Fluid Research

What Fluid Research does

Fluid Research is a US-based manufacturer of engineered-to-order metering, mixing, and dispensing systems for industrial resins, adhesives, and reactive polymers. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, the company designs and builds equipment using proprietary progressive cavity pump technology and piston displacement pumps, serving industrial customers in aerospace, medical device, automotive electronics, battery manufacturing, and general industrial assembly. The product portfolio spans benchtop to fully automated systems, anchored by the VersaMix dual servo-driven two-component platform, the Signature Series multi-component system, the CM420, and the X-100 and Z-100 single-component machines, complemented by M-Series progressive cavity pumps and the NeverEmpty and Standard Material Management Units that handle material conditioning, degassing, heating, and continuous supply. All systems run on the proprietary Sentinel Logic control platform and are configured to customer-specific material viscosities (from under 50 cps to over 1,000,000 cps) and mix ratios, with documented ratio accuracy and shot repeatability better than 2% for low-viscosity unfilled materials.

The business model is built on custom-configured equipment sales through a consultative, Request-a-Quote sales motion targeting industrial OEM and contract manufacturers. Revenue is generated from one-time equipment sales, accessories and consumables such as MS-Series static mixing nozzles, and recurring professional services including installation, in-house training, factory service technicians, and technical consulting. Fluid Research operates as a subsidiary of Ellsworth Adhesives, a global specialty chemical distributor headquartered in Germantown, Wisconsin, with sister divisions Fisnar (dispensing robotics), MoldMan Systems (low-pressure molding), ResinLab (resin manufacturing), KitPackers, and Glue Dots International providing cross-sell reach and technical service scale. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is bespoke per system configuration. The company does not offer a public API, does not advertise AI/ML capabilities, and maintains traditional PLC-based industrial control rather than networked software platforms.

Name

Fluid Research

Legal name

Fluid Research

Website

https://fluidresearch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fluid Research manufactures custom-configured metering, mixing, and dispensing systems using proprietary progressive cavity pump technology, serving aerospace, medical device, automotive electronics, and battery manufacturers as a subsidiary of Ellsworth Adhesives.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Dispensing Equipment

NAICS

Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing (333914), Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391), Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996)

SIC

Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561)

akta.pro primary industry

Filling & Dosing Machines (Liquid/Powder/Solid) (IMAHAOAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Metering Pumps (IMAHANAC), Pump & Compressor Packages (Skids, Booster Sets) (IMAHANAG), Filtration, Condition Monitoring & Fluid Management (Filters, Breathers, Oil Analysis, Cooling) (IMAHAGAL)

Keywords

• Meter mix dispensing systems
• Progressive cavity pumps
• Precision fluid dispensing
• Two-component dispensing
• Material management units

Headquarters

HQ city

Sparks

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Dispensing Equipment Sales: Sale of standard and custom meter mix dispense systems, single and multi-component dispensing machines, and pump technology. Equipment ranges from benchtop systems to fully automated large-volume production machines.
2. Professional Services: Technical support, consulting, process development, installation, in-house training for operators and maintenance personnel, and factory service technicians.
3. Accessories and Spare Parts: Sale of accessories including MS-Series Static Mixing Nozzles, metering components, and related consumables.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Fluid Research designs, manufactures, and services engineered meter mix dispense equipment, progressive cavity and piston pumps, and material management systems for precise metering, mixing, and dispensing of single and multi-component industrial resins and liquids (epoxies, urethanes, silicones, UV curables). The company configures standard and custom systems ranging from benchtop machines to fully automated large-volume production lines, with proprietary pump technology, PLC-controlled material conditioning, and intuitive control software.

