Vibrating feeder
A short vibrating tray under a hopper. Turns a dumped batch into a steady, adjustable stream for the next machine.
What it does
A vibrating feeder meters product out of a hopper at a controlled rate. The hopper holds the batch; the vibrating tray below it draws product from the hopper outlet and carries it forward in a thin, even layer. The downstream machine receives a steady stream instead of a batch.
Setting the rate
The feed rate is set by changing the stroke of the tray (the amplitude of vibration) or its frequency. On machines with a frequency controller the rate can be changed from the panel while the line runs. The hopper outlet gate sets the maximum layer thickness on the tray.
Feeder and conveyor
A vibrating feeder and a vibratory conveyor work on the same principle. The difference is the task: the feeder is short and sits under a hopper to dose; the conveyor is longer and moves product between stations. In dried-fruit lines a vibrating trough with internal agitators often does both: it takes a manually dumped batch, separates the clumps and delivers an even stream to the next stage.
Where it is used
- At the start of a line, after manual or tipper unloading.
- In front of a sizing screen or an optical sorter, which need a constant layer.
- In front of a weigher or packing machine.
Build
Hopper, tray and frame are AISI 304 stainless steel, with AISI 316 as an option for contact surfaces. The tray is open for cleaning and the hopper can be fitted with a gate. Dimensions follow the line layout; capacity is set per project.