How to Adjust a Pusher-Type Feeder?

Adjusting a pusher feeder focuses on optimizing mechanical stroke, timing, and sensor feedback.

1. Mechanical Adjustment

1. Inspection & Cleaning
   • Safety: Disconnect air and power.
   • Action: Clean and check for wear on the pusher, guides, and hopper.
2. Adjust Pusher Stroke
   • Goal: Ensure the pusher fully ejects the part without over-travel.
   • Method:
     • For Pneumatic Cylinders: Adjust sensor positions or flow control valves.
     • For Electric Actuators: Set travel limits in the control software.
3. Adjust Clearance
   • Goal: Optimize gap between pusher and hopper (slightly larger than part thickness).

1. Pneumatic/Electrical Adjustment

1. Adjust Speed
   • Goal: Balance speed and stability.
   • Method: Use flow control valves on the cylinder. Extend fast for positive ejection; retract slower to reduce impact.
2. Adjust Sensor Positions
   • Goal: Accurately detect “part present” and “low hopper” states.
   • Method: Precisely position the part-present और low-level sensors.

III. Timing and Integration (in PLC/Control System)

1. Set Delay Times
   • Ejection Dwell: A brief pause at full extension for downstream pickup.
   • Retract Dwell: A pause after retraction to allow parts to settle.
2. Testing & Optimization
   • Single-Cycle Test: Manually trigger cycles to observe part separation and ejection.
   • Continuous Test: Run at low frequency to check for jams or misfeeds.
   • Full Load Test: Test with a full hopper to ensure stability under maximum load.

Summary: The key to adjusting a pusher feeder is precision, stability, and integration. Success is achieved when every cycle is precise, reliable, and synchronized with downstream processes.