Increased environmental awareness and growing energy costs have become a core issue for companies, bringing with them a demand for improved efficiency and energy savings. DEPRAG has met this demand for efficiency and sustainability with their innovative solution eacy feed. The inventive and effective utilization of physical responses has enabled the reduction of energy costs by around 80%.
The drive of the new eacy feed works using 24-volt oscillating magnets, whereby the maximum power consumption is dramatically reduced. The 24-volt technology is trouble-free even if there is only a poor power supply available – independent from network voltage or frequency. The use of a wide range power supply enables global application of the product. There is no need for differing power supply units. The customer therefore saves on time and money where otherwise they would need varying versions or country-specific adaptations.
Flexible use: automated or handheld
Whether used in assembly systems within complex automated production lines or for manual use when screwdriving with handheld screwdrivers – eacy feed precisely and reliably supplies connection elements. If eacy feed is used in conjunction with the control and operating unit DPU (DEPRAG Processing Unit) an additional industrial demand is fulfilled: Communication capabilities for Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory.
The use of TCP/IP network protocols allows access to the eacy feed controller’s network from anywhere in the world. All settings can be displayed or adjusted once a connection is established with the smart eacy feed using a smartphone, tablet or computer. The operator can for example, alter the frequency and amplitude settings via their smartphone so that function of the feeder can be guaranteed from any location.
Simpler for the fitter and operator
The corresponding software PFCi100 has been developed alongside the control unit DPU for maximum user friendliness. The parameters required for the device can be simply and easily adjusted using the slide bars on the touch screen – there is no need to access the feeder’s sequence controller.
If several operators are using the same feeder at the same time, the efficiency of the process can often be compromised by the varying working speeds of each individual. DEPRAG feeders cleverly adapt to the individual working speeds of each operator. Once entered via the simple display, the specific operating parameters of each person are saved (storage of up to ten data sets) and can be recalled when there is a shift change. No one feels held back and no one feels overstretched.
Precision and timing
The fill volume influences the feed rate in standard vibratory bowl feeders. If the feed bowl is full, the system works at a slower rate and if it is emptier the rate speeds up. As with the previous generation, the eacy feed is also fitted with a measurement transducer which records the oscillation amplitude in the feed bowl. This thereby adaptively regulates the feeder depending on the fill volume – ensuring reliability as the screws are continuously in readiness for processing.
The feed rate is adjustable using twelve different waveforms. The amplitude or frequency can be set in an instant. Individual settings can be used for example, to optimize the feed volume or reduce the noise level of the feeder. The adjustments can be carried out quickly and without mechanical intervention. When using eacy feed the required settings can simply be selected on the DPU or on the relevant controller on the manual version.
Quality and service from DEPRAG
DEPRAG has over 40 years of experience in the field of feeding technology and the design of spiral geometry (shape and angle). Standard devices are adapted to customer-specific conditions for the sorting of complex components. The customer comes away with a sophisticated, proven feeding system at a particularly attractive price-performance ratio.
An accurate, customer-specific simulation of the client’s serial production is carried out in the factory in continuous test conditions before delivery of the device. All requirements are programmed into the controller for the test. This method saves the customer a lot of time and expense and increases the functional reliability of the specific application. All individual device settings are saved by the manufacturer so that if a service visit is ever required their knowledgeable customer service team can react quickly and competently.
The exceptional in-house production and the use of durable materials as well as specific coating procedures in the manufacture of the feed bowls ensure the consistently high quality and excellent reliability and efficiency over the entire life-span of the feeder.
The efficiency and functionality of the intelligent screw-feeders sets new standards in the production of fastener movement and was introduced at this year’s AUTOMATICA, exhibition. If you have an interest in this product, we welcome your visit at the Motek, October 10th through 13th, 2016, hall 5, booth 5310.