First results on vibration feeding of small parts in the presence of adhesive forces

Abstract

In this paper, a flexible solution for part feeding in assembly is analysed for its suitability to feed small parts with typical dimensions between 0.5 and 5.0 mm. The feeding concept is based on a tooling plate, which vibrates to separate and reorient the parts. A vision system is used to determine the position of parts in a correct orientation. A robot picks these parts and assembles them. The conditions for a successful reorientation of parts are studied. The influence of adhesive forces on the ability to re‐orientate is investigated. A prototype is built to determine empirically the magnitude of the adhesive forces and the influence of these forces on the feeding process.

An integrated and compact device for microassembly exploiting electrostatic sorting and capillary grasping

“…they are in a ''fixed'' area). To avoid the random dispersion of spheres on the platform, as for instance happened in Vorstenbosch et al [8], we actually wanted to maintain the microobjects in this ''fixed'' area.…”

“…They overcome adhesion forces by air flows that sucked microcomponents into cavities [6] or liquid flows that pushed microballs in separated holes with known locations [7]. Other systems use vibration to randomly separate parts [8] or exploit hydrophobic and hydrophilic zones [9].…”

A flexible packaging station for micro-bulk-forming applications based on a standard carrier

“…Vorstenbosch et al investigated the effect of adhesive forces on a vibration feeding system [12]. This study settled feeding is possible with components in the range of 0.5-5.0 mm.…”