RFS series · Mechanical, press-driven
High-Speed Roller Feeder
A fixed-pitch feed on every press stroke, up to 500 SPM.
See how the eccentric disc, one-way clutch and roller release work. Then choose your model by strip width, feed pitch and thickness.
How the RFS roller feeder works 45-second demonstration
Illustrative 3D demonstration of an RFS roller feeder on a press; steps 02-04 slowed, step 05 in real time.
- For high-volume fixed-pitch stamping: ideal for LED lead frames, connectors, terminals, motor laminations, and precision metal parts.
- For high-speed press lines: stable synchronization at up to 500 SPM depends on feed length, stroke angle, die timing, and material condition.
- For practical selection: best suited for material width up to 700 mm, thickness up to 3.5 mm, and feed pitch up to 300 mm.
Feeder, eccentric disc, pull rod and release striker
The RFS feeder comes as a mechanical kit: the feeder body bolts to the press, the eccentric disc fits the press output shaft, the pull rod links the two, and the striker on the slide works the roller release.
- Feeder body. High-rigidity cast iron body with the feed rollers, one-way clutch and brake.
- Precision eccentric disc. Mounts on the press output shaft (the crankshaft end); the crank pin position sets the feed length.
- Adjustable pull rod. Three-section rod with a wide adjustment range for setting the material height.
- Release striker. Mounts on the slide and opens the rollers as the pilot pins enter the pilot holes.
- Thick mounting plates. Bolt the feeder securely to the press.
You may know this machine as a high speed roll feeder, a mechanical roll feeder, a roller feeder machine or a mechanical feeder for power presses; in US press shops it is also called a mechanical, press-driven roll feed. It is one type of press feeder machine: an automatic roller feeder for punch presses that takes its motion from the press and feeds the strip into the die by one fixed pitch on every stroke, with no motor or air supply of its own. HENLI builds this press-driven sheet metal feeder as the RFS series of metal roller feeders, from RFS-105NS to RFS-7030NS.
Mounting parts are matched to your press output shaft, bolster and die; final selection depends on the strip, die and press.
Direct Mechanical Drive for Ultra-High-Speed Production
Engineered for ultra-high-speed production, the Mechanical Roller Feeder operates without electricity, driven directly by the press output shaft via an eccentric disk. This mechanical linkage helps eliminate the feeding lag common in pneumatic systems.
The RFS roller feeder is an eccentric-driven mechanical feeder. An eccentric disc on the press crankshaft end swings the feeder's rocker arm through an adjustable pull rod and universal joint, and one-way bearings turn the feed rollers on each feed stroke, so this mechanical feeding device needs no motor, controller or air supply of its own. The FAQ below walks through the feed mechanism step by step; for its structure, benefits and limits, read our roller feeder mechanism guide.
Where the RFS Series Fits
Built with Japanese NSK bearings and HRC60 hard chrome-plated rollers, the RFS Series metal roller feeder is designed for repeatable fixed-pitch feeding in high-volume LED, connector, terminal, motor lamination, and precision stamping production.
Drive
Press crankshaft (output shaft), eccentric disc, pull rod, universal joint and rocker arm.
Control
Mechanical synchronization with no feeder motor, no air valve lag, and no controller delay.
Selection Range
Material width <= 700 mm, thickness <= 3.5 mm, and feed pitch <= 300 mm.
Mechanical Details That Protect Speed, Accuracy, and Service Life
The RFS Series focuses on low inertia, stable braking, no-backlash motion, and practical adjustment for repeat production.
Built for fixed-pitch high-speed stamping.
Each feature below supports one goal: reliable strip indexing at high press speed without creating extra electrical or pneumatic control lag.
1. Carbide One-Way Bearings
Embedded hard alloy inserts and roller bearings improve wear resistance and stability. Gears undergo heat treatment to HRC60 followed by precision grinding for transmission accuracy.
2. Hollow Roller Design
Low-inertia hollow rollers reduce rotating weight for quick stopping and precise feeding control. HRC60 hard chrome plating improves wear and rust resistance.
3. Advanced Disc Brakes
Full-contact clutch surfaces maximize friction area for stable braking, higher braking accuracy, and longer service life than point-contact structures.
4. Anti-Reversing Device
The no-backlash structure prevents reverse slippage of the lower wheel, resists oil and heat influence, uses circular rolling motion, and can support 30 m/min feeding speed.
5. PU Rollers Option
Polyurethane rollers are available for aluminum, copper, pre-painted metals, and other sensitive materials that need firm grip without marks.
6. Three-Section Pull Rod
A wider adjustment range helps prevent rocker arm breakage during material height adjustment, a common issue with rigid pull rod designs.
7. Micro-Adjustment
For models 1310NS and larger, fine pitch tuning can be made without significantly changing the eccentric disk position, reducing setup time.
Result
High-speed indexing remains stable when material data, feed pitch, press timing, and die release settings are correctly matched.
