PARTS FEEDING SYSTEMS FOR ASSEMBLY.

The first part of this two-part article discusses the techniques for handling parts up to the point where the next step would be to place them into an assembly machine ″nest″ or into the assembly itself. While these techniques are applicable to all types of assembly machines, they are discussed here for fixed-index type machines which require high reliability of parts handling. The following systems are discussed: vibratory bowl feeders; centrifugal feeders; continuous turntables (unscramblers); rotary disk feeders; external-gate hoppers; reciprocating-fork hoppers; magazines and mandrels; protective and moving feeders; inline parts handlers (gravity track, vibratory, flat belt and chain belt, powered rolls). Bulk hoppers, feeder controls, bowl coatings and noise-abatement are also briefly discussed. Part 2 discusses the basic transfer methods for handling the parts as they are placed into a nest or assembly; this discussion is limited to the major methods used by commercial builders of assembly machines. The problems of orientation and holding during transfer (by vacuum, by jaws, or by magnets) are considered. The common means (pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical) of powering feeding-system tooling are compared.