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Vibratory Feeders: How They Work & Why They’re Efficient

 by General Kinematics,

Newton’s First Law is the backbone of vibratory feeders. Contingent on the laws of physics, an object must first be in motion to stay in motion.

A vibratory feeder is an instrument that uses vibration to feed material through a process or a machine while controlling the rate of flow. Vibratory feeders utilize both vibration and gravity to move material forward. The force of gravity influences these parts to shift direction, causing them to move down or laterally. Simultaneously, vibration is employed to trigger the material’s movement. In response, the material on the feeder moves in imperceivable tiny hops or jumps. Think of the material skipping along the feeder. Voila! Newton’s Law in the works.

What Industries Rely on Vibratory Feeders?

Vibratory feeders can become the ringleaders at factories across many industries. This equipment can consistently move thousands of items that may require people countless hours, exhaustion, and even physical detriment. They are also designed to be much safer for operators. Vibrating feeders are used to handle bulk materials across all industries, including the pharmaceutical, automotive, electronic, cosmetic, food, and packaging industries. So, whether you are dealing with bulky, chunky material, or more delicate particles, vibratory feeders can get the job done. Additionally, these machines are used to advance materials such as glass, foundry, steel, and plastics through construction and manufacturing facilities, not to mention recycling materials, pulp and paper, metal-working industries, dry bulk solid materials, and others. This flexibility in design, process, and utility can make vibratory feeders a great option for most production systems.

What Does A Vibratory Feeder Do?

Vibratory feeders have had no small part in creating the modern world of manufacturing. In turn, our economy has evolved with tools such as vibratory feeders, which have reduced the need for workers to stand on assembly lines and automated production processes. A feeder can move raw materials into its processing station or finished products to their final destination. As a result, manufacturers save money that they would spend on manual labor. With the utilization of conveyors, products can move more quickly through production, thus meeting greater demand. Demand has also risen over time as populations have increased. In general, when incorporating a vibratory feeder into a system, everyone’s time is saved.

Features To Consider When Buying A Vibratory Feeder

Buying a vibratory feeder can be a worthwhile investment, but it’s important to look at the factors to make sure it’s the right decision for you. As with any piece of machinery, you should consider how much energy is required for operation. Secondly, evaluate how quickly the material will be sorted and how quickly it will need to convey on the vibratory feeder to maintain your company’s required materials flow. Remember that the costs of repair on a vibratory feeder can also be much lower than the repairs of a mechanical feeder. Once you’ve considered these factors, ask yourself, “Will both meet my budget and daily quota?”

The good news: General Kinematics creates one machine that provides the happy medium to all of these objectives. The PARAMOUNT II® Vibrating Feeder does more work but requires less energy.

Why?

PARA-MOUNT II® Vibrating Feeders offer a revolutionary design called a Two-Mass vibratory system. Through the use of precision-engineered coil springs, the vibration sends energy through the equipment, which allows the flow to drive forward consistently and evenly. The feeders do not dampen under a load, thus reducing the risk of a jam-up of materials. As a result, systems can more easily incorporate multiple process lines or secondary unload points. Furthermore, both straight or curved configurations are available for installation.

No matter what vibratory feeder you are on the hunt for—or if you are not sure exactly what you are looking for—General Kinematics can help you from the discovery phase to custom installation.

General Kinematics Corporation, incorporated in 1960, was established to market, design, and custom fabricate innovative vibratory equipment for the foundry, recycling, mining, and processing industries. Today the company continues as one of the world’s largest suppliers of vibratory processing equipment and has evolved into an industry-leading EPC firm. Headquartered in Crystal Lake, IL, General Kinematics has seven global locations providing engineering and support to a world-wide customer base. GK is a third generation, family-owned company and is ISO 9001 certified.