What Is a Linear Feeder?
A linear feeder is also called a short feeder or straight feeder. Hopper feeders, ball feeders, and linear feeders (chute feeders) are sometimes collectively referred to as parts feeders.
Parts feeders are machines that feed workpieces (parts and components) by vibrating them and aligning them in a fixed orientation and posture.
Linear feeders are small vibrators that vibrate a chute (rail or trough).
The length of the chute and the weight of the workpiece must be taken into consideration when selecting the feeder so that the feed rate does not slow down.
There are various types of linear feeders, but the most common types are the fixed type, rubber foot type, and plate spring type.
Uses of Linear Feeders
Parts feeders, including linear feeders, feed large quantities of workpieces (parts and components) to the next process machine (assembly machine, packaging machine, inspection machine, etc.) in the same direction and orientation at once by using the vibration of the bowl and the guidance of the attachments.
It is often used in conjunction with automated systems such as assembly machines, packaging machines, cooperative robots, and inspection machines.
Compared to cases where parts are fed manually, linear feeders dramatically increase not only the speed of work but also the accuracy of work, leading to improved productivity.
Principle of Linear Feeders
Although it is possible for linear feeders to have vibration tunnels, etc., originating from the lack of strength of the installation site, there are types of linear feeders that stabilize vibration even on a desk.
If a variable frequency controller is used for the linear feeders, spring adjustment and core gap adjustment are not required.
Installation and positioning have also been simplified, making it dramatically easier to use.
In addition, the maximum chute weight and maximum overhang length have been increased to allow for a wider range of possible applications.
In addition to the increased power, the smaller size and lighter weight also make any combination of conditions possible.
The low reaction force and plate spring vibration isolation type of linear feeders is plate spring vibration isolation type low reaction force linear feeders with even lower floor reaction force than the conventional product.
The structure of the drive unit has been improved in every detail, enabling even lower reaction force and smoother and more accurate parts feeding.
Since the linear feeders vibrate in the middle band of the parts feeder frequency (full wave and half wave), no vibration interference occurs when the linear feeders are used in combination with a parts feeder.
Smoother parts feeding occurs as a result of a more uniform vibration angle across the chute.
Since it is driven near resonance, sufficient amplitude can be obtained even with less current, i.e., less power consumption.