The speed of a centrifugal feeder is one of its standout features. It typically achieves higher and smoother feeding rates compared to vibratory bowls for suitable parts.
- Speed Range and Advantages
- High-Speed Range: For small, uniform parts, centrifugal feeders can easily achieve speeds ranging from hundreds to thousands of parts per minute. Speeds between 1000 to 4000 PPM are common.
- Comparative Advantage: Their speed often surpasses that of vibratory bowls due to continuous rotary motion, which is more efficient than reciprocating vibration.
- Key Factors Influencing Speed
- Part Characteristics
- Size & Weight: Small, lightweight parts are accelerated and fed most efficiently.
- Shape & Flowability: Uniform, smooth, non-tangling parts achieve the highest speeds.
- Stability: Parts must remain stable and not tip over during feeding.
- Feeder Design and Adjustment
- Disc Rotational Speed: The primary control for speed. Higher RPM equals greater centrifugal force and faster feeding.
- Combing Tooling: The design of the stationary comb affects orientation success and output rate.
- Track & Discharge Design: Smooth tracks ensure uninterrupted part flow.
III. Speed Stability
- Smooth and Consistent: The continuous rotation provides a very stable, non-pulsating output flow, offering a consistent cadence for downstream processes.
In summary, centrifugal feeders excel in speed, particularly for high-volume production of small, uniform parts. Their core advantage is combining high speed with smooth, stable operation.
