Flexible feeding systems, also known as vibratory feeders, are essential devices for industrial automation. Due to their ability to feed precisely and efficiently, they play a crucial role in multiple sectors, such as the food and automotive industries. In this article, we will explore the functioning, benefits, and applications of flexible feeding systems.

How feeding systems work

A feeding system consists of a tray or rail driven by a vibration mechanism, such as a motor, or by electromagnetism. The vibration generated by the mechanism moves the tray, transporting the parts or materials along a surface. The amplitude and frequency of these devices' vibrations can be adjusted to control the feed rate. Furthermore, guidance devices such as ramps or baffles can be added to properly direct parts during the feeding process.

Main benefits

The integration of feeding systems in various industrial automation scenarios is primarily due to the benefits they provide, among which the following stand out:

• Feeding efficiency. Flexible feeding systems are highly efficient and precise, as their mechanisms are controlled and allow specific adjustments for each application, ensuring consistency in processes.
• Increased productivity. By automating the feeding process, systems reduce the need for constant human intervention. Thus, operators can be allocated to higher value tasks and control excessive costs, increasing overall productivity.
• Damage-free handling. Designed to handle delicate materials carefully, flexible feeding systems have controlled vibration ensuring smooth transport, preventing parts from getting damaged.
• Flexibility and versatility. These systems can be easily adjusted to handle different types of parts or materials. The feed rate, vibration intensity, and orientation are some of the factors that can be adjusted according to specific production requirements.

Main applications

Flexible feeding systems are widely integrated into machines and industrial systems, providing precise and efficient feeding of parts and materials. Their automation capacity eliminates constant manual intervention, increasing the efficiency and productivity of production processes. We are talking about systems that can be easily adapted to different types of products and are easy to operate, providing significant benefits in terms of space-saving and ease of use.

The inclusion of feeding systems in industrial machines boosts automation, improving company performance and competitiveness. This is why these systems are used in processes from different industries, such as:

• Automotive industry. Feeding systems are widely used to feed small parts, such as screws, fuses, and rings, on automotive assembly lines. They ensure the rapid and precise feeding of these and other components.
• Electronics industry. In this industry, parts feeders are used in feeding electronic components, like capacitors, resistors, connectors, and many others. The precision in feeding this type of material is crucial to ensure the quality and reliability of the products.
• Pharmaceutical industry. Flexible feeding systems are used in feeding tablets, capsules, and other pharmaceutical products. Precision and hygiene are essential factors in health-related industries, and these devices meet the necessary requirements.
• Packaging industry. Systems like these are also used to feed machines and robots in processes with packaging materials, such as caps. Thus, they help maintain a continuous flow of production lines.
• Watchmaking and jewelry industry. A large part of the parts used to produce watches and jewelry are small. Bearing this in mind, it's crucial to have equipment prepared to handle, for example, springs, small mechanisms, and precious stones safely.

The right solution for your industrial system

Parts feeders play a fundamental role in industrial automation, providing efficiency, precision, and versatility in feeding parts and materials. Their ability to handle a wide variety of products and their ease of adaptation to different production requirements make this range of solutions a popular choice in various sectors.

By investing in this technology, companies can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality of their products.

This technology is crucial for boosting the efficiency and competitiveness of your business!

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References

Automation.com (2022). Flexible Feeding for a Smart Production Line. https://www.automation.com/en-US/Articles/December-2022/Flexible-Feeding-Smart-Production-Line

Automation World (2020). Flexible Feeding System for High Mix, Low Volume Manufacturers. https://www.automationworld.com/factory/robotics/article/21204795/flexible-feeding-system-for-high-mix-low-volume-manufacturers

Flexfactory Ag (2023) https://www.flexfactory.com/en/industry-solutions/industry-solutions. Industry Solutions. https://www.flexfactory.com/en/industry-solutions/industry-solutions