3 is not designed as a rigid standard machine, but as a a dispensing cell tailored to your product, process, and production environment.
Talk to us about your application—we'll show you how the marc3 system can be configured to meet your requirements with precision.
The best thing is to ask marco in person!
With our marc0 and marc3 gantry systems, marco delivers a complete dispensing solution—from the dispensing head to the inline robot—for seamless integration into your production line. All from a single source.
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