6 Attributes Of Bar Feeders To Look At
If you're selecting bar feeders for your metalworking shop, it's vital to purchase the right bar feed system for your operation. The usefulness of a tool is in direct proportion of its applicability for the task it's being used for, so you want to make sure to select yours carefully.
This is why it's important to request a quote and consultation when purchasing any machine equipment. A good service provider will make sure that you're supplied with the bar feed equipment that will best suit your needs as unsatisfied customers rarely lead to repeat business!
To understand which bar feeder is going to be the most appropriate, you need to understand the bar feeder’s specifications to best match your equipment to them. Here are 6 key attributes for bar feeders that you should identify before making a purchase.
Minimum And Maximum Bar Diameter
The minimum and maximum bar diameter tell you how thin or how thick any workpiece can be at minimum or maximum in order for your bar feed to work.
Every shop is different; some shops have multiple lathers for specific tasks and sizes of bar, with a bar feeder for each, and some shops are small with only a single lathe in operation. Obviously, foremen and/or purchasers for the former should buy the bar feed with the correct size for the machine in question. The latter have a more unenviable task of finding a bar feeder that can handle all the lathe stock that they're likely to use.
Maximum Bar Length
Similarly, maximum bar length is important as you will not be able to automate feeding of any bar stock longer than the maximum length of the machine. Shorter than maximum lengths can obviously be accommodated, but longer than maximum length will require feeding by hand or use of a different lathe.
If your metal shop is a job shop, you'll want to take the full breadth of parts you've turned into account. If you anticipate turning larger pieces, you'll want to buy a bar feed with a longer maximum bar length.
Changeover Time
Waste is a thief, and the biggest thief in a shop besides ruined parts and wasted material is time not spent working. Any time not making parts is time spent not earning, so any changeover time must be held to a minimum.
Therefore, know what changeover time - with or without spindle change - is involved in a particular bar feed system.
Every minute spent on changeover is a minute that you aren't turning parts. Minimize that time as best you can.
Floor Space
Commercial space is premium space, and combined with OSHA regulations, you just can't take up too much space with equipment for a safe operation. Know what your shop can accommodate, and make sure to select a bar feed system that will work well for you.
Also be aware of what your shop floor can bear in terms of weight. While many bar feeder systems are not too taxing on most floors, and certainly not concrete, not all shops necessarily have the strongest shop floor.
Feeding Method
Common feed methods for bar feeders include feed-to-turret, sub spindle pull, and servo feed systems. Each works best with specific types of lathe, so you'll want to make sure that you select the correct type for your lathe and your shop.
Bear in mind that many bar feed systems can be ordered for use with any of these feeding methods. Some may not, however, so make sure that you know which the bar feeder will have to use.
Reliable Service
Another aspect is how proven the service provider and/or manufacturer is. Automation solutions and systems of any sort, including bar feed machines, is an investment that you're making in your business to ensure more reliable and more efficient operation, optimizing workflow so fewer errors occur and fewer man-hours are spent on pointless revenue-wasting tasks.