Product category:
Automation and assembly equipment
News Release from: Action Feed Systems | Subject: Action Feed Systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 May 2002
Quick guide may avoid feed system
technician visit
Barring a seminar on the principles of vibratory part feeding, this quick guide may be the next best thing to having a technician on site to remedy your feed system quirks.
Barring a seminar on the principles of vibratory part feeding, this quick guide may be the next best thing to having a technician on site to remedy your feed system quirks You know, the pesky little bugs that are just about to start annoying you, and already have the attention of your whiney operator
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 4 Feb 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Taking steps to quieten your bowl feeders
By placing a partial cap over the top and sides of a feeder, and using sound deadening or absorbing coatings, Action Feed Systems estimates that sound can be reduced by from 5-20 decibels
Problem: Loss of vibration, which equals loss of feed rate.
Solution - there are several issues which you can easily address to remedy this problem.
I once drove over 6 hours to the Detroit area to 1) lower a leveling pad on the table supporting the vibratory feed bowl so that it touched the floor and, 2) loosen the bowl top and rotate it back away from the gravity track to allow for the vibration movement of the feeder bowl (a mere.030-.080in/ 1-2mm can make all the difference).
Further reading
Vibratory feeders for multiple part styles
A final decision on the choice of a vibratory feeder should be based on a review of a number of variables, says Action Feed Systems. Check the parameters.
Feeding springs, triggers and ball bearings
Continually updating assembly automation systems, using custom-designed vibratory feeding equipment, ensures that a leading hair trimmer manufacturer is always able to maintain production volumes.
Buckle assembly system a 'snap' for feeding
The first week in December, 2002, saw the run-off, approval and shipment of a small automated station designed to feed and assemble a two piece plastic buckle assembly.
The key here is that solid connection and room to move are required for vibratory part feeding to be accomplished.
On the idea of solid connection, this applies to every part of the feed system that vibrates.
So, check every bolt to make sure that it is properly tightened down and not 'stealing vibration' from the unit.
Also make sure your feed system has a beefy supporting plate and understructure (table or machine base).
We recommend a minimum 1in/25.4mm thick mounting surface and no more than 48in/1.23m between supports or legs on the table or machine base.
As you tighten each bolt, visually inspect for cracks.
Cracked springs should be removed and replaced.
Any crack found on the bowl top or vibratory drive should be repaired as soon as possible.
Problem: Feeding violently, clanking noises or fluctuations in feed rate.
Solution - usually the situations above have to do with major changes in the volume of parts being loaded into the bowl or the coil gap setting (air gap distance between electromagnetic coil and pole face or 'striker plate').
Especially with heavy metal parts, a storage hopper with a part level paddle switch is recommended to maintain a consistent volume of part feed to the vibratory bowl.
If this isn't possible, explain to your operators that for optimum efficiency the bowl should be filled only to about 2-3 part levels deep and refilled regularly as parts are depleted.
The coil should always have an air gap between it and the pole face.
It should never be touching the pole face (or have anything pressed between the two surfaces), though we often see this when sent to check feed systems.
The air gap is generally between.030-.080in/.75-2mm and should never 'clank' or contact even when the control is turned to its highest setting.
If your feed system had been running fine and suddenly is acting up, remember to check the parts for tolerances, flashing, burrs, oil, mold release (which can also build up on tooling) or any other change that might affect feeding properties.
Hopefully your problems are minor and you will be able to remedy them in-house with that crack maintenance department you've come to trust and admire.
If not, feel free to contact Action Feed Systems via your preferred channel with any question or problem you may have.
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