In the realm of stamping processes utilizing a single die, the necessity for automated feeding apparatus might not be paramount. However, when it comes to continuous stamping operations employing progressive dies, the press feeding mechanism takes center stage. Even though progressive dies come equipped with guide pins to augment feed accuracy, manual feeding presents challenges in maintaining consistent feed lengths. This inconsistency can result in overfeeding or underfeeding, leading to increased scrap rates during production. Furthermore, the precision achieved through manual feeding often falls short of practical requirements. Not to mention, manual feeding, due to its strenuous nature, poses significant safety hazards. Consequently, the adoption of automated feeding machines for continuous stamping production has become an industry consensus.

Evolution of Press Feeding Machines

In today’s continuous stamping production landscape, three primary types of press feeding machines dominate: air feeders, roller feeders, and NC (numerical control) feeders. While air feeders are cost-effective, they are gradually fading from the market due to high failure rates, low precision, and elevated maintenance costs. On the other hand, NC feeders, known for stable performance and user-friendly operation, come with a higher price tag due to servo motor-driven feeding, making them less accessible to the majority. Roller feeders, however, have emerged as the preferred choice in the stamping industry. They capitalize on high precision, low failure rates, easy maintenance (typically requiring only periodic lubrication), and a lack of additional energy consumption.

Practical Application of Roller Feeders

In practical application, the roller feeder is affixed to the side center of the die on the press table using a mounting plate. The relaxation device is secured to the slider, ensuring the relaxation screw precisely presses against the extension of the relaxation support. The eccentric disk is mounted on the press output shaft using an eccentric disk fixing seat. Subsequently, the connecting rod, rocker arm, and machine body are all assembled. Adjustments are made to the roller feeder based on the material’s width and thickness specifications, considering material thickness, feeding duration, feed distance, and relaxation. Following inching and single-stroke test stamping, the system is poised for high-precision continuous automated production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transition from manual to automated press feeding in continuous stamping production is not just a trend but a necessity. The shortcomings of manual feeding, such as inconsistency, safety hazards, and subpar precision, make automated solutions, particularly roller feeders, the preferred choice for the stamping industry. As technology continues to advance, the role of automated press feeding machines will likely become even more pivotal in enhancing efficiency and quality in stamping processes.

Automated Press Feeding
Automated Press Feeding