SDC FLEX FEEDING TECHNOLOGY
Applications
- High speed assembly
- Automated production
- Precision parts loading
- Kitting and packaging
We know how to optimize parts feeding.
Our SDC Flex Feeding systems maintain the maximum continuous supply of pickable parts to eliminate robotic wait times and provide the highest pick rates.
Vision Guided Motions
Our Flex Feeding system is not shape-specific; it uses vision guidance and sensing to distinguish and accurately pick many different parts from the same conveyor.
Designed for High-speed Applications
All parts are fed through a bulk container, and then they are located and placed in their appropriate positions. Our Flex Feeding systems often include an accumulating buffer, allowing for high-speed applications and ensuring the system is as efficient as possible.
Smart Programming
Our electrical controls engineering team programs our flex feeding robots to work smart. For example, they analyze parts moving down the conveyor and pick them in the most efficient way to maintain rate and accuracy. Any part that is not in an ideal position on the conveyor is recirculated, automatically repositioned, and presented to the robot again.
SDC Flex Feeding Main Advantages
- SDC technologies ensure highest pick rates
- Maintains maximum, continuous supply of pickable parts
- Our proprietary technology maximizes robotic utilization with no robotic waiting
- Capable of multiple shape part feeding with no tooling changeover
- Our Flex Feeding systems cover a wide range of part sizes, shapes and feeding applications
Industries
Automotive
This highly automated industry depends on quality, timing, and consistent parts presentation. Thousands of parts need to be presented in a timely manner to successfully assemble automobiles. Hardware, connectors, and small components, especially in the manufacturing of sub-assemblies, are perfect candidates for flex feeders.
Consumer Goods
If you can purchase it at your local retailer, it is probably a good candidate for a flex feeder in the production, assembly, kitting, or packaging processes. Producing high volume, quality products in a cost-efficient manner is key to having a competitive product in today’s global consumer marketplace and flex feeders are a key component to that success
Medtech
When the careful handling of precise medical components is required for assembly or packaging, flex feeders are a great solution. Many disposable medical supplies require high speed, consistent and careful handling during production. Inspections by flex feeder vision systems can be utilized to ensure products meet quality requirements.
Electrical Components
Flex feeders provide an excellent platform with quick changeover capability when multiple variations of parts need to be fed on the same equipment. Whether feeding parts to build electrical subassemblies, feeding subassemblies to supply high speed final assembly equipment or kitting/packaging for aftermarket use, flex feeders offer a complete solution for picking and placing parts where needed.
Appliances
From small handheld appliances to larger, standalone appliances, the opportunities to apply flexible feeder technology escalate as appliance assembly becomes increasingly automated. Not only does flex feeder technology ensure availability of parts in a consistent and timely manner, but it also provides a buffered supply and can also extend re-fill timing with added bulk supply feeders.
Light Manufacturing
Anywhere small parts need to be located, picked, oriented, and precisely fed at high speed, is a great application for an SDC Flex Feeder. The SDC Flex Feeder optimizes robotic and vision system communications to ensure robots are used to elevate the overall system performance. Having components handled with great technology is only one aspect, but integrating the technology and using it in a highly coordinated manner to produce the highest possible performance is the ultimate outcome. It is SDC’s years of experience, proprietary technologies and drive for continuous improvement that make the difference.
Standard Features
- Complete system includes bulk feeder (elevating conveyor), main feed conveyor/pick area, camera, robot, and return conveyor
- Maintains maximum, continuous supply of pickable parts and highest pick rates
- Capable of multiple shape part feeding with no tooling changeover
- Pre-programmable for quick changeovers
- High accuracy camera/vision systems
- Quality, high-speed robotic systems
- Illuminated vision window
- SDC smart conveyor technology
- Built-in accumulation/buffering cue
- Automated parts re-orientation
- Rapid material exit gate for quick changeovers
- Heavy duty frame, with vibration-dampening construction
Contact SDC
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