Application of Servo Feeders in Metal Processing

In modern metal processing, feeders are key equipment for ensuring production efficiency and parts quality. Servo feeders, with their high precision and flexibility, have become an important component of stamping production lines. Based on the release method, servo feeders are mainly divided into two categories: mechanical release and pneumatic release. This article will discuss the application of servo feeders in metal stamping.

(Here are the mechanical release coil feeder and pneumatic release coil feeder. You can see the release device.)

Working Principle of Servo Feeder

Servo feeders achieve high-precision control of feeding actions through the coordinated operation of servo motors, servo drivers, and PLC controllers. Compared to traditional mechanical power feeding methods, servo systems can freely adjust the feeding length and speed, thereby meeting the stability and consistency requirements of modern stamping production.

Main Features of Servo Feeder

1. Easy to adjust. Feeding pitch and feeding speed can be adjusted via touchscreen, suitable for small-batch production and frequent production changes.

2. The pneumatically released servo feeder releases the rollers by receiving electrical signals, and can be used with various equipment such as stamping machines, shearing machines, and laser cutters.

(Here is a comparison of Ruihui's servo feeders: RNC, RNC-HA, RNC-F, RNC-HB, RNC-P.)

Applications

Cut-to-Length Production Line

(Here is the feeding device for the cut-to-length production line.)

On a cut-to-length production line, the precise feeding of the servo feeder ensures that each sheet is cut to a consistent length, effectively reducing the production of defective sheets. By freely adjusting the feeding step distance, sheets of different lengths can be produced.

(Here is the cut-to-length production line.)

Laser Blanking Production Line

In laser cutting, a servo feeder needs to coordinate with the laser cutting action. Laser cutting typically has two types.

The first is step-feed cutting: the feeder delivers the roll of material to a specified length and then stops. The laser completes the entire cutting process on that section of material, and the next feed begins after the first cut.

(The gaps shown in the left and right images represent two different types: adjustable and fixed.)

The second is continuous feeding cutting: the feeder continuously delivers material at a constant speed, and the material is cut during transport. Adjustable gaps are provided on the conveyor belt to accommodate the penetration requirements of laser cutting, and these gaps are adjusted in real time according to the cutting cycle and path. Adjusting the feeding speed or step distance based on the cutting path and cycle time achieves high-precision automated cutting.

(Here is the laser blanking production line.)

Progressive Die Stamping Production Line

(You can see a progressive die stamping line consisting of a servo feeder and a 2-in-1 decoiler straightener.)

In a progressive die stamping production line, a servo feeder is responsible for precisely feeding the coil strip according to the station spacing within the die, ensuring that each station can accurately complete stamping. When the press slide is pressed down, the servo feeder stops feeding and releases the coil strip. When the press slide is raised, the servo feeder starts feeding.

(Here is the progressive die stamping production line. The NC straightener feeder has the servo feeding function.)