Product overview

Fluid Research is a manufacturer of metering, mixing, and dispensing systems designed to handle industrial resins and liquids. The product portfolio includes several distinct product lines: Meter Mix Dispense Systems (VersaMix® Two Component, CM420, Signature Series Multi Component, X-100 and Z-100 Single Component systems) that form the core product offering; Pump Technology featuring M Series Progressive Cavity Pumps as the proprietary pumping technology used across most systems; Material Management solutions including NeverEmpty™ and Standard Material Management Units™ that condition and supply materials to the metering systems; and Accessories such as MS-Series Static Mixing Nozzles. The systems utilize either progressive cavity pumps or piston pump technology and can be configured for single or multi-component materials across benchtop, cart mount, or free standing workstations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VersaMix: Two-component dispensing system featuring dual servo-driven, variable ratio technology for precise metering and mixing.
• NeverEmpty Material Management Unit
• Material Management Unit
• Signature Series
• CM420
• NeverEmpty Material Management Units
• Standard Material Management Units
• Pail & Drum Ram Emptying Systems

Products and services

• VersaMix Two Component Dispensing System A dual servo-driven, variable ratio meter mix system for two-component dispensing with programmable dispense volumes and independent speed control. Designed for industrial manufacturers using epoxies, urethanes, silicones, and other reactive polymers.
• CM420 Multi Component Dispensing System A 1 or 2-part true rod positive displacement metering machine with balanced inlet/outlet spool valve for precise shot size and flow rates. Targeted at industrial dispensing of oils, extracts, vaping liquids, UV curables, RTV, greases, heat cure urethanes, and epoxies.
• Signature Series Multi Component Meter Mix System The most customizable meter mix system, combining proprietary progressive cavity pump technology with the Sentinel Logic control platform. Handles multi-component materials up to three-part formulations with industrial computer control, a 15-inch HMI touchscreen, and a ratio range up to 20:1 PBV. Targeted at high-end industrial manufacturers.
• X-100 One Component Dispensing System A one-component dispensing system for adhesives, sealants, potting compounds, and UV cure materials, featuring proprietary microprocessor digital control, touchpad interface, up to 15 storable programs, and viscosity range of 1-50,000 cps. Targeted at industrial manufacturers needing precision single-component dispensing.
• Z-100 One Component Dispensing System A manual tabletop positive displacement dispensing system base model with digital microprocessor control, +/- 2% accuracy, self-priming ability, and compatibility with cartridge, pail, drum, and tank feed types. Targeted at general industrial applications.
• M Series Progressive Cavity Pumps Precision-made progressive cavity pumps available in ten models (M-4-0.03 through M-4-25.0) that provide precise, consistent dispensing independent of media viscosity, with exceptional resistance to abrasive, filled, and chemically aggressive fluids. Made in the USA. Used across most Fluid Research dispensing systems and offered to industrial manufacturers.
• NeverEmpty Material Management Unit Dual A and B-side vessel system with PLC controls that automatically switches to a full tank when one empties, eliminating downtime during conditioning processes such as vacuum degassing and heating while maintaining continuous supply of conditioned fluids. Targeted at industrial manufacturers needing uninterrupted production.
• Standard Material Management Unit Standalone frame structure designed for gravity feeding to metering pumps, with modular design accepting material conditioning and handling features including vacuum degassing, heating, agitation, recirculation, and automatic filling. Targeted at industrial manufacturers requiring consistent material conditioning.
• Pail & Drum Ram Emptying Systems Progressive cavity pump-based systems for accurate dispensing from barrels, drums, and pails of highly viscous and abrasive materials, with continuous flow, no pulsation, low shear, variable speed control, and pressure up to 350 psi. Targeted at industrial manufacturers handling bulk viscous materials.
• MS-Series Static Mixing Nozzles Static mixing nozzles for even mixing of two-part materials without hand mixing, featuring polyacetal mixing elements and polypropylene housings available in various sizes with 12 to 48 elements. Sold as accessories for use with Fluid Research meter mix dispense systems.
• Professional Services Technical support, consulting, process development, installation, in-house training for operators and maintenance personnel, and factory service technicians for Fluid Research dispensing equipment customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ratio accuracy and shot repeatability better than 2% for low-viscosity unfilled materials
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ellsworth AdhesivescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFluid Research is an Ellsworth Adhesives company. Ellsworth Adhesives is a global leader in specialty chemical distribution headquartered in Germantown, WI, USA. The partnership combines decades of experience in dispensing and adhesive technology. Ellsworth Corporation has 50 years of industry experience and provides technical service staff for consulting, product selection, process development, and implementation.
• ResinLabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFluid Research partners with ResinLab technical experts to offer customized edge-fill solutions for industries including electronics, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer product assembly. ResinLab is a leading resin manufacturer offering standard and custom products, production equipment, lab capabilities, and technical expertise.
• H.B. FullerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFluid Research has developed a Meter Mix Dispense System specifically configured for H.B. Fuller Battery Solutions, indicating a product-specific engineering collaboration for battery manufacturing applications.
• FisnarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFisnar is a related division of Ellsworth Adhesives and a world leader in industrial robots and automation solutions for fluid dispensing systems. Fisnar offers dispensing valves, fluid dispensers, industrial robots, pumps, reservoirs, and accessories suitable for benchtop assembly or large in-line processes.
• MoldMan SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMoldMan Systems is a related division that designs and builds automated low pressure molding machines using silicones, polyamides, polyamide-acrylic, and copolyester materials for encapsulating, protecting, and sealing electronics.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Graco Inc. Graco is a global leader in fluid handling equipment, including pumps and meters used in industrial dispensing and metering. It is comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping pump and dispense technology, though it serves a much wider range of fluid handling applications beyond reactive polymer dispensing.
• Nordson Corporation: Nordson is a diversified precision dispensing and test equipment manufacturer (including its Asymtek line) serving electronics, medical, and industrial assembly. It is comparable as a broad incumbent offering direct competition to Fluid Research in precision fluid dispensing, with deeper software and Industry 4.0 integration.
• Henkel (Loctite): Henkel's Loctite brand is a global leader in industrial adhesives and sealants, with a comprehensive equipment portfolio for automated dispensing and curing. It is a broad incumbent whose chemistry-plus-equipment go-to-market model parallels Fluid Research's positioning with resin partners like ResinLab.
• Parker Hannifin: Parker Hannifin is a major manufacturer of motion and control technologies, including fluid power pumps, valves, and fittings used in industrial dispensing applications. It is comparable as a broad incumbent whose fluid power components overlap with Fluid Research's pump and dispense technology.

