Press Compatibility and Installation
The installation of a mechanical roll feeder is a press-specific mechanical job. The feeder body, mounting plate, eccentric disc, pull rod, release striker, feeder height and guarding must all suit the press and die it will run on.
Confirm that the press is compatible
A mechanical roller feeder commonly depends on a compatible press drive output and a purpose-designed transmission relationship. Record the press make, model, serial or project identity, drive layout, available output, bolster or table geometry, die feed direction, passline, slide or ram release interface and safe access. The same measurements are used to match an RFS roller feeder for punch presses and its mounting parts to your press.
Collect the project measurements
| Measurement group | Record | Design decision |
|---|---|---|
| Drive output | Shaft or approved output geometry, key or connection details and surrounding clearance | Eccentric, hub or project-specific drive interface. |
| Mounting surface | Table or bolster geometry, hole or slot pattern, edge condition and structural limits | Mounting plate design and permitted fastening method. |
| Relative geometry | Output-to-feeder relationship and required connecting path | Connecting mechanism length, articulation and clearance. |
| Passline | Approved die entry, feeder range and strip support | Vertical position and adjustment provision. |
| Release interface | Installed release method and permitted contact or signal arrangement | Project-specific release hardware and verification plan. |
| Safety envelope | Guards, pinch points, access, service space and stop functions | Guarding and safe-work controls before operation. |
Approve the mounting and drive design
The responsible engineer or manufacturer should define the mounting plate, fasteners, structural interface, alignment method, output connection, eccentric or drive component, connecting mechanism and movement envelope. Verify that the design does not interfere with the brake, clutch, guards, slide, die, operator access or existing press functions.
- Mounting strength: designed for the feeder mass, cyclic forces and press vibration.
- Alignment provision: permits the required passline and squareness without improvised shims or forced strip travel.
- Motion clearance: connecting and release components remain clear through the authorized press cycle.
- Guarding: new rotating, reciprocating and pinch hazards are enclosed or otherwise controlled by the approved design.
Install the mounting plate and set the feeder height
With energy isolated and the feeder supported, fit the mounting plate and the feeder body. Follow the instruction manual supplied with your feeder model; on HENLI RFS feeders the steps are:
- Mount the plate on the correct side. Bolt the feeder mounting plate to the press table on the left side, right side or front, according to the die’s feeding direction. The mounting plate screws are M14.
- Choose the plate hole position for the die. Select the hole position that suits the height of the lower die, then fasten the plate securely.
- Seat the feeder square. Align the positioning block at the center of the feeder’s sliding plate with the positioning channel on the mounting plate, then tighten the screws. Both sides of the feeder should sit tight against the plate; a gap on one side means the block is not in the channel and the feeder is tilted, so correct it before the final tightening.
- Set the feeder height. The strip surface should line up with the die’s floating punch, so the strip enters the die without climbing or diving. Loosen the screws, adjust the height position, then tighten them again.
Do not use guides or roller pressure to force a misaligned strip path.
Fit the eccentric disc and pull rod at top dead center
Set the drive with the press slide at top dead center (TDC), following the manual for your feeder model. For HENLI RFS feeders the manual gives these steps:
- Fit the connecting disc to the press crankshaft end and tighten its screws.
- With the slide at TDC, fit the eccentric disc. On models with a feed length up to 50 mm, set it at about the 3 o’clock position, with the square rod and its graduated dial pointing to 3. On models with an 80, 100 or 150 mm feed length, set it at about the 9 o’clock position. Tighten the two screws securely. For other feed lengths, use the manual supplied with the model.
- Fit the adjustable pull rod. Its upper thread is right-hand and its lower thread is left-hand, so the rod length can be adjusted after it is fitted.
- Adjust the pull rod length at TDC until the line from the center of the transmission shaft to the center of the universal joint’s connecting shaft is parallel to the ground. At this length the feeder’s rocker arm swings up and down evenly; a pull rod that is too long or too short can break the rod or the rocker arm.
Install and identify the release function
Where the die uses pilot pins, fit the release striker to the press slide so that it meets the feeder’s release lever. Confirm its attachment, travel, clearance and guarded state. Its final position is set during commissioning: the rollers should open as the pilot pins enter the pilot holes and grip the strip again before the next feed. See why a stamping feeder needs a pilot release.
Complete static inspection before powered motion
| Check | Evidence | Hold condition |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Released fasteners, locking and inspection record | Loose, undocumented or overloaded interface. |
| Alignment | Passline, level, squareness and strip support record | Strip must bend or be forced into the die. |
| Drive path | Clearance and retained components through permitted inspection | Contact, binding, over-travel or unclear motion. |
| Release | Correct hardware identity and available controlled travel | Contact point or permitted range is unknown. |
| Safety | Guards, stop functions and risk-control sign-off | Any new hazard remains uncontrolled. |
Hand the installation to commissioning
Commission at the authorized slow condition: prove the motion direction, free travel, one-way feed, brake or anti-reverse behavior, strip path, feed pitch, clamping pressure and release handoff. Increase speed only through approved hold points and retain measurements.
Release timingSet the release striker so the rollers open for the pilot pins.
System overviewStructure, principle, fit and selection boundary.
Frequently asked questions
Can any mechanical press accept a roller feeder?
No. The press must have a verified mechanical and structural arrangement for the selected feeder and project.
Can the mounting plate be drilled from a generic drawing?
Not unless that drawing is released for the exact press, feeder and loading condition. Verify structure, geometry, fastening and guarding.
When should feed and release timing be set?
After static installation is accepted, during controlled commissioning on the actual press, die and strip.
How do you adjust the height of a high-speed roller feeder?
Choose the mounting-plate hole position that suits the lower-die height, then loosen the height screws, set the feeder so the strip surface lines up with the die’s floating punch, and tighten the screws again. Before starting the press, turn the flywheel by hand through one full stroke to check that the pull rod and rocker arm do not interfere.
Prepare a roller-feeder installation review
Send press identity, output and table measurements, photos with references, die feed direction, passline, strip data, release requirement and safety constraints before fabrication or installation.
Request installation support
View Mechanical RFS Roller Feeder Models
