Trouble Shooting Vibratory Feeders Part 4 -Noise
NOISE
The feeder itself generates a minimal amount of noise, usually not able to be heard but only felt. The only thing heard should be the sound of the feeder moving through air (which is a low hum). If it is making an undesirable level of noise, these are some of the instances that may contribute to noisy operation: Noisy operation of vibratory feeders is becoming more and more of a problem in factories. However, many sources of noise in feeder operation can be eliminated with simple maintenance and repairs.
Noise is generated by parts hitting/clanging against each other in the bowl. Aside from reducing the number of parts in a bowl through the use of a side delivery hopper, the only other solution is to install a muffle module.
The feeder itself (empty) is making an abnormal or loud noise.
Noise can be generated by the base
On occasion, the feeder can appear to be noisy however, the noise can be generated by the base upon which it is sitting. Make sure the stand is conducive to the dissipation of sound through dispersion. Bracing the open spans in the stand will help transfer the noise away from audible mediums and providing a way for the noise to be “grounded”.
Magnet will be struck by the armature The feeder may be improperly adjusted such that the magnet will be struck by the armature. When that occurs a great deal of noise is generated. This is eliminated simply by lowering the magnet down. The procedure for this is discussed elsewhere.
Not fastened to the drive unit.
Often a bowl will not be tightly fastened to the drive unit. This condition is a very loud generator of noise. In this case, it is necessary to remove the bowl and clean with emery cloth, or a flat file, the mating surfaces of the bowl and the drive unit. The reduction in noise will be dramatic. Striking stationery parts of the machine The feeder can operate in such a way that it is striking stationery parts of the machine such as the track onto which the parts are being fed. This again is obvious and can be easily remedied.
