What is an automatic feeder? 5 things to consider when buying

In the industrial revolution 4.0, production automation is becoming a key factor to improve productivity and efficiency. And playing an important role in this process is automatic feederThis device not only helps to free up labor but also ensures accuracy and stability for the production line.

This article, SWOER will give you an overview of automatic feeders, classify common types of machines, and offer useful advice to help you choose the equipment that best suits your production needs.

What is an automatic feeder?

Embryo

A blank (or raw material) is the starting material used in manufacturing to create a finished product. A blank can be in the form of metal sheet, steel bar, plastic sheet, or other materials. They are machined, cut, molded or treated by various methods to create the desired product.

Automatic feeder

Automatic feeder is a system designed to automation the process of supplying workpieces to machines or production lines. This system may include conveyors, robots, automated equipment or intelligent control systems, which help pick up, move and place the embryo into place without human intervention.

Structure of automatic feeder

Automatic feeder is a complex system, combined from many different parts to perform the function of feeding accurately and effectively. The structure of a typical automatic feeder is as follows:

Feeding system

1. Vibrating funnel

Role: The main part of the machine, responsible for containing and classifying workpieces.
How it works: The vibrating hopper creates oscillations that move the embryos in a spiral path. At the same time, traps remove unqualified embryos.

2. Conveyor

Role: Transporting blanks from the vibrating hopper to the next positions in the production line.
Types of conveyor belts:

– Roller conveyor (used for hard, smooth-surfaced workpieces).
– Belt conveyor (suitable for many types of workpieces, flexible operation).
– Vibrating conveyor (optimized for small parts that require precise orientation).

Orientation and classification system

1. Trap

Specially designed to remove workpieces that are not oriented, sized or shaped correctly.
Operates on mechanical or sensor principles.

2. Sensor

Role: Detect the position, orientation, size and other properties of the workpiece.
Operation: Transmits information to the control system to adjust machine operation.

Control system

1. PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

Acts as the “brain” of the automatic feeder.
Control all operations based on information from sensors and pre-programmed programs.

2. HMI (Human-Machine Interface)

Allows the operator to monitor, control and adjust machine parameters.

Drive system

1. Motor

Powering moving parts:
Vibration motor controls vibrating hopper.
Conveyor motor helps conveyor operate stably.

2. Cylinder

Perform linear movements such as:
Pushing and clamping workpieces.
Raise and lower the vibrating hopper.

Classification of automatic feeder

Automatic feeders are classified based on many different criteria, helping users easily choose the machine that suits their production needs.

By feeding method:

Vibrating feeder: Use vibrating hopper to classify and orient the workpiece. The advantages are high productivity, good precision, suitable for many types of workpieces.
Conveyor belt feeder: Use conveyor (roller, belt, vibration) to transport the workpiece. The advantage is simple structure, easy to operate, suitable for large-sized workpieces.
Robotic feeder: Using robots to meet and place the workpiece in the desired position. The advantages are flexibility, precision, and the ability to handle complex workpieces, but the investment cost is high.

By application:

Feeder for electronic components: Compact, precise, anti-static design, suitable for sensitive electronic components.
Feeder for food industry: The manufacturing materials meet food hygiene and safety standards and are easy to clean.
Preform feeder for pharmaceutical industry: High precision, ensuring hygiene, avoiding cross-contamination between drugs.
Feeding machine for automobile manufacturing industry: High productivity, withstands heavy loads, suitable for mechanical parts.

By type of embryo:

Granular feeder: Suitable for grains such as rice, beans, cereals...
Powder feeder: Suitable for powders such as flour, cement, metal powder...
Block feeder: Suitable for block shaped parts such as screws, bolts, mechanical components...

Criteria	Vibrating feeder	Conveyor belt feeder	Robotic feeder
Method	Vibrating funnel	Conveyor	Robot
Productivity	High	Medium	High
Accuracy	High	Medium	Very high
Flexible	High	Short	Very high
Expense	Medium	Short	High
Application	Electronic components, screws, small parts	Large details, simple shapes	Complex details, high precision required
Advantage	High productivity, precision, flexibility	Simple structure, easy to operate	Flexible, precise, highly automated
Disadvantages	Takes up space, can be noisy	Low productivity, limited accuracy	High cost, requires technical operation

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic feeder

Automatic feeders bring many benefits to businesses, but there are also certain limitations.

Advantage

Limit

Improve productivity and production efficiency: Fast, continuous and stable feed speed; reduce downtime, increase output; optimize production process.
Improve accuracy, reduce errors: Accurately orient and classify workpieces; reduce human errors; improve product quality.
Cost savings: Reduce labor costs, reduce scrap, waste of raw materials, save energy.
Improve occupational safety: Reduce the risk of occupational accidents, improve the working environment.
Increased flexibility: Can feed a variety of workpieces, easily integrated into existing production lines.
Simple operation: Easy to operate, maintain and service.

High initial investment cost: Compared with manual feeding method, the investment cost of automatic feeding machine is higher.
Technical requirements for operation and maintenance: Trained personnel are required to operate and maintain the machine.
Limitations with certain types of workpieces: May not be suitable for workpieces that are too large, too heavy, or have complex shapes.
Power Dependence: The machine's operation depends on a stable power source.

5 things to keep in mind when choosing an automatic feeder

Investing in an automatic feeder is an important decision that affects the production efficiency and costs of the business. To choose the right equipment, you need to carefully consider the following factors:

1. Identify needs

Type of blank: Clearly identify the type of workpiece to be fed (granular, powder, block), size, shape, weight, friction, adhesion, etc. to choose a machine with the appropriate structure and operating principle.
Required capacity: Estimate the number of blanks needed to be fed in a unit of time to select a machine with the required capacity.
Working environment: Consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and dust to choose a machine that can operate stably in those conditions.
Budget: Determine the investment budget for the feeder, including the cost of purchasing the machine, installation, operation and maintenance.

2. Choose a reputable supplier

Experience, capacity: Choose a supplier with experience in the field of automation and a team of professional technicians.
Product and service quality: Learn about the product quality, consulting, installation and maintenance services of the supplier.
Warranty and after-sales service: Pay attention to warranty and after-sales service.

3. Technical inspection

Specifications: Carefully consider the machine's specifications such as productivity, accuracy, size, capacity, etc.
Features: Make sure the machine has all the features needed for production needs.
Compatibility: Check machine compatibility with existing production line.

4. Testing

Demo request: Ask the supplier to demo the machine in action.
Real-world testing: If possible, test the machine with actual workpieces to evaluate performance.

5. Other notes

Operation and maintenance costs: Calculate electricity costs, maintenance, machine repair.
Operational training: Require supplier to train machine operators.
Labor safety: Ensure that the machine is installed and operated safely, in compliance with occupational safety regulations.

Things to note when choosing an automatic feeder

Conclude

Automatic feeders play an important role in automating production, helping businesses improve productivity, efficiency and accuracy. Choosing the right feeder for your production needs is a key factor in optimizing investment and operational efficiency. If you need more information or detailed advice, do not hesitate to contact us. SWOERWe are proud to be a leading provider of automation solutions, with a team of experienced experts, ready to assist you in choosing the optimal equipment for your business!

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