Resin Article
Resin Pumps for Industrial Applications 
Resins are highly viscous, sticky substances that can be derived naturally from plant-based sources like gum, sap or amber, or they can be produced synthetically. They are commonly used in the manufacture of adhesives, coatings, varnishes, food glazes and plastics. Or they can be used in applications involving thermosetting compounds, silicone blends and epoxy systems.
Depending on the application, resins may require controlled metering or mixing with hardeners. Additionally, the resin liquid may require heating in order to maintain a workable viscosity. All of these factors makes pump selection for resin applications crucial for both process efficiency and product quality.
Common Resin Applications
Adhesive & Sealant Manufacturing
Composite & Fibreglass Production
Coating, Paint & Varnish Transfer
Resin Injection Moulding
Two-Pack Epoxy Dispensing & Batching
Food-Grade Glazes & Coatings
Key Considerations When Pumping Resin
Viscosity Management
Resins are available in a range of viscosities, from thick syrup-like liquids to heavy, near-solid states depending on the processes temperature and liquid formulation. Ideally, resins would be transferred at low speeds for consistent, controlled transfer.
Heating Requirements
Some resin types require heating at a constant temperature in order to maintain consistent viscosity and prevent blockages or hardening within the pump. In this scenario, a heated pump housing or external jacket would be specified in order to keep the fluid at the correct temperature for controlled pumping.
ATEX Compatibility. Certain synthetic resins may include flammable components such as monomers and additives such as styrene or methyl methacrylate. This means that ATEX-rated pumps are necessary for safe operation in hazardous zones.
Chemical Compatibility. To maintain the integrity of the end product, pump materials must be compatible with the specific resin formulation being transferred, as well as any curing agents the process uses. Compatible pumps will prevent degradation, swelling or failure of the end product.
Flow Accuracy. Flow consistency and precision are critical when the process requires metering, such as in two-part resin dispensing. This is particularly essential in automated systems or where ratios must be tightly controlled.
Pump Types for Resin Applications
Progressive Cavity Pumps
Progressive cavity pumps are ideal for high-viscosity resins and two-part epoxy systems. Their gentle, low-shear motion handles thick materials without altering consistency.
Benefits:
Excellent for viscous and abrasive fluids
Very accurate flow control for dosing
Can be fitted with heating jackets
Considerations:
Requires regular stator replacement over time & are more difficult and time consuming to maintain
Larger footprint compared to other pump types
Gear Pumps
Gear pumps are suitable for low to medium viscosity resin transfer where a smooth, continuous flow is needed. They are often used in closed-loop systems or blending lines.
Benefits:
Compact and easy to install
Accurate for constant flow applications
Can be made ATEX-compliant and jacketed for heating
Considerations:
Less suitable for very thick or shear-sensitive resins
Can wear faster with abrasive or filled resins
AODD Pumps
For batch transfer of resin or where dry-run capability is needed, diaphragm pumps provide a seal-less, safe solution with minimal maintenance.
Benefits:
Run dry and no mechanical seals, reducing risk of leaks
Portable, self-priming and can handle slurries or viscous fluids
Good chemical resistance
Considerations:
Pulsating flow may be unsuitable for metering
Less efficient at very high viscosities without air booster
Requires clean, dry compressed air supply
Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic pumps offer a seal-less and contamination-free method of pumping. They work by compressing flexible tubing with rollers, pushing the fluid along the process line.
Benefits:
Excellent chemical resistance as the fluid only contacts the tube
Ideal for abrasive, viscous, or shear-sensitive resins
Very easy to clean
Considerations:
Pulsating flow can be undesirable in some applications and lead to uneven coating
Low discharge pressure and flow rates compared to other designs
Not suitable for continuous high-volume applications
High Viscosity Barrel Pumps
Designed for emptying drums, IBCs, or containers filled with thick resins, these pumps offer ease of use in manufacturing environments. They use a pump connected to an immersion tube within a container to draw up thick, viscous fluids.
Benefits:
Suitable for fast and efficient barrel emptying
Can be supplied with heating elements
Reduces manual handling of large barrels
Considerations:
Not suited for metering or dosing
Only suitable for container emptying.
Limited in pressure and head capabilities
Suited for intermittent use only
Rotary Vane Pumps
Rotary vane pumps operate on the principle of positive displacement. They use vanes inside a rotating chamber that slide in and out of the rotor, creating suction and moving resin through the chamber.
Benefits:
Smooth flow with minimal pulsation
Good suction capability
Compact and relatively quiet
Considerations:
Not suitable for abrasive or filled resins
May require lubricating medium
Sensitive to particulate contamination
Rotary Piston Pumps
Rotary piston pumps feature a piston that slides back and forth along a rotor's groove, As the rotor rotates, it acts as a valve and pulls the fluid into the pump's inlet. Benefits:
Accurate and consistent flow control
Handles viscous fluids well
Suitable for dosing and metering
Downsides:
Complex maintenance
Not suitable for abrasive fluids
Resin Pump Solutions from North Ridge
North Ridge Pumps supplies a comprehensive range of pump technologies for resin handling—from precision metering and mixing systems to heavy-duty bulk transfer. Our pumps can be configured with ATEX certification, heating jackets, or magnetic drives for seal-less operation. With over 20 years of experience across industrial, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, we ensure the correct pump is selected for your specific resin application.
Need help selecting the right pump for your resin process?
Contact our team for expert advice and tailored pump recommendations.
