Centrifugal feeding at up to 3,000 parts per minute

Citation

(1998), "Centrifugal feeding at up to 3,000 parts per minute", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318daf.001

Centrifugal feeding at up to 3,000 parts per minute

Centrifugal feeding at up to 3,000 parts per minute

Keyword Feeders

RNA Automation, established as a market leader in the handling of complex component parts, is now offering the full range of centrifugal feeders from the Hoppmann Corporation of the USA, which claims to be the world's No. 1 in centrifugal feeders and systems.

"This gives us the capability to provide very high output rates and will develop our market into new areas where centrifugal feeders provide huge production benefits", says RNA's Hoppmann product manager, Paul Mabbutt, "and they are becoming increasingly popular because they are almost silent in operation ­ a big plus with so much attention on noise in the workplace!"

Centrifugal feeders use the forces generated by spinning, in conjunction with specifically-designed tooling, to unscramble and orientate difficult shapes and sizes of components and produce output rates from 20 to the staggering possibility of 3,000 parts per minute (see Plate 1).

Yet, surprisingly, this is achieved without the penalty of product damage. Hoppmann centrifugal feeders are remarkably smooth and gentle, virtually eliminating product damage and breakage.

The unique Hoppmann rotary action, combined with RNA tooling expertise, which uses the physical characteristics of the component, means that almost any parts ­ from bottles, containers of all shapes and sizes to fastenings, electrical components, stoppers, screw tops, cosmetics, foodstufls and sweets can be fed rapidly and safely.

The Hoppmann feeder is almost silent in operation. This, combined with the gentle non-vibratory handling of parts or products, keeps noise levels to a whisper.

The centrifugal feeders are extremely flexible and cost-effective. Changeover from one part to another is as easy as the simple changeover of the tooling frame ­ a matter of a few minutes. What is more, each feeder is completely customised to meet the customer's individual needs, saving both time and money.

The energy requirement is low as well, typically only 250 watts, so running costs are minimal.

Plate 1 Centrifugal feeding at up to 3,000 parts per minute

As standard, centrifugal feeders are provided with a durable polyurethane foam or coated aluminium bowl and a heavy-duty low-maintenance precision spindle drive, with variable-speed control. Options include dual-drive motors, interchangeable tooling, support stands and, for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications, feeders are available in all stainless-steel construction.

Hoppmann centrifugal feeders interface with RNA Automation pre-feeding equipment, accumulating conveyors, assembly systems and other downstream equipment.

For further information contact: Paul Mabbutt at RNA Automation Ltd, Hayward Industrial Park, Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham B35 7AG. Tel: +44 (0) 121 749 2566; Fax: +44 (0) 121 749 6217.