How does a feeding system work?
A feeding system consists of several mechanical solutions that work together to ensure an efficient and reliable production process. Each process is unique, but generally speaking, a system consists of the following components:
Bunker
This is the starting point of the supply system. Loose parts are delivered in bulk and deposited in a bunker. This bin acts as a storage area to increase autonomy and ensures a continuous supply of materials to the next step in the process.
Dispensing system
After the loose components are poured into the hopper, the dispensing system ensures that these materials are transported in a controlled manner. This is done using advanced techniques designed to deliver a constant, reliable output, depending on the desired speed and quantity.
View Dispensing system.
Bowlfeeder
From the bunker, the parts enter the bowlfeeder in a dosed, but random manner. By shaking and vibrating, the parts are moved up and forward, then sorted and orientated by a combination of mechanical rejectors, half-pipes and swing-outs.
Separator
During vibration, all parts are separated from each other. As the bowlfeeder has a variable output, the parts pass through a linear feeder to the seperator, which then ensures that all parts are presented correctly one by one. The linear feeder is a necessary intermediate step because it acts as a buffer. If the output of the bowlfeeder is too large, a traffic jam of parts forms in this module. This buffer stock guarantees that a part is available for further processing at any time.
Pick & place
The oriented part must be transfered oriented to the right position in the next fase of the assembly process. For simple operations, a pneumatic or servo driven pick & place module is used; for combined processes, a robot offers the solution. Precise and regular feeding speeds up the production process and guarantees higher accuracy than manual sorting.
Realizing your ambitions together
Curious about how Schaeffler Special Machinery Netherlands can sustainably improve your production process and how we realize big ambitions with customized solutions?
