Q: What is vibratory automation?
What is vibratory parts feeding?
This is a technology over 50 years old that is used to orient (proper position), singulate (proper quantity) and differentiate (separate/sort) and move parts to a desired location. At the desired location the next part operation can be performed rapidly and repetitively. The operations or processes performed are virtually endless, but here are a few examples:
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assembly |
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secondary (threading, tapping) |
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packaging |
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inspection |
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How are the parts moved?
A power unit with electromagnets sends rapid pulses (usually 60 or 120 per second) which pull against a 'pole face' held in place by strips of heavy spring steel or sometimes fiberglass springs that flex and actually 'throw' the parts forward a small distance with each pulse.
What are the components of a vibratory feed system?
A vibratory hopper stores bulk parts to be fed into the vibratory bowl. In a vibratory bowl, various tooling shapes and contours flip, turn and select the desired part orientation while shedding improperly oriented parts to continually recycle through the tooling until properly oriented. Linear vibratory feeding devices (or inlines) are used to feed properly oriented parts to the operation desired. Other vibratory feeding devices are also used similarly to orient or feed parts to the desired location (Click here to see an example of a vibratory table).
What are the advantages of a vibratory feed system?
A vibratory feed system offers distinct advantages over other feeding methods.
These include:
- speed
- accuracy
- reliability
- cost effectiveness
- repetitive motion injury liability reduction
- durability
Are there any disadvantages to vibratory parts feeding?
Vibratory feeding does not work for every part application. Depending on speed and accuracy desired, parts with wide dimensional tolerances or that tend to tangle may not be good candidates for vibratory feeding. Vibratory parts feeders can be loud and may require additional investment for noise reduction (bowl coatings, double bottoms, sound enclosures).
If your particular application is not well suited for being vibratory fed, actiOn feed systems can suggest other feeding solutions more appropriate for your situation (even if this means sending you to another supplier).
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