How to Choose pipe automatic feeding device?

Modern manufacturing environments consist of numerous industrial automated processes that are all designed to improve efficiency and increase production in order for companies to maximize their profit. Chief among such processes are the different types of mechanized feeding devices and feeding systems that are frequently used in automated production processes. For those companies in the stages of researching or designing various automation solutions for their production lines, here is a list of automated mechanical feeding devices to help operate your plant or facility more efficiently:

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Vibratory Feeder Bowls

Vibratory bowl feeders are the most common type of industrial automated feeder used in industrial production environments. They are a versatile, self-contained system, consisting of a specially tooled bowl feeder which is mounted to a vibrating drive unit. The unit can be powered by either electromagnetic or pneumatic drives. Once the bowl feeder begins to vibrate it forces parts to move up a circular, inclined track. The bowl feeder is designed to process small components and parts for assembly line production, such as further packaging. The key feature of vibratory feeder bowls is in sorting and orienting bulk parts more rapidly, with more efficiency than traditional line operators, greatly improving production.

Centrifugal Feeders

The silent, vibration-free centrifugal feeder, also referred to as a rotary feeder, is used to feed components which can be processed at very high speeds. The design features a circular, bowl-shaped wall which surrounds a large rotating disc or plate that is driven by a central motor. The disc can be set at different angles, however, once it is in motion, parts are pulled to the wall of the bowl via centrifugal force. As the parts revolve, they are separated, emptied from the bowl and distributed for further processing at other workstations, e.g., for packaging or assembly. At a rate of up to a parts per minute, centrifugal feeders are used to process symmetrical parts with smooth geometries.

Linear Conveyor Systems

Linear conveyor systems play an essential role in moving product through production processes. The systems are used to gather and convey parts and components that have been sorted and oriented from a feeder bowl and then move them downstream for further processing. As the name implies, linear conveyance is used to first transfer parts for processing from a bowl feeder, and secondly, to do so over distances short or long, through an entire process or throughout the facility. Conveyor linear feeder systems are designed to provide a consistent flow of sorted and oriented parts to an escapement device at timed intervals for efficient removal from the feed track. Though they come in many designs and styles, the linear conveyors are often used with centrifugal feeders.

Hopper Systems

Hoppers, by definition, are used to store parts for further processing. In industrial production, hopper feeder systems are used to deliver parts to automated handling systems such as vibratory or centrifugal bowl feeders. A level control device allows for the feeding of a specified amount of parts from the hopper to the bowl at a given interval. Hopper feeders are utilized to prevent the overloading of bowls or to necessitate the need for the manual feeding of bowls. Hoppers come in a number of sizes and styles, such as straight wall, elevator, or inclined, with each design providing a constant metered supply of parts for processing.

Step Feeders

As the name suggests, step feeders use elevating plates referred to as steps to collect components and parts from an integrated hopper bin. The system is designed to presort and feed parts incrementally on to elevating steps until a desired transfer height is reached. Parts are deposited or dropped at the top of the step stroke onto a belt conveyor, air track or vibratory inline track for further processing. Parts that are not oriented properly are returned to the hopper bin by gravity slide or similar method of conveyance to repeat the process. The key design feature of step feeders is lifting single rows of bulk parts from a hopper by the step. They operate quietly and are vibration-free

Machine Vision Technology

1. Microcontroller System (NC control system)

The action of a hydraulic pipe bending machine is incorporated onto a circuit board. The system is locked, making it impossible to be upgraded. But still, it is quite favorable and offers several benefits: the working principle is straightforward, lesser components are required, and is inexpensive.

2. PLC Control System

The computer system is designed as a mainstream system having PLC as its core and touch screen for display. You can get exceptional functionality and a degree of openness. The PLC control system is incredibly compatible with automatic pipe bending machines.

3. Industrial Computer System

An industrial computer system has an industrial computer as the core of the system. It also has an industrial touch screen as a display carrier. The system has incredible specificity and strength as compared to other systems.

4. PLC+ Industrial Computer System

It is a combination of computing features of an industrial computer, the openness of a PLC system, and stable motion controls. It is capable of further improving the functionality of a pipe bender, it improves the steadiness of any action and efficiency of the equipment.

Bending capacity

You should whether the machine capacity is compatible with your tube size. Each machine has its specific size capacity. Only the tubes falling under the capacity range can properly fit in the pipe bending machine.

Material

You should review the tube material type that is to be bent on the machine. Stainless steel is harder to handle compared to carbon steel, the bending force needs to be bigger, and it is easier to spring back, aluminum material bending force is usually not that large. 

It is necessary to listen to the opinions of the machine manufacturer and select the appropriate machine model according to the specific pipe size and pipe material.

Parts Shapes

You should also think of the part shapes and the two bends distance. For some products, their design will have interference, it will hit the machine body or the tooling, or the floor in the bending process, so we have to choose a machine that can avoid such interference. And the two-bends distance is also important, if the straight distance is too short,  you’ll have to use a pipe bending machine with compound tooling. The machine will be more expensive.

Speed

If you require a fast bending machine for your mass production operation for swift results, you can opt for CNC pipe bending machines or twin head pipe bending machines as they are faster. 

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Durability

An important aspect to consider before you buy a pipe bending machine is its durability. The functionality and reliability of any bending tool also ascertain the overall long-lasting performance of a pipe bending machine.

Strength

Strength is another factor to consider before buying a pipe bending machine. The pipe bending machine should be rigid enough to endure the workload without sacrificing any performance.

Quality & Accuracy

It is also vital to determine whether a pipe bending machine is capable of creating the most accurate and highly precise bends devoid of any errors or damages. A quality pipe bending machine is capable of creating the most accurate bends.

You should also determine the engineering quality of the pipe bending machine i.e. machine assembly, quality of the servo motor used, quality of rack and pinion, and guide rail. The accuracy of the pipe bending machine is based on these factors.

Control System Stability

The reliability, hardware configuration, and functionality of the control system affect the stability and efficiency of a pipe bending machine.

When you choose a pipe bending machine, you should pay more attention to the controller’s reliability, the components it uses.

Safety

Most people buy a pipe bending machine without knowing the efficiency of its safety precaution features. Actually, there are safety covers and safety mats to be sold to provide the safest operating environment. 

It is better to invest your money in a pipe bending machine that can guarantee your safety and won’t put your life in danger.

Maintenance

A well-maintained pipe bending machine prevents damages and proposes consistent functionality. Pipe bending machines and the tooling compel regular cleaning between consecutive operations.

But some companies strive to lower your load by creating exceptional pipe bending machines that require the least maintenance and care allowing you to focus entirely on your pipe bending operations. 

You can choose a pipe bending machine that doesn’t require much additional attention and time-taking maintenance to save your money and time.

Warranty

Consider the warranty duration and the after-sale service the supplier provide. Any downtime will make you lose time or money. 

Others

Consider upstream and downstream procedures, so that the bending operations don’t have any issue with tube entering or exiting the machine after being bent.

You should also pay attention to some special necessities i.e. complete tolerances of the machine, ovality or wall thinning, and other quality requirements.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of pipe automatic feeding device. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.