Riley Bowl Feeders – Keeping Assembly Buzzing !

Parts feeding – critical for assembly

Individual component parts come in a vast array of different shapes and sizes from miniature components, used in electro-mechanical assemblies, to large plastic mouldings which may be used for underground drainage systems. In each case however, when it comes to the final assembly process, it is essential that each individual part arrives at the correct time, in the correct position and also in the correct orientation. With some assemblies comprising of many different individual items, the consistency, reliability and speed of the parts feeding systems becomes a critical element in the production and assembly process.

With over 50 years experience in the design and manufacture of parts feeding systems, Riley Automation can draw upon a wealth of experience and knowledge when presented with new parts feeding applications. Each individual component type has its own characteristics which must be considered if the part is to be fed and orientated correctly. Most metal and plastic components respond well to the vibrating drives used to move parts from the feeder to the production line, however some soft or rubber based components require specific solutions to ensure consistent and reliable feeding. Another consideration is the overall speed of the assembly system and therefore the number of individual parts which will be required within the feeding system at any time to provide a reasonable production buffer. Different industry sectors not only have their own unique component parts and production rates, but certain sectors such as the Medical, Pharmaceutical and Food industries also have specific additional requirements relating to cleanliness.

Comprehensive range of bowl sizes and types

To cater for this ever growing list of requirements, Riley Automation has developed a comprehensive range of bowl feeding systems. With bowl diameters ranging from 120 mm to 1200 mm everything from miniature to extremely large parts can be catered for. Bowls can also be coated in a variety of materials to ensure product integrity at the point of assembly, or to assist in the feeding of parts manufactured from some of the more difficult and less responsive materials.
Riley can also tool bowls externally to cater for parts which will achieve better feeding characteristics using this concept. Where higher outputs are required, multi- track bowls can often be designed and manufactured, effectively doubling the output from a single bowl feeder. To meet the needs of the Medical, Pharmaceutical and Food industries, bowls can be manufactured in high grade 304 and 316 Stainless Steel.

Feeding on the quiet

Stringent health and safety regulations also mean that today feeding systems must not only be efficient and reliable but also quiet in operation. Riley Automation’s extensive application experience ensures that the optimum combination of bowl size, construction, coating materials, product density and drives, are used to provide the quietest and most efficient solution. For products which are inherently noisy such as steel pressings, acoustic covers can be provided to keep the noise levels below the regulatory maximum.

Riley Automation bowl feeding systems are tailor made for each individual application and combine engineering excellence with innovative ideas and technology.