Flexible feeder systems for small parts.
The complete solution.
Reliably feeding small and micro parts is one of the biggest challenges in automation. It is not enough to simply move parts—they must be separated, correctly aligned, and made available at exactly the right moment. It becomes even more complex when a system has to process not only individual parts, but also changing parts. This is exactly where the flexfeeder comes in.
A classic vibration or shaking system quickly reaches its limits: either it is designed for a specific part, or the conversion costs when changing parts are so high that flexibility in everyday use is lost. The approach to developing the flexfeeder was therefore different from the outset: it was developed as a modular complete system that specializes in flexible feeding and can handle a wide variety of parts.
Camera – the systems eye
At the heart of parts recognition is the software in conjunction with the integrated industrial camera. It analyzes in real time how the parts are positioned on the feed platform, records their exact position, and passes this information on to the robot. With the help of intelligent image processing algorithms, defective parts are ejected and unsuitably positioned parts are detected and separated again. This ensures that only fault-free parts are picked up and processed further – precisely, quickly, and reliably.
Bunker – constant supply for the feeder
To ensure that the process runs smoothly, a controlled and continuous supply of parts is required. This is provided by the bunker, which automatically supplies the flexfeeder with components. This ensures that sufficient material is available at all times without the need for an operator to constantly refill it. This increases the autonomy of the system and enables longer running times without intervention.
Working with robots – easily integrated
Another key advantage of the flexfeeder is its interaction with robots. Our free plug-ins allow the system to be connected to all common robots in no time at all. The robot accepts the commands without the need for complex interface programming. This not only saves time during commissioning, but also makes subsequent adjustments or part replacements extremely straightforward.
Everything from a single source – flexible and scalable
The combination of a feeder with an integrated camera and the coordinated robot plug-ins make the flexfeeder a truly complete solution that saves valuable time right from the planning stage. The system integrates seamlessly into new or existing systems, drastically reduces setup times, and creates a reliable, future-proof basis for automation—especially when dealing with changing parts.