Speeding Up the Slowdown: 5 Common Causes and Solutions to Poor Vibratory Feeding Performance

ERIE, PA, April 17, 2013 (Press-News.org) Automation Devices, Inc (ADI), a vibratory feeder and part system components manufacturer understands that when a feeding system is not working at full capacity, it effects production time, costing customers time and money. ADI offers solutions to common feeder complications that are often misdiagnosed.

1. Check the electrical settings
Electrical settings on the controller are a common cause of poor feeder performance. Check the AC/DC setting, (120 cycles/60 cycles respectively), on the controller and the vibratory drive unit. Are they the same? Is the cycle output of the controller the same as what the drive unit is tuned for as specified on the inspection report? For instance, the controller may output 60 HZ but the base unit may be tuned for 50HZ or vice versa. A variable frequency controller may be able to fix this issue for you automatically.

2. Verify that the feeder controller's internal max adjustment isn't turned down too low
This happens quite often when a controller set for one unit is used to power a different unit. The max adjustment may have been turned down to reduce coil hammering on a smaller unit, but when used on a larger unit, it will seem as if the coil is "losing its strength."

3. Look for cracked vibratory base unit springs
A cracked spring will often cause a feeder to slow down. If this seems to happen often to units that are turned on and off, try increasing the soft-start ramp-up. This helps reduce the shock to tooling as well as springs. This is common when feeders have springs that have not been properly heat treated. ADI has a time tested process that prevents springs from breaking.

4. Consider if tooling was added after the unit was tuned
Adding feeder bowl tooling after a base unit is tuned is a very common problem that causes the typical slow down symptoms. Make sure that the base unit is re-tuned after all tooling is added. Again, a frequency controller can often rectify this situation.

5. Check for worn linings
As linings wear out, the ability to move parts may also diminish. Your feeder bowl may simply need relined, which will improve your overall feeder performance.

If you need assistance with any type of vibratory feeder troubleshooting, please do not hesitate to contact ADI for further assistance. Automation Devices, Inc. is a vibratory feeder manufacturer in Fairview, PA specializing in vibratory feeders, centrifugal feeders, hoppers and vibratory controllers and also services all brands of feeding equipment. ADI offers in stock products and custom designed vibratory feeding systems. For more information, please visit http://www.autodev.com or call Automation Devices, Inc. at 814-474-5561.