Tips for Choosing the Right Bar Feeder For You

There is a lot of innovation going on in the United States machine tool market. As a result, the market has grown to a massive 6.6 billion as of 2020. With so many machines being developed, and on the market, you need some tips if you are to make the right choice. For instance, there are now several types of bar feeders to choose from. Here are some tips to help you select the right bar feeder.

Know What You Are Looking For

When it comes to selecting a bar feeder, it is important to know the specs you are looking for. Ideally, a good bar feeder must reduce the machine tool operator's time. You must select a model that will help you cut back on your efforts handling raw material and minimize changeover time. Lastly, you need to find a bar feed that is easy to use and program. Again, reducing your setup time to help make parts faster.  

Connectivity

You must also keep in mind that the bar feeder won't function alone. It is necessary to find a bar feeder that will integrate seamlessly into the overall manufacturing operation. Nowadays, real data is being utilized during manufacturing processes, so connectivity is a must.

Select the Right Bar feeder to Suit Your Needs

When selecting a bar feeder, you must also keep in mind that there is no universal tool that will fit all your applications. It is important to find a bar feeder that suits your machining needs. It is also important to consider not only your current but your future needs as well. When it comes to your machining needs, think about things like the range of bar stock diameters you'll be machining and the length of parts that you want to produce.

Consider Your Budget

The importance of taking your budget into account when selecting a bar feeder can never be overemphasized. You might find the best bar feeder with impressive capabilities, but it's important to stick to something that only does what you need now and in the near future. Some expensive bar feeders are only suited to more critical manufacturing processes and purchasing one for a smaller operation would be unnecessary overkill.

How Easy Is It to Change Over?

When operating a bar feeder, there are several components that you must adjust as you are moving from one bar stock diameter to another. This process can consume a lot of time, especially if you need tools to adjust guiding elements and pushers. It is important, therefore, to find a bar feeder that's easy to change over so that you don't spend too much time making adjustments.

These are some things to consider when purchasing a bar feeder. You must ensure that you do enough research before you make your choice. If you need help selecting the right bar feeder, get in touch with us today.