Flex Feeding FAQ
What is Flex Feeding?
Flex feeding uses vibration and vision technology to orient parts for robotic pick and place.
A hopper holds a large quantity of parts to be fed into the system
Parts are fed onto a vibratory surface, oriented and separated
Once the part is oriented, a robot picks the part and places it into the next stage of production.
Why should I use a flex feeder instead of a traditional bowl feeder?
Flex feeders offer greater versatility. Unlike bowl feeders, which are designed for specific parts, flex feeders can handle a wide variety of part shapes and sizes without mechanical changeovers—just simple software updates or parameter adjustments.
What industries can benefit from flex feeding systems?
Flex feeders are widely used in automotive, electronics, medical devices, consumer products, and other industries that demand high-mix, low-volume production or frequent changeovers.
Can Flex Feeder Canada assist with system integration?
We work closely with automation builders across Canada, providing application support, product selection guidance, and integration resources to ensure a seamless setup of your flex feeding system.
What are the benefits of using a flex feeder in Canadian manufacturing?
Key benefits include:
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Quick changeover for different parts
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Compact footprint for factory automation
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Compatibility with standard Canadian robotic platforms
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Reduced tooling costs compared to bowl feeders
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Increased uptime in automated production lines
What types of parts can be fed using a flex feeder?
Flex feeders can handle small to medium-sized parts made of plastic, metal, rubber, or other materials. Common parts include fasteners, connectors, plastic housings, medical components, and custom-molded items.
What robot brands are compatible with your flex feeders?
Our feeders are compatible with major industrial robot brands such as ABB, FANUC, UR (Universal Robots), Yaskawa Motoman, and Epson, commonly used in Canadian automation environments.
How do I choose the right flex feeder for my application?
The ideal feeder depends on your part size, material, weight, surface finish, and cycle time requirements. Send us your part drawings or samples, and our experts will recommend the best model for your needs.