The bulk feeder is used to line up bulk components in the bulk case and feed them to a mounter. Various types of feeders are offered by mounter manufacturers. Essentially, chip components are lined up by passing them through the gate and then transferring them to the component pick-up point on the mounter. Typical bulk feeders are classified into three types based on how the components are lined up: air type, hopper type, or rotating drum type.
Each chip component drops through the gate using gravity. A chip component bridging the gate or its vicinity is released by an intermittent blast of air.
This type of feeder is used in chip mounters dedicated for bulk feeding systems (multi-mounters), for middle/low-speed chip mounters, and module-type chip mounters.
Each chip component drops through the gate using gravity. A chip component bridging the gate or its vicinity is released by movement of the moving part. The moving part is shaped like a hopper to guide chip components toward the gate.
This type of feeder is used in chip mounters for bulk feeding systems (multi-mounters) and for high-speed chip mounters.
Chip components are placed into a cylindrical container. Via grooves, claws, and magnets arranged along the inside surface of the container, the components are guided along the surface toward the gate. Because chip components are guided to the gate without depending on gravity, they are prevented from bridging the gate.
This type of feeder is used in high-speed chip mounters and module-type chip mounters.
Bulk Feeding System
