Orienting Elevating Vibration Step Feeder Bolts Nails Screws Feeding

1 . Descriptions:

Step Feeders are versatile systems that efficiently feed and orient a wide variety of parts. They are available in both Right Hand (RH) and Left Hand (LH) configurations, with various heights and step sizes. These feeders use moving and stationary reciprocating plates or shelves, known as "Steps," to transport bulk parts from a hopper bin to the tooling feature.

The speed of part movement is controlled by a variable speed or fixed drive connected to the plates. This drive can be electric or pneumatic, ensuring precise indexing of a single layer of parts for accurate selection. Once the parts are oriented, they are conveyed and stored in a conveyor or vibratory inline track system leading to the machine station.

The linear section of the feeder performs a high tolerance selection process to achieve the required part orientation. Parts that are not perfectly oriented are gently returned to the hopper bin through a gravity chute or powered conveyor. These parts are then fed back into the feeder for another stepping process. The choice of materials for the feeder depends on the specific application and can include Stainless Steel, Tool Steel, or Aluminum.

The Step Feeder is highly customizable, allowing for adjustments in step width, step thickness, bin size, drive configuration, and cycle time. This customization ensures that the feeder can accommodate parts of different sizes and shapes, providing a tailored solution to meet specific requirements.

2 . Specifications:

3 . Advantages of Using a Step Feeder :

Step feeders offer a wide range of benefits in part feeding applications, providing improvements in manufacturing efficiencies, reduction in manual labor, and enhanced safety. These feeders are characterized by their low maintenance automation and seamless integration into existing automated production lines, ensuring uninterrupted operation with minimal downtime. The controllers of step feeders can be easily integrated with machine PLC and HMI systems, simplifying operation for operators.

In comparison to vibratory bowl feeders, step feeders exhibit distinct advantages. They operate quietly, creating a more comfortable working environment for operators and the entire workforce, thanks to their vibration-free feeding method. Additionally, step feeders have a low load height, allowing operators to load parts at an ergonomically suitable level. This decreases the reliance on extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) and improves overall safety in the manufacturing process.

Furthermore, step feeders are highly reliable and require minimal maintenance. This reliability minimizes downtime and maximizes production efficiency. In conclusion, step feeders provide a dependable and efficient solution for part feeding applications, ultimately leading to increased productivity and worker satisfaction.

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