Direct peers

• Dymax Corporation: Dymax manufactures light-curable adhesives and dispensing/curing equipment, including meter-mix and dispense systems for industrial assembly. It is a direct peer with overlapping product portfolio, similar customer verticals (electronics, medical, aerospace), and complementary chemistry + equipment model.
• Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. Sealant Equipment & Engineering designs and builds meter-mix and dispense systems for adhesives, sealants, and potting compounds. It is a direct peer offering the same engineered-to-order two-component dispensing platform that Fluid Research sells.
• Asymtek (Nordson): Asymtek, a Nordson division, specializes in precision automated fluid dispensing for electronics manufacturing, including jetting and volumetric dispensing systems. It is a direct peer competing head-to-head with Fluid Research in electronics encapsulation and conformal coating.
• IVEK Corporation: IVEK Corporation manufactures precision liquid metering, dispensing, and mixing systems for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. It is a direct peer with overlapping positive displacement dispensing technology and similar small-to-mid-sized specialty manufacturer profile.

Emerging players

• Fishnar (Fisnar): Fisnar is a sister company under Ellsworth Adhesives that manufactures industrial dispensing valves, robots, and accessories for fluid assembly. It is comparable as an adjacent player in the same Ellsworth network, with overlapping dispensing technology and shared customer base.
• VERMES Microdispensing: VERMES Microdispensing is a German-based specialist in piezo-based micro-dispensing systems for electronics, medical, and semiconductor applications. It is comparable as an emerging player in high-precision fluid dispensing, with overlapping target markets in electronics and medical device assembly.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FluidResearch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fluid Research