An Elevator feeder as well as Stock feeder is used to hold extra parts for replenishing the supply in a vibratory bowl feeder. They are set to operate automatically by a signal from a level control switch, thus eliminating either a deficiency or an over-supply of parts in the bowl.
The number of components which can be loaded in a vibratory bowl feeder is limited either due to the volume or weight of the components. Volume is especially important in case of rubber or plastic components and weight when the components are metallic. In case extra loading capacity is required, then the choice is to either use a bigger bowl feeder or else to use an auxiliary feeding unit like a flat vibratory hopper or elevator, silo etc. These auxiliary equipments can increase the loading quantity tremendously and the bowl feeder can become a totally man-less operation requiring refilling at longer intervals.

Thus an elevator and a stock feeder are competing products and while deciding on which one to opt for, the following points require consideration –

1.      Weight of the parts / components – The loading height of a stock feeder is usually around 400 mm to 700 mm above that of the vibratory bowl feeder and that of a elevator is between 500 mm to 700 mm from the ground level. Hence, in case of heavier parts, it is preferable to opt for an elevator so that operator fatigue is reduced and the parts can be easily loaded at a lower height. In case of small plastic parts or other light weight parts, a stock feeder is ideal.

2.      Volume / loading capacity required – Volume in case of stock feeders or hoppers can range between 15 litres to 50 litres while that of elevators range between 50 litres to 200 litres.

3.      Running cost – Elevators work on 0.25 HP to 1 HP motors (depending upon their size and component weight while stock feeders or hoppers have a linear vibrator drawing power of just 10 VA to 400 VA (depending upon its size).

4.      Replacement parts – The only parts which need be replaced in case of stock feeders are coil, controller and spring plates of the linear vibrator. The prices of these spares are very less. In case of an elevator, belt, gear box (or its components), bearings etc. might require replacement over time.

5.      Space required – Stock feeders / hoppers use much less space and additionally are kept at a height, thus reducing the total foot print. Vis a vis elevators require much more space.

6.      Life – Life of both are usually the same and they last for many years.

7.      Cost – Obviously, the cost of a stock hopper is much less than that of an elevator

Thus, an elevator feeder has obvious advantages over that of a stock feeder or hopper but its initial cost, space required and running cost is much more than that of a stock feeder. Hence, the decision whether to opt for a stock feeder or a elevator depends upon the loading capacity required and weight of the parts to be fed.

An Elevator feeder is used to hold extra parts for replenishing the supply in the bowl. Elevators are set to operate automatically by a signal from a level control switch, thus eliminating either a deficiency or an over-supply of parts in the bowl.

The number of components which can be loaded in a vibratory bowl feeder is limited either due to the volume or weight of the components. Volume is especially important in case of rubber or plastic components and weight when the components are metallic. In case extra loading capacity is required, then the choice is to either use a bigger bowl feeder or else to use an auxiliary feeding unit like a flat vibratory hopper or elevator, silo etc. These auxiliary equipments can increase the loading quantity tremendously and the bowl feeder can become a totally man-less operation requiring refilling at longer intervals.

In addition to the increased capacity, the biggest advantage of a elevator feeder is that the loading can be done at a lower level as compared to that of a bowl feeder. An elevator feeder can be of various sizes and dimensions and types

These types of elevators can be provided either in Stainless Steel or Mild Steel. In case of mild steel, it is preferable to use a coating or lining like the Elscinthane PU coating from the inside. Coating is also required in case of metallic components when can otherwise make a lot of noise in the hopper.

A level controller for controlling the component level has to be provided. This is controlled by a level sensor mounted on the hopper itself. This provides a start / stop operation, thus resulting in increased efficiency of the downstream equipment like vibratory bowl feeders as well as centrifugal / rotary feeders.

            Elevators ensure that the quantity of components loaded in the bowl always remains the same (with the help of the start stop function of the level controller) and hence can help in achieving better functioning and working of the bowl feeders.

             While ordering an elevator feeder, is should be ensured that the supplier has provided a small adjustment for the outlet height so that any change in the bowl height in the future is taken care off. Secondly, it is preferable to opt for mounting the elevator on castors so that movement is easy. However, in case of castors, there should be separate locking arrangement so that the elevator does not move if somebody pushes it by mistake.

Normally vibratory bowl feeders are made for either bolts or nuts due to the intrinsic nature of the tooling required for each type of component. Both cannot be fed in the same bowl feeder. However, this is now possible with the help of a very complicated tooling but with slight changeover tooling. Bolts from size M 4 to M 14 and Nuts from M4 to M30 can be fed through the same vibratory parts feeder. This can help fastener manufacturers attain a lot of flexibility and adaptability with regard to their vibratory bowl feeders. In order to feed the nuts, the tooling for the bolts needs to be removed and replaced with a different type of tooling which will be used for feeding of the nuts. Of course, side adjustments for accommodating various nuts and bolts will still have to be done for the various sizes.