The bowl feeder was invented in 1950 by Mario Thomas Sgriccia and since then has become an invaluable cost-effective alternative to manual labour. In this article we’ll be outlining everything you need to know about bowl feeders including what they are used for, the different types of bowl, suitable components, and the industries they are commonly found in.
What is a Bowl Feeder used for?
Bowl Feeders are devices that are commonly used for the careful sorting of component parts for assembly, packaging or inspection on production lines. Bowl Feeders use a multi-magnet drive unit to the ensure a smooth and consistent feed of the components with very little vibration.
There are a few different types of bowl made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminium or polyamide depending on the particular application.
What are the Different Types of Bowl?
There are four unique types of bowl each suitable for different applications:
Cylindrical Bowl- Ideal for small components, this type of bowl provides a continuous feed. There is however limited capacity for certain applications.
Conical Bowl- Providing an increase in radius and a higher capacity this bowl assists the pre-separation of components. Track width, pitch and quantity can all be customised for a particular application. Suitable for heavy sharp-edged components.
Stepped Bowl- Ideal for the pre-orientation of components, a stepped bowl has a longer feeding track and a much higher capacity than a cylindrical bowl. It is made from aluminium which requires a protective coating. Suitable for large loads and components.
Polyamide Bowl- Made from plastic, these bowls include sliding and running properties and avoid any unwanted mating of steel on steel. The customised milling of the bowl and spiral means that it is flexible and can therefore be shaped and reproduced. Available in both a conical or stepped shape and suitable for smaller components.
What Components are Suitable for a Bowl Feeder?
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of bowls, we’ll go through some of the different components that can be used in a bowl feeder. An array of small and large components will be suitable depending on the type of bowl. Some of the components include:
- Nuts
- Bolts
- Screws
- Nails
- Seals
- Springs
- Medical components such as tablets
- O Rings
- Threaded Inserts
- Fasteners
Which Industries Require Bowl Feeders?
Bowl Feeders are required wherever there is a need for the automated handling and orientation of a large volume of components. The industries that may require bowl feeders include automotive, electronic, metalworking, pharmaceutical and food.
At Dengensha we use the latest technology to design and build the best feeders for nuts and bolts in the industry, reducing size requirements and lowering costs. Our range includes vibratory and rotary nut and bolt feeders. We also offer feeder rebuild services if you require your feeder for another application such as a different size nut or bolt down the line.
For more information on our feeders for nuts and bolts click here. If you have any questions contact us today using the form below.
