A bar feeder is a specialized piece of workshop engineering that does exactly what the names implies, which is to feed bars to CNC machines. By utilizing bar feeders, workshops can put a CNC into continuous and unobstructed operation without having to worry about providing metal bars that constitute the main workpiece material.
Bar feeders are considered to be a CNC extension, so they are directly connected and controlled by the latter. Operators, however, may also set a particular feeding rate that is fit for an application manually. The metal bars are held on the storage chamber and are taken out one by one to be passed into the CNC milling chamber. Bar feeders today are capable of detecting abnormal operation, stopping the feed automatically.
What to think about before purchasing
As with everything that can be found inside a workshop, bar feeders come in a lot of shapes, sizes, and different technical characteristics. Since this machine is something that is bought on the premise to work well in collaboration with another machine (CNC), buyers should be particularly cautious on what model they should choose. Here are some of the most important points for consideration:
Magazine Size
The size of the magazine that holds the bars is a critical factor to consider when buying a bar feeder. Determine what type of bars you want to process (gauge class) and calculate how many of them can be held on the magazine. Then consider the feeding rate to figure out how many hours of unattended operation you can get from the feeder. Usually, a minimum of 8 hours (night shift) should be preferred.
Part and Spindle Size
Each part that is produced on the CNC requires a specific amount of bar length to be realized. Machinists should calculate the total bar size, subtract the length of the part that is held on the CNC spindle and divide with part length to determine the number of the workpieces can be produced with each bar. This can indicate if a bar feeder choice is good or not, as sometimes a slightly longer bar could be enough for one whole extra product.
Safety of Operation
As bar feeders are required to work well for long periods of time without the presence of personnel, it is very important to have safety features that monitor the operation and check for errors in the process. Some safety net mechanisms that are used by modern bar feeders include sensors, load meters, infrared beams and streaming webcams that send video technicians remotely.
Floor Space Needs
Bar feeders are installed right next to the CNC, so considering if a workshop has enough floor space for such a machine is imperative. Also, remember that it's not only about fitting a machine in a corner, but also providing for enough space for regular maintenance and access in the compartments. Finally, if a crane will be used for the feeding of the magazine, enough maneuvering space should be considered.
Bar feeders are considered to be a CNC extension, so they are directly connected and controlled by the latter. Operators, however, may also set a particular feeding rate that is fit for an application manually. The metal bars are held on the storage chamber and are taken out one by one to be passed into the CNC milling chamber. Bar feeders today are capable of detecting abnormal operation, stopping the feed automatically.
What to think about before purchasing
As with everything that can be found inside a workshop, bar feeders come in a lot of shapes, sizes, and different technical characteristics. Since this machine is something that is bought on the premise to work well in collaboration with another machine (CNC), buyers should be particularly cautious on what model they should choose. Here are some of the most important points for consideration:
Magazine Size
The size of the magazine that holds the bars is a critical factor to consider when buying a bar feeder. Determine what type of bars you want to process (gauge class) and calculate how many of them can be held on the magazine. Then consider the feeding rate to figure out how many hours of unattended operation you can get from the feeder. Usually, a minimum of 8 hours (night shift) should be preferred.
Part and Spindle Size
Each part that is produced on the CNC requires a specific amount of bar length to be realized. Machinists should calculate the total bar size, subtract the length of the part that is held on the CNC spindle and divide with part length to determine the number of the workpieces can be produced with each bar. This can indicate if a bar feeder choice is good or not, as sometimes a slightly longer bar could be enough for one whole extra product.
Safety of Operation
As bar feeders are required to work well for long periods of time without the presence of personnel, it is very important to have safety features that monitor the operation and check for errors in the process. Some safety net mechanisms that are used by modern bar feeders include sensors, load meters, infrared beams and streaming webcams that send video technicians remotely.
Floor Space Needs
Bar feeders are installed right next to the CNC, so considering if a workshop has enough floor space for such a machine is imperative. Also, remember that it's not only about fitting a machine in a corner, but also providing for enough space for regular maintenance and access in the compartments. Finally, if a crane will be used for the feeding of the magazine, enough maneuvering space should be considered.
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CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies provides the best bar feeders the industry has to offer. Contact them today to learn more.