Once you order a Vibratory Bowl Feeder, you might be called to inspect it before shipping. In such a case, you need to check whether the following points are taken care of –

1. Suitable Overflow Arrangement – When a bowl’s production output (feed rate) is greater than the production needs of the end user, he components will have to fall back in the bowl and remain vibrating in place. This may not be required in case one has an Auto-Switch off Mechanism built in the chute or the Linear track. However, still, a good Vibratory Bowl feeder should have a suitable overflow arrangement. The “overflow” system helps you save on the cost of the “Auto Switch off Mechanism” and its attendant controls.
2. Replaceable Tooling – Areas of the bowl that are prone to wear and tear include the sections that change the velocity or orientation of the part. If wear is anticipated and unavoidable, then replaceable tooling can be developed for the bowl. This can include stainless steel tracks and bowl linings, spill offs, scallops, wipers, and virtually any other tooling. Replaceable tooling also makes it easy to “retool” the bowl for another component in case your component changes or a new component is added in that “family” of components.
3. Bowl Linings – Though they are often used for noise level reduction purposes or for increasing the parts drive, various linings can be used to extend the wearable life of a bowl. However, best results are found with sprayable Polyurethane coatings / linings. These linings also increase the life of the bowl. In case of oily components or where there is presence of coolant / oil, such linings help in increasing friction between the bowl and the components and facilitate feeding. The best type of coating is the Elscinthane PU coating.
4. Bowl material – Bowls can be made of mild steel, stainless steel, cast aluminium and polyamide. The best of of these are cast aluminium bowls. They provide flexibility of tooling and there can be a modular approach to tooling. The tooling can be changed easily when the components change. The tooling can be made in stainless steel so that the wear and tear is less.