A complete flexible feeder system is an integrated mechatronic device consisting of the following key functional modules and components: I. Core Vibration and Handling Module Vibratory Platform/Feeder Base: Generates micro-amplitude, multi-axis vibration to scatter parts. Flexible Feeding Tray/Plate: The removable surface placed on the vibratory platform. Pin Tray: With an array of pins to stabilize parts. Textured/Coated Tray: Surface with a specific friction coefficient. Magnetic Tray: For ferromagnetic parts. Platform Controller: Adjusts vibration frequency, amplitude, and mode. II. Vision Recognition Module Industrial Camera: Typically a high-resolution area scan camera. Industrial Lens: Selected based on field of view and accuracy requirements. Lighting System: Critical for highlighting part features. Ring Light, Bar […]
Frame & Structural Components Aluminum profile frame, steel base, mounting plates, safety guards, doors with interlocks. Drive & Transmission Components Servo motors, stepper motors, pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders, electric slides, linear guides, ball screws, timing belts, couplings. III. Feeding & Handling Components Vibratory bowls & controllers, linear feeders, pusher feeders, hoppers, feed tracks, elevators. Actuation & End-Effector Tools Pneumatic grippers, vacuum cups, screwdriver bits, dispensing valves, welding guns, ultrasonic horns, riveting heads, press heads, custom jaws. Sensing & Inspection Components Fiber optic sensors, proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, vision cameras & lights, pressure sensors, encoders, laser gauges. Control & Electrical Components PLC, motion controller, HMI (touchscreen), relays, contactors, circuit breakers, power supplies, servo drives, […]
Optical inspection machines utilize imaging and image processing to automate inspection, measurement, and identification on high-speed production lines. High-Precision Dimensional Measurement Function: Non-contact measurement of length, width, height, diameter, hole size, and spacing. Application: Verifying if parts are within drawing tolerances. Surface Defect Inspection Function: Identifying various surface flaws. Defects Detected: Scratches, cracks, dents. Stains, contamination, foreign material. Printing defects. Assembly errors. Coating irregularities. Identification and Classification Function: Reading product markings and sorting based on features. Application: OCR/OCV: Reading and verifying dates, lot codes, serial numbers. Barcode/QR Code Reading: For traceability. Color Recognition: Sorting or checking color consistency. Shape Sorting: Identifying different product models. Positioning and Guidance Function: Precisely […]
Optical inspection is suitable for virtually any manufactured product requiring checks for appearance, dimensions, completeness, or identification. Precision Electronic Components Examples: Printed Circuit Boards, chips, connectors, capacitors, resistors, LEDs. Inspects: PCB solder joints, missing/misplaced components, part dimensions, surface defects. Semiconductors & Wafers Examples: Silicon wafers, packaged chips. Inspects: Wafer contamination, scratches, defect patterns; package appearance, leads, marking. Automotive Components Examples: Pistons, gears, bearings, seals, connectors, lights, dashboards. Inspects: Dimensional accuracy, surface flaws, assembly completeness, printing. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Examples: Tablets, capsules, syringes, vials, surgical tools, packaging. Inspects: Missing/damaged pills, print quality, label placement, surface defects. Food & Beverage Packaging Examples: Bottle caps, labels, cans, pouches. Inspects: Seal integrity, label […]
The working principle can be summarized in four core steps: Image Acquisition Process: The system captures an image of the object using an industrial camera and specialized lighting. Key Elements: Lighting: Provides stable, uniform illumination to highlight features of interest and suppress noise. Camera: Converts light into a digital image signal. Image Processing Process: The raw image is sent to an image processor for preprocessing. Key Operations: Noise reduction, contrast enhancement, edge sharpening to prepare the image for analysis. Feature Extraction and Analysis Process: The system’s “brain” analyzes the processed image against preset standards or templates. Key Operations: Measurement: Calculates pixel distances and converts them to real-world dimensions. Pattern Matching: Compares the image to a known good template. Recognition: […]
Classified by Actuation Method Single-Acting Cylinders Principle: Air pressure drives in one direction (extend), and a spring (or external force) returns it. Characteristics: Simple, low air consumption. Uneven force, limited stroke. Double-Acting Cylinders Principle: Air pressure drives both extension and retraction. Characteristics: High, controllable force. Standard, most common type. Classified by Function & Special Structure Rodless Cylinders Principle: The piston drives an external carriage via magnetic or mechanical coupling. No piston rod extends. Characteristics: Saves space, allows long strokes. Guided Cylinders Principle: Integrated linear guide resists side loads and torque. Characteristics: High rigidity, precision, prevents binding. Compact Cylinders Principle: Very low profile/short axial length. Characteristics: Saves height, used in tight spaces. Rotary Cylinders Principle: Converts […]
Adjusting a pusher feeder focuses on optimizing mechanical stroke, timing, and sensor feedback. Mechanical Adjustment Inspection & Cleaning Safety: Disconnect air and power. Action: Clean and check for wear on the pusher, guides, and hopper. 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. Adjust Clearance Goal: Optimize gap between pusher and hopper (slightly larger than part thickness). Pneumatic/Electrical Adjustment 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. Adjust Sensor Positions Goal: Accurately detect “part present” and “low hopper” states. […]
Compression Riveter (for Solid Rivets) Process: Insert a solid rivet into a pre-drilled hole. The factory head is supported by a bucking bar or die below. A riveting head applies high pressure to upset the protruding shank. The shank plastically deforms, filling the hole and forming a second shop head. Core: Uses static pressure to create a permanent mechanical lock. Blind Rivet Gun (for Pop Rivets) Process: Insert a blind rivet into the hole. The tool’s jaws grip the rivet’s mandrel. The gun head pulls the mandrel back while reacting against the rivet body. This pulls the mandrel head, […]
Classified by Measured Property Position/Displacement Sensors: Detect presence, position, or distance. Force/Pressure Sensors: Measure force, weight, or torque. Vision Sensors: Capture images for identification, inspection, etc. Temperature Sensors: Measure temperature. Flow Sensors: Measure gas/liquid flow rate. Level Sensors: Detect liquid level in a tank. Classified by Working Principle Photoelectric Sensors: Use light (blocked or reflected by an object). Through-beam: Separate emitter and receiver. Retro-reflective: Emitter and receiver together, detect light from a reflector. Diffuse reflective: Detect light reflected directly from the object. Proximity Sensors: Detect nearby objects without contact. Inductive: Detect metals only. Capacitive: Detect both metals and non-metals. Fiber Optic Sensors: Use optical fibers to guide light to a […]
Limited Workspace Description: Its working envelope is relatively small and dome-shaped due to the parallel-arm structure. Pain Point: Unsuitable for long-distance movement; ideal only for compact work areas. Very Low Payload Capacity Description: Designed for speed, with lightweight components limiting load capacity. Pain Point: Typically handles only a few grams to a few hundred grams. Restricted End-Effector Orientation Description: The moving platform has limited ability to independently control tool orientation during motion. Pain Point: Not ideal for tasks requiring complex tool reorientation, like intricate screwdriving. Fixed Mounting Configuration Description: Typically ceiling-mounted, with a fixed work zone after installation. Pain Point: Reduces layout flexibility compared to floor-mounted robots on tracks. More Complex […]
