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A vibrating feeder is a rugged machine capable of transporting hundreds of tons of material every hour. They work best with bulk material, and are specifically designed for this purpose. Many conveyors have trouble maintaining performance over time, and have a tendency to wear down. These machines, though, are ideal for operating in abusive conditions. They can tolerate corrosion, dust, moisture, and shock, which make them one of the sturdiest devices in any processing plant. For this reason, they are found in many industries, though they are most common in the food and mining fields.
These machines operate using simple engineering principles. A vibrating feeder conveys bulk material by subtly oscillating at a set speed. Bulk material rides these fast, subtle movements along a trough that prevents produce from spilling off the side. The conveyor’s speed can be altered via controls, and can accommodate a number of materials. Light-duty models are better adapted for grains, food products, smaller mining operations, pharmaceuticals, glass, plastic, and other consumer products. Heavy-duty models are better for large operations, like those normally found in the mining, lumber, cement or metalworking industries. In either case, the machine uses the same parts and the same movement principles to propel material down a chute.
A vibrating feeder consists of the conveying trough, a set of springs, gears and bearings, and a motor. The motor drives the gears, which create the needed motion. Some newer models use electromagnetism to create oscillation instead of a driving motor. The springs help the machine absorb shock, and also prevent its movement from affecting other devices nearby. The springs are typically made from rubber or soft steel coils. Motors used for this purpose don’t require much horsepower to drive the machine, making them low maintenance and reliable. In fact, many processing facilities use these devices precisely because they get the job done with minimal maintenance and cost. They are built in a range of sizes, from inches to several feet wide.
Most models can incorporate additional functions into their operation while conveying. For instance, many machines dedicated to transporting cereals can also screen or scalp material as it passes through the device. Food-safe conveying surfaces and dust covers are ideal for protecting food and grain safety, and can easily be integrated into the machine. A vibrating feeder may also need to handle extremely dangerous materials, like corrosive or combustible substances. Models fitted with durable contact surfaces, like stainless steel panels, can overcome the dangers these substance pose. There are also models which are resistant to explosions, for those particularly dangerous work conditions.
Because they are really just a conveyor with a feed chute at the end, a vibrating feeder can be merged into almost any processing stream. It’s common to see them installed near grain silos or mining operations because they handle various work conditions and fit just about anywhere. These devices can also be built at an incline or completely horizontal. Their only limitation is that they must be built in straight lines to be effective.
Useful in nearly any industry, these conveyors can form the backbone of product transport for operations large or small.
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