A bar feeder is the workshop equipment that undertakes the task of automatically feeding metal bars into CNC milling machines. Those types of tools are used to increase the productivity of a workshop and allow CNCs to work unattended and during the night or weekends.
While bar feeders are usually operated by the CNCs control units, a machinist can set feeding rates manually as well. They feature bar pallet holders that are taken one by one and placed on the feeding chamber from where they find their way inside the CNC milling area though the spindle. Nowadays, bar feeders can also monitor the operation and immediately stop if anything goes wrong.
What to think about before purchasing
There are many different bar feeder models in the market today, offering different production qualitative and quantitative characteristics. As these machines are destined to work together with CNCs, compatibility and sizing are especially important when considering buying one. Here's a list with the most significant factors to consider before making a bar feeder choice:
Size of Magazine
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 Lengths
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.
Operational Safety
Bar feeders are machines that are left to operate by themselves for many hours, or even days in some cases. For this reason, they should boast advanced safety features that ensure their good operation while workshop personnel is busy doing something else. Some of those features could be sensors placed in key points, load measurement equipment, and infrared beams that check the position of the bars. Modern bar feeders can even have webcams used for remote monitoring.
Floor Space
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.
While bar feeders are usually operated by the CNCs control units, a machinist can set feeding rates manually as well. They feature bar pallet holders that are taken one by one and placed on the feeding chamber from where they find their way inside the CNC milling area though the spindle. Nowadays, bar feeders can also monitor the operation and immediately stop if anything goes wrong.
What to think about before purchasing
There are many different bar feeder models in the market today, offering different production qualitative and quantitative characteristics. As these machines are destined to work together with CNCs, compatibility and sizing are especially important when considering buying one. Here's a list with the most significant factors to consider before making a bar feeder choice:
Size of Magazine
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 Lengths
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.
Operational Safety
Bar feeders are machines that are left to operate by themselves for many hours, or even days in some cases. For this reason, they should boast advanced safety features that ensure their good operation while workshop personnel is busy doing something else. Some of those features could be sensors placed in key points, load measurement equipment, and infrared beams that check the position of the bars. Modern bar feeders can even have webcams used for remote monitoring.
Floor Space
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 feeder in the industry. Contact them today to get more information.
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