With the theory from our last post in mind, let’s move to the practical, hands-on process of calibrating the feeder pitch. Achieving a feed length accuracy of +/- 0.1mm or better is not a matter of guesswork; it requires a systematic and repeatable measurement process.

Here is the professional method for setting and verifying your feed length.

1. The Setup: Preparing for Measurement

  1. Jog to BDC: First, jog the press so the slide is at the bottom of its stroke (180 degrees). This provides a stable starting point.
  2. Load and Clamp Material: Feed the leading edge of your material strip through the feeder until it’s just past the guide rollers. Lower the release handle to firmly clamp the material between the drive rollers.
  3. Disable Material Release (Important): For accurate measurement, you must ensure the material is not being released during the cycle. On some setups, this involves raising the release adjustment screw so it does not contact the release cam/bracket during the press stroke. The feeder must grip the material for the entire feed cycle.

2. The Measurement Process: Scribe, Run, Scribe, Measure

This four-step process is the most reliable way to determine your actual feed length.

  1. Scribe the First Line: Using a sharp scribe and a straight block held firmly against a fixed reference point (like the feeder’s entry guide roller housing), scribe a clean, straight line across the material strip. This is your starting point, “Line A.”
  2. Run Multiple Strokes: Start the press and let it run for a predetermined number of strokes. Five strokes is an excellent number as it provides a good average and makes the math easy. Count each stroke carefully.
  3. Scribe the Second Line: Stop the press. Without moving the material, use the exact same reference point to scribe a second line on the strip. This is your end point, “Line B.”
  4. Measure and Calculate: Carefully measure the distance between Line A and Line B using a set of calipers. Now, divide this total distance by the number of strokes you ran.
    • Formula: Actual Pitch = (Distance between lines) / (Number of strokes)
    • Example: If the distance is 98.0mm after 5 strokes, your actual pitch is 98.0 / 5 = 19.6mm.

3. The Iterative Adjustment Loop

Now, compare your calculated Actual Pitch to the required pitch from the die.

  • If Feed is Too Short: Loosen the locking screw on the eccentric disk and make an adjustment to increase the radius (move the pin away from the center). Retighten and repeat the entire measurement process.
  • If Feed is Too Long: Loosen the locking screw and make an adjustment to decrease the radius (move the pin toward the center). Retighten and repeat the measurement process.

It may take two or three iterations of this “adjust-and-measure” loop to dial in the pitch perfectly. The goal is to get the actual feed length to match the die’s required pitch within the job’s specified tolerance. This methodical approach removes all guesswork and ensures a precise, reliable setup every time.

Feeder
Feeder

Related Products

Explore complementary Henli equipment for complete coil handling, feeding, leveling, and lubrication workflows.

Decoiler machine for metal coil feeding lines Decoiler Machine Motorized and manual coil uncoiling options for stamping, roll forming, laser cutting, and shearing lines. NC servo feeder for press feeding automation NC Servo Feeder High-precision servo roll feeding for power press and punching machine automation. UL 2-in-1 decoiler straightener for coil stock UL 2-in-1 Decoiler Straightener Compact decoiling and straightening for 0.35-3.2 mm coil stock in stamping lines. Precision sheet metal leveler and coil straightening machine Precision Sheet & Coil Leveler Precision leveling for coil strip and cut sheets where flatness and surface protection matter. Gravity feed stock oiler for press feeding lines Gravity Feed Stock Oiler Stock lubrication systems for controlled oiling before stamping, forming, or feeding operations.