A conveyor feeder is a device used to transfer materials onto a conveyor belt. These units are typically used as part of an assembly line manufacturing system, though they can also be used with a variety of industrial machinery and equipment. Typically, the conveyor feeder is designed to work with small parts, such as screws, bottle caps, or fasteners. Conveyor feeders come in a wide range of sizes, making them well-suited to many types of industries. The primary advantage to this type of machine is that it can release raw materials into an assembly system automatically, eliminating the need for human labor for this task.
Businesses can choose from three basic conveyor feeder designs. One of the most common is the hopper conveyor, which resembles a large bin with an open top. Hoppers are typically designed to work via gravity, rather than mechanical means. This type of conveyor feeder is placed above he conveyor, and loose materials are dumped into the top of the hopper. These materials fall out of the bottom of the feeder onto the belt, where they are carried on for further processing or assembly.
Hopper-style conveyor feeders can range in size from very small to very large. Small units are found in factories, where they may hold lids or washers. Large units are often used outdoors in quarries and on construction sites, where they may transport gravel or soil onto a gravel conveyor. These machines also play a major role in grain processing and transport in agricultural settings.
Read more: What Is a Conveyor Feeder?