RFS High-Speed Mechanical Roller Feeder Model Table
Use this table to shortlist the right roll feeder machine by strip width, feed pitch, material thickness, feed line height, and machine weight. Final selection should also check press stroke, die timing, and material behavior.
| Model | Width / mm | Space Length / mm | Thickness / mm | Feed Line Height / mm | Weight / kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFS-105NS | 100 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 64 |
| RFS-205NS | 200 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 87 |
| RFS-255NS | 250 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 95 |
| RFS-305NS | 300 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 103 |
| RFS-355NS | 350 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 111 |
| RFS-405NS | 400 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 120 |
| RFS-455NS | 450 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 131 |
| RFS-505NS | 500 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 141 |
| RFS-555NS | 550 | 50 | 0-3.5 | 55-100 | 151 |
| RFS-605NS | 600 | 50 | 0-1.6 | 55-100 | 161 |
| RFS-138NS | 130 | 80 | 0-1.6 | 60-120 | 76 |
| RFS-188NS | 180 | 80 | 0-1.6 | 60-120 | 84 |
| RFS-1310NS | 130 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 142 |
| RFS-2010NS | 200 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 155 |
| RFS-3010NS | 300 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 180 |
| RFS-4010NS | 400 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 200 |
| RFS-5010NS | 500 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 220 |
| RFS-6010NS | 600 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 240 |
| RFS-7010NS | 700 | 100 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 260 |
| RFS-1315NS | 130 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 143 |
| RFS-2015NS | 200 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 156 |
| RFS-3015NS | 300 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 181 |
| RFS-4015NS | 400 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 201 |
| RFS-5015NS | 500 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 221 |
| RFS-6015NS | 600 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 241 |
| RFS-7015NS | 700 | 150 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 261 |
| RFS-1320NS | 130 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 146 |
| RFS-2020NS | 200 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 159 |
| RFS-3020NS | 300 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 184 |
| RFS-4020NS | 400 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 204 |
| RFS-5020NS | 500 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 224 |
| RFS-6020NS | 600 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 244 |
| RFS-7020NS | 700 | 200 | 0-3.5 | 70-140 | 264 |
| RFS-2030NS | 200 | 300 | 0-3.5 | 100-190 | 223 |
| RFS-3030NS | 300 | 300 | 0-3.5 | 100-190 | 251 |
| RFS-4030NS | 400 | 300 | 0-3.5 | 100-190 | 279 |
| RFS-5030NS | 500 | 300 | 0-3.5 | 100-190 | 307 |
| RFS-6030NS | 600 | 300 | 0-3.5 | 100-190 | 335 |
| RFS-7030NS | 700 | 300 | 0-3.5 | 100-190 | 363 |
Choose RFS Models by Feed Pitch, Strip Width, Thickness, and Surface
Every route below stays within the limits in the model table above. Use these routes to narrow down the model family, then confirm the final model with your actual strip and press data.
50–80 mm feed-pitch families
Start with RFS-105NS, RFS-305NS, RFS-405NS, or RFS-138NS when the required pitch and strip width fall inside their published table limits.
100 mm feed-pitch families
RFS-1310NS, RFS-2010NS, and RFS-3010NS cover progressively wider strip while retaining a published maximum feed pitch of 100 mm.
150–300 mm feed-pitch families
Use RFS-3015NS and the larger models shown in the table when the job requires a longer fixed feed pitch, greater strip width, or both.
Material and finished-surface route
Hard-chrome rollers suit appropriate steel, stainless steel, brass, and similar strip after a material trial. Specify PU or another non-marking roller solution for copper, aluminum, pre-painted, plated, or appearance-sensitive surfaces.
Used as a sheet metal coil feeder, the RFS roller feeder feeds straightened strip from an upstream decoiler and straightener; it does not uncoil or straighten the coil by itself. For thicker material, stay within the model limits (up to 3.5 mm on the suitable RFS models) and confirm width, hardness, pitch and press timing with us.
Mechanical Kit, Color Customization, Surface Protection, and Push-Pull Feeding
RFS feeders are supplied as a complete mechanical kit and can be painted to match your presses. For sensitive or soft strip, PU rollers or a synchronized push-pull setup are available.
Visual Integration and Robust Mechanical Configuration
While green is Henli's standard signature color, custom painting is available to match your existing press machines. The standard mechanical kit includes a high-rigidity cast iron body, precision eccentric disk, adjustable connecting rod, and thick mounting plates for secure installation.
PU Rollers and Push-Pull Configuration
High-grade yellow polyurethane rollers provide a firm non-marking grip for aluminum, copper, pre-painted, polished, or thin-gauge materials. For extremely thin or soft strip, a synchronized push-pull setup can maintain tension across the die area and prevent buckling before the piloting position.
Setup Tutorials for Height, Feed Length, Pressure, and Release Timing
A high-speed roller feeder is a precision instrument. These videos help operators understand the correct installation and fine-tuning steps before running production.
How to Adjust Feeder Installation Height
This is the first step of installation, ensuring the material feeds smoothly and levelly into your stamping die.
How to Adjust the Feed Length
Learn how to precisely set the feed pitch to match your die's progression requirements.
How to Adjust Material Clamping Pressure
Adjust the correct gripping force for different material thicknesses and hardness, preventing material slippage or deformation.
