Vibratory feeder systems are a very common for feeding components in manufacturing and assembly. A typical feed system contains a bowl feeder, linear feeder and controls package. The vibratory drive unit delivers the parts to the tooling features of the bowl which orients and selects parts to the proper orientation. Parts are then delivered down a linear feeder to the assembly process.
Several factors go into creating a perfect vibratory feeder system. Here are 5 tips to ensure your system meets the needs of your customer:
- Make sure you understand the entire project: When building a vibratory feeder system, it’s crucial you’re aware of the full scope of the process. A few of things to consider are cycle speed, part orientation, part quality, and even facility conditions. There are a lot of things that could affect the reliability of a feed system.
- Clarify the specifications: Every vibratory feeder system is a custom solution to a parts handling need. Each customer has a specific set of requirements needed for their feed system to integrate successfully. A kick off meeting is important understand what is to be expected when the system is delivered.
- Insist on part samples: There are several factors that go into designing a feed system for a specific part, and many of them you simply cannot get from a part print. Factors like center of gravity, predominate orientation, part material, and part quality you cannot truly understand from a 2-D image. It is crucial to have physical part samples available during the concept phase to better understand the characteristics of the part to design the best system possible.
- Discuss long-term needs: It’s imperative to discuss future project and production goals with the client to not only meet current requirements, but make it highly adaptable for future business. A feed system can be designed for future growth, part change or increased output of the assembly line if long term goals are understood during the design phase of the project.
- Invest in training: Operators and Maintenance Technicians are very important to the success of a production line. Vibratory feeder systems will run more smoothly if technicians understand what makes them function. It is wise for customers to invest in training their operators and maintenance staff to maximize the value of the system.
Are you considering installing a new vibratory feeder system? Contact us today to learn more.
October 29, 2014
Related Topics: Vibratory Feeders
