DEPRAG will be showcasing its latest innovations at the MOTEK international trade fair for automation in production and assembly, taking place from the 7th to the 10th October 2019 in Stuttgart, in hall 5, stand 5302.
The focus is on the timely supply of parts and fasteners for assembly - a key component for the productivity and reliability of assembly processes. Feeding devices are designed to efficiently and precisely supply the required quantity of correctly aligned component parts and fasteners. Screws are the most common feed part automatically supplied, although other components include rivets, threaded pins, O-rings and labels.
DEPRAG SCHULZ GMBH u. CO. can provide the optimal feeding technology for almost any application. “If the feed system needs to handle particularly long screws, which would be too long for a standard sword feeder or vibratory spiral feeder, we have now come up with a new solution for this challenge. The new DEPRAG step feeder system, eacy step feed, now enables the efficient, intelligent and technically clean feeding of even longer screws,” explains Daniel Guttenberger, product manager.
The complete system, comprising a storage container, material-handling technology, linear conveyor, separator, housing and controller – specially designed for longer screws – offers hassle-free, reliable operation with 24V technology, independent from mains voltage and mains frequency. The DEPRAG step feeder system combines all the advantages of a step feeder with the outstanding energy efficiency of DEPRAG’s vibration and regulating technology.
Main features of the DEPRAG eacy step feed
The feed material is quietly fed in stages over linear feed plates from the storage container towards the feed rails. A brushless electric motor, controlled by the smart energy efficient DEPRAG eacy feed PFC100 controller, is used to drive the feed plates. The directly adjustable feed rate supports gentle part feeding.
The integrated sequence controller PFC100 regulates the complete feeding process for -EP and 11911-x designs used in combination with handheld screwdrivers. Each new cycle is triggered via a start impulse. This significantly reduces integration in higher level system controllers. As an alternative, the system can also be controlled via an external PLC/IPC controller. Direct integration in IPC environments is also an option with the PFCi100.
The feed material is geometrically aligned in the feed rails. A linear conveyor then transports the feed parts towards the separator. Fill level sensors in the storage container and the feed rails measure and regulate the feed rate. In the separator feed material is separated and pre-positioned to be the shot through the feed hose or for pick-up using vacuum tool or gripper.
Gentle component handling and CleanFeed concept
The feeding system exhibits particularly gentle handling of feed material. Vibration is only used in the vicinity of the linear feed rails. A brushless electric motor is used as the drive for the feed plates ensuring a calm, gentle motion. The feed rate can even be directly controlled via the smart, energy efficient DEPRAG eacy feed controller.
This gentle part handling and low friction feeding guarantees that particle build-up is kept to an absolute minimum. However, there is also the option of adding vacuum suction equipment to boost technical cleanliness at certain interface points. The DEPRAG CleanFeed concept is also available for each processing step of the eacy step feed system – from component handling and feeding to fastening – prevent, reduce and remove abrasion.
Compatibility with other DEPRAG components
The step feeder can also be optionally combined with DEPRAG storage systems. They are the ideal complement for optimal processing, ensuring a constant fill volume and extended re-load intervals. Eacy step feed is, of course, also compatible with DEPRAG’s other automation components, such as the DEPRAG Feed Module DFM, the DEPRAG screwdriving function modules and DCOS, the DEPRAG Controller System.
“The high feed rate, long life-span and compact size – specifically for longer feed parts – provides an alternative to vibratory spiral feeders and sword feeders,” clarifies Guttenberger.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
