Q: What can we do to control the noise of our feed system?

A: How Can We Control or Stop the Noise!

A vibratory feed system can be the source of noise that distracts and disrupts employee concentration and generally has a negative effect on the work environment. Here is the short list of possible solutions or at least ideas for improving the noisy shop environment.

Sound Enclosure

In many factories the noise issue is confronted by having sound enclosures constructed to box in the rumbling vibratory feeder. Usually sheet metal with structural support surrounds the equipment and the interior is covered with a sound-absorbing foam. Several panels are designed for access to the feeder inside, just in case there is a problem with feeding.

An update on this is a tailored vinyl panel attached to a framework by velcro strips. This makes for easier access and the fabric-encased foam is better protected against deterioration.

Although this solution has been used for years with some success, there are several drawbacks to this type of noise control: 1) servicing equipment can become a major disassembly project 2) increased machinery footprint 3) difficulty accessing the bowl for daily operations (part changes; cleanup and routine maintenance).

Sound Cap

An area currently being developed by actiOn feed systems is placing a partial cap over the top and sides of the feeder. Testing reveals that the majority of the sound waves eminating from the feed bowl rise straight up and out from the tooling areas.

The sound cap addresses this source of noise while allowing much greater access to bowl for necessary routine maintenance or any service required. This is accomodated by simply lifting the cap off its stands (for smaller applications), or attaching a cylinder to the cap for lifting it up and away from the feeder. We estimate that sound can be reduced by from 5-20 decibels using this method along with an appropriate coating.

Double Bottoms

Another sound reduction tool is the double bottom. There are two levels welded into the bottom of the bowl and the air space is filled with sand, tar or other sound deadening material. If the bowl is ‘skirted’ (an angled piece welded in under the track, usually used to help prevent part jams between tracks), this can be capped and filled as well, offering a greater measure of noise reduction as the parts travel up the track. Double bottoms offer limited noise relief, especially when feeding metal parts.

Coatings

The most exciting front in sound abatement is with sound deading or absorbing coatings. actiOn feed systems is now experimenting with a compound called “The Deci-mator”. We have extremely high hopes for this product and after thorough testing, hope to be able to offer this product on feeding systems both new and in the field.

We currently use Devcon Flexane 80 and urethane (spray and clothback) for noise reduction. Both of these coatings offer a measure of sound deadening and have the added benefit of protecting part finish, but each has some limitations as well.

In the future any combination of the above solutions may be integrated into your part feeding system, making the prospects of factory work brighter and quieter, indeed.