If you’re looking for cost-effective ways to increase the productivity of your CNC operations — and who isn’t — a bar feeder may be just the solution you’re looking for.
While automatic CNC bar feeders aren’t a necessity, they’ll sure make things easier for your machinists. Bar feeders provide a simple, dependable means of automatically delivering material to a lathe or other machine tool, sparing CNC operators the task of having to continually reload and feed stock material during a job. They’re especially handy for high-volume jobs.
Advantages of Buying a Bar Feeder to Add to Your Operations
You may be wondering if a bar feeder is worth the investment. Well, there are many advantages to adding a bar feeder to your job shop.
- Reduces the need for an operator to monitor and feed material into a machine tool.
- Secures and supports bar stock to increase stability and reduce the effects of vibration on the finished product
- Allows your machine tools to operate at full spindle speed.
- Reduces waste material.
- Bar feeders minimize change-over times
- Magazine bar feeders are capable of delivering large quantities of work material to a machine tool for extended periods of time, allowing you to go “lights-out” with your CNC operations.
Things to Look For When Buying a Bar Feeder
Like any other piece of shop equipment, there are many factors to take into account when shopping for a bar feeder. Here are some recommendations to help you find the equipment that best suits your operational needs:
Can it Handle the Job(s)?
The diameter of the bars you’ll be using, and their length, are important factors to consider when selecting a bar feeder. You’ll want a feeder that can provide material of a size that’s compatible with your machines and job specifications. In addition, you need to know how easy it is to change over the bar feeder from one bar stock diameter or shape to another.
The feeding method the bar feeder utilizes — feed-to-turret, sub-spindle pull, or servo feed system — is another consideration; you’ll want to select the correct type for your operational needs.
Is it Well Constructed?
The durability of the feeder’s construction should be considered as well. The feeder needs to be strong enough to hold a bar rigid during the turning process to eliminate the possibility of defects in the finished piece.
Will It Fit in With Your Operations?
For facilities with limited floor space, it’ll be necessary to select a bar feeder that suits your needs but doesn’t take up too much room. Weight may also be a factor to take into consideration.
Is the Feeder From a Reliable Provider/Manufacturer?
Make sure you select a product from a dependable provider or manufacturer. One of the reasons you’re buying a bar feeder is to increase productivity while reducing costs; delays due to equipment breakdowns or production errors won’t allow you to accomplish either.
CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies Has Been Providing Top-Quality Bar Feeders and Other Machine Tool Accessories Since 2007
CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies is your one-stop supplier for the latest high-quality machine tool accessories, including hydrodynamic magazine-style bar feeders, short bar loaders, rotary tables, high-pressure coolant systems, and oil skimmers. Check out CNC Indexing’s own brand of bar feeders in 6′, 10′ and 12′ in length and from 0.8mm ~ 56mm (0.031” – 2.204”) bar diameter, and short bar loaders ranging in 4′, 5′ and 6′ in length and from 5mm ~ 105mm (.20″ ~ 4.13″) bar diameter.
Contact CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies at 513-770-4200 to find out how our bar feeders can help your operations.