How to Adjust Release Timing
Learn how to set the release screw so the feeder lets go of the material as the die's pilot pins enter the pilot holes.
Compatible With High-Speed Mechanical Presses and Conventional Pneumatic Presses
As an automatic feeder for power presses and punch presses, the RFS high-speed roller feeder is most valuable when the production goal is fast, stable, repeatable fixed-pitch feeding.
1. With High Speed Punch Presses
This is the ideal and most common application. The feeder is driven directly by the press output shaft through an eccentric disk and connecting rod, achieving mechanical synchronization. This design allows the line to run at up to 500 SPM for high-volume precision stamping when feed length and die timing are suitable.
2. With Pneumatic Punch Presses
Although pneumatic presses may not match the speed of a high-speed mechanical press, the roller feeder still provides a practical automation upgrade for forming, drawing, blanking, and fixed-pitch press work that requires repeatable feed length and simple setup.
Small-part stamping lines with RFS roller feeders
Five workshop lines: coil payoff, press-synchronized roller feeding and the die at work.
Typical parts and coil payoff
Typical RFS jobs are high-volume, fixed-pitch parts such as terminals and connectors, copper and press-fit pins, LED lead frames, motor laminations, electronic springs and contact clips, shielding clips and fuse holders. On small-part lines the coil can be paid off by a horizontal pallet decoiler, a compact CR light-duty stock reel or a standard upright decoiler; the decoiler supplies the strip, and the roller feeder controls its advance into the die.
HENLI roller feeders also run metal washers and gaskets, aluminum heat sinks and radiator fins, including heat sinks for automotive lamps (see heat-sink fin stamping with a roller feeder), EI laminations and tin can ear lugs.
Machine Details and Workshop Reference Photos
Close-up and production reference images help buyers verify the machine structure, roller area, frame construction, and real workshop usage.
Recommended Production Line Setups for High-Speed Roller Feeders
The High-Speed Roller Feeder is the final indexing unit in the press line, but stable performance also depends on correct uncoiling and straightening before the feeder.
Configuration 1: Classic Split-Type Line
This is the most versatile setup for high-speed stamping. The Heavy-Duty Decoiler supports and unwinds the coil, the precision straightener removes coil set, and the RFS feeder indexes the flattened strip into the press.
Ideal for automotive components, connectors, terminals, motor laminations, home appliance hardware, and standard coils with medium-to-heavy thickness or moderate width.
Configuration 2: Space-Saving Cradle Line
This configuration pairs the RFS feeder with a cradle-style 2-in-1 decoiler straightener. Because the coil sits directly in the cradle, it reduces coil inner diameter restrictions and saves floor space and initial investment.
Best for lightweight or thin materials, small electronic components, spring parts, metal clips, decorative hardware, non-standard coil IDs, and compact workshops.
Configuration 3: High-Precision Thin Material Line
This setup uses a Horizontal Flat Decoiler, precision straightener, and high-speed roller feeder for ultra-thin, narrow, or delicate strip. Horizontal uncoiling reduces gravity-induced tensile stress and helps protect pre-plated or mirror-finish materials.
Recommended for micro-connectors, terminals, LED lead frames, precision shims, beryllium copper parts, and materials under 0.2 mm that require stable feeding and surface protection.
Continue With the Correct Roller Feeder Guide
Use the guide that matches your next step. For model limits and a quotation, come back to the model table and quotation checklist on this page.
Understand and select
Install and adjust
Protect sensitive strip
Maintain and troubleshoot
Continue From RFS Models to a Matching Stamping Application
These pages show how strip, surface, die, press and inspection requirements change the roller feeder setup for each application. Use them together with the model table and a trial on your own strip.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-Speed Roller Feeders
Answers on what the feeder is called, how it works, speed, model choice, roller vs servo feeders, power, the reverse device, installation, troubleshooting, price and where it is made.
What is a high-speed roller feeder, and what else is it called?
How does a mechanical roller feeder work?
What is the maximum speed (SPM) of your Mechanical Roller Feeder?
How do I choose the right RFS roller feeder model?
Why choose a Roller Feeder over an NC Servo Feeder?
Does the machine require an electrical connection or air supply?
What is the benefit of the optional Reverse Device?
Can this roller feeder be installed on my punch press?
Why is my roller feeder slipping, feeding short or marking the strip?
What affects the price of a high-speed roller feeder machine?
Where are HENLI roller feeders made?
Need an RFS feeder matched to your press?
Send material width, thickness, feed pitch, press speed, stroke angle, output shaft layout, die release timing, and whether PU rollers or a reverse device are required.
Quotation checklist
Send Your Strip and Press Data for Roller Feeder Selection
Looking for a high-speed roller feeder for sale, or a price? HENLI is a roller feeder manufacturer and supplier: we build RFS feeders in our own factory in Dongguan, China, supply them factory-direct, and quote each one against your application. Standard models have a 7-day delivery time and a 2-year warranty. Share your strip dimensions, feed length, press model, and required SPM so we can check the suitable RFS model, mechanical linkage, and release timing.
