News & Updates from Automation Devices, Inc.

5 Vibratory Feeder Accessories That Improve Feeder Performance

Posted on May 13th, 2013 at 9:31 AM

Erie, Pa. – Automation Devices, Inc. (ADI), a vibratory feeder and part system components manufacturer understands the importance of a system that runs to its fullest potential. ADI offers suggestions on complementary products that can improve your vibratory feeding system’s overall performance.

1. Hoppers

A pan feeder hopper reduces the total weight of parts in a vibratory feeder bowl and maintains an optimal flow of material or parts. “Using a hopper reduces wear and maintenance on a feeder while amplifying the feed rate,” explains ADI President Kevin Smith. “It also provides extra parts storage to maintain a proper parts level in a feeder bowl.” A hopper serves any application where a storage requirement is coupled with a need to convey a product to processing equipment. “We’ve never recommended using the bowl as a storage device,” says Smith. “Real estate inside the bowl is too important to waste on part storage.”

2. Level Control Devices

A level control device is used to maintain a specific level of parts in the feeder bowl. This product is independent from a storage hopper and is used to remotely operate hoppers, conveyors, and other electrical devices. “A level control device reduces amplitude fluctuations in the feeder bowl caused by operators periodically dumping bulk parts into the bowl, causing the feeder to bog down under the weight. Misorientation and jamming can occur with amplitude fluctuations. The inverse can happen when the bowl empties and operates at too high of an amplitude due to the lack of consistent part weight causing misorientation or jams.

3. Sound Enclosures

Sound Enclosures provide a reliable solution to block excessive noise stemming from parts feeding applications. “Custom designed to each application, these sound enclosures are capable of reducing noise levels by 25 dBa or more, providing a quieter and safer work environment,” says Smith. Feeder noise is primarily generated from bulk parts reacting with the bowl surface or with other bulk parts in the bowl.”

4. Rubber Mounting and Feet Foot Locators

Synthetic rubber-like compounds are used in the manufacturing of most ADI mounting feet. These compounds exhibit good resistance to oil, oxygen, heat, and flame. Rubber feet are an integral function of vibration in the feeder and should be secure and undamaged. If they appear torn or flattened they should be replaced. This repair can bring a sluggish feeder back to life.
Foot locators are metal plates with a round hole sized to accept the feeder base unit's rubber feet. One end of the plate has a slot through which a bolt provides an adjustable but secure way of attaching the locator to the feeder mounting surface. The foot locators 'lock' the feeder into place and prevent it from shifting out of place. Locators should retain the feet but not pinch or constrain the feet. The feeder should be allowed to ‘walk’ inside the locators until the feet stop against the limiting edges of the locators.

5. Feeder Stands
ADI's feeder stands are constructed of rigid, heavy welded steel and provide maximum stability for supporting vibratory feeders. They ensure positive feeder placement and assure the full application of the base unit vibration to the bowl. Adjustable levelers are usually included for final integration of components on and off the feeder stand.

For more information on vibratory feeder accessories, please contact ADI for further assistance. Automation Devices, Inc. is a vibratory feeder manufacturer in Fairview, PA specializing in vibratory feeders, centrifugal feeders, hoppers and vibratory controllers and also services all brands of feeding equipment. ADI offers in stock products and custom designed vibratory feeding systems. For more information call us at 814-474-5561.