Automation for limited floor space

Requirements for product assembly, printing, counting, or packaging automation are served in a gentle and flexible manner by a multilane feeder from The Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc. (Bristol, CT) that features a compact design.

The quiet-running Vibro-Block electromagnetic vibrator sits at the heart of the multilane feeder to deliver a consistent, controlled product feed that achieves a well-orchestrated, high-output product delivery across multiple lanes. Vibro-Block technology allows the company to design feeders that accommodate products made of plastic or a combination of materials.

“The modular design of the patented Vibro-Block technology allows the end user to fine-tune the amount and direction of the vibration. Used in conjunction with our variable-frequency controllers, it affords the best possibility to achieve optimum feedrates in a smooth and controlled manner,” explains Rande King, feeder applications specialist.

Although each feeder is custom engineered and tooled for the specific application, most A.G. Russell multilane feeders are configured either with an integral bin that presents product directly to each individual lane or with a conventional bin that supplies product into one or more vibratory feeder bowls that then supply components to multiple lanes.

The A.G. Russell multilane feeder design is typically used in conjunction with an indexing chassis assembly system. Most often, parts are presented to the assembly machine by pneumatic escapements, rollover devices, and pick-and-place mechanisms using vacuum pickup heads or mechanical grippers. In instances where space or access around the assembly machine is limited, vacuum-operated escapements can be supplied to deliver the parts to the assembly machine while maintaining the required pitch.

The custom-engineered, modular, multilane feeding system is adaptable to quick product changeovers and is suitable for use in large or smaller product runs. Optional screens and/or vision systems are available for use in specialized applications such as product sorting and/or product inspection for detecting size, shape, and structural deformation. —immeditorial@cancom.com