What are the requirements for making a vibrating feeder

Okay, making an efficient and reliable vibrating feeder is a precise process involving multifeeder knowledge, and it’s far more than just “making an iron bowl and track”. The following are the core requirements for making vibration feeders, which can be divided into three categories: technical requirements, material and process requirements, and information and testing requirements.

1、 Core technical requirements

This is the soul of vibration feeder design, which directly determines its performance and success rate.

Ability to analyze parts

Core: This is the first and most crucial step. Engineers must have a deep understanding of the parts being fed.

Analysis content:

Geometric shape: The maximum external dimensions of the part, presence or absence of burrs, symmetry, center of gravity position, etc.

Physical characteristics: material (steel, plastic, copper, etc.), weight, thickness, susceptibility to deformation, and susceptibility to scratching.

Posture requirements: What direction and posture are ultimately required for delivery (e.g. head up, notch to the left, etc.).

Track and disk design capability

Track design: According to the posture requirements of the parts, various guides, notches, grooves, stops, blowing holes, etc. are designed on the inner side of the feeder and on the track. These institutions can screen, correct, and eliminate parts that do not meet the requirements, only allowing parts with the correct posture to pass.

Panel layout: Design the spiral upward path, width, and layout of the track on the entire panel to ensure smooth flow of parts, without stacking or congestion.

Mechanics and Vibration Frequency Control Capability

Electromagnets and shrapnel adjustment: The vibration feeder is driven by an electromagnet, and the vibration intensity and throwing trajectory of the feeder body are controlled by adjusting the pulse frequency and amplitude of the electromagnet, as well as the inclination angle (angle of attack) of the bottom shrapnel.

Tuning: This is a highly experiential task. It is necessary to adjust the vibration frequency and amplitude to the optimal state, so that the parts can move forward in an orderly manner without being damaged or jumping due to excessive vibration.

Surface treatment and friction control

Friction control: Depending on the material and weight of the parts, different surface treatments are required to adjust the friction between the track and the parts.

Common handling:

Teflon coating: suitable for metal or plastic parts that are prone to scratching, reducing friction.

Sandblasting/wire drawing: increases friction, suitable for lighter or smoother parts.

Chrome plating: wear-resistant, rust proof, suitable for steel parts.

Rubber coating: anti slip, noise reducing, suitable for precision or vulnerable parts.

2、 Material and process requirements

This determines the durability, stability, and service life of the vibrating feeder.

matrix material

Disk body and track: Stainless steel, such as SUS304, is commonly used due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and resistance to magnetization. For industries with hygiene requirements such as food and medicine, stainless steel must be used.

Base and bracket: Low carbon steel can be used and treated with spraying or painting to prevent rust and enhance aesthetics.

Processing Technology

Precision machining: The connection between the track and the feeder body, as well as various directional devices, require precision bending, cutting, and welding to ensure accurate dimensions, smooth transitions, and no burrs or gaps that may jam the parts.

Heat treatment: For components that require wear resistance, heat treatment may be necessary to increase surface hardness.

Matching direct vibration feeder

The vibrating feeder usually needs to be used in conjunction with a linear feeder to transport the arranged parts to the next workstation. The vibration principle and frequency of direct vibration must be matched with the main vibration feeder to ensure that the parts can be smoothly conveyed in direct vibration without causing confusion.

In summary, making a qualified vibration feeder is a process that combines profound understanding of parts, precise mechanical design, precise mechanical tuning, and durable material craftsmanship. It is both a science and an art, highly dependent on the experience of engineers and rigorous testing processes.