Vibratory feeders are a useful, versatile and flexible component
feeding mechanism. The single issue is they are unreliable requireing
continuous intervention and tuning. Parts of different mass and
materials feed differently, the angle of incline can create "Stacking"
of parts at the pick pocket.
The Vibternative SMT component feeding system feeds parts
horizontaly and so parts cannot stack. The vibratory mechanism is
replaced with a pneumatic actuation guranteeing the parts are indexed
effectivley and quickly. This allows machines to run consecutive picks
from a single tube without programming alternatives or delays.
Each Tube has its own feeder which takes up a single feeder slot on
the machine. The indexing system consists of simaltaneous actions
1. pick pocket cover slides forwards to cover the pocket
2. A pulse of air is injected into the end of the tube behind the
components feeding the components forward. When the machine
comes to pick the part the cover is slide back allowing access by the
pick and place nozzle.
