Parts Feeder eliminates production interruption.
Press Release Summary:
Accommodating wide range of part sizes and shapes, G-Flex Feeder features large-capacity hopper that can be refilled on-the-fly and feeder table that recirculates parts, preventing over-accumulation and part bunch ups. Unlike traditional feeder bowls, G-Flex is highly tolerant of process contamination, including oily parts and chips. Stand-alone solution fits most applications and requires minimal interface; user just connects system to power supply and one PLC input.
Original Press Release:
Graco Launches G-Flex(TM) Feeder
G-Flex Feeder Flexible Parts Feeding Solution Eliminates Production Interruption and Maximizes Uptime
MINNEAPOLIS -- Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG), a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, recently launched the G-Flex Feeder Flexible Parts Feeding Solution. The G-Flex Feeder is an automation innovation that easily accommodates a wide range of part sizes and shapes with seamless part changeover.
The G-Flex Feeder is an innovation born of necessity. Graco, a world-class manufacturer known for technical excellence, sought to improve manufacturing automation in its own factories. The company couldn’t find a suitable commercially available parts feeding solution that offered flexibility and easy integration with vision guided robots. To solve the problem, Graco engineers designed the G-Flex Flexible Parts Feeding Solution. Today G-Flex Feeder Solutions are integrated into several Graco facilities.
“The G-Flex Feeder has raised the bar for best-in-class assembly automation, not just for Graco, but for the entire assembly industry,” said Jon Knutson, a Graco business development director. “We used to invest in dedicated feeders for each part, which caused costly interruptions and downtime when product build schedules changed. With the G-Flex Flexible Parts Feeder you can simply change from one part to the next with no complicated set-up steps. Simply load the hopper with the new parts and let the G-Flex Feeder do the rest.”
The G-Flex Feeder offers ultimate flexibility and can be deployed to handle new parts and process changes with no added investment. A multitude of features improve efficiencies and output, including a large capacity hopper that can be refilled on the fly; a uniquely-designed feeder table that recirculates parts preventing over-accumulation and part bunch ups. And, unlike traditional feeder bowls, the G-Flex Feeder is highly tolerant of process contamination (oily parts and chips no longer shut down the parts feeding process). In addition, the G-Flex Feeder offers a great value when compared to complicated bowl feeders. This one stand-alone, easy-to-integrate solution fits most applications and requires minimal interface: just connect it to a power supply and one PLC input, and the G-Flex Feeder is ready to get to work.
To learn more about the Graco G-Flex Flexible Parts Feeding Solution, visit www.graco.com/g-flex, call 1-855-312-5349 or contact us at gflex@graco.com.
ABOUT GRACO
Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids and coating in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction, and maintenance industries. For additional information about Graco Inc., please visit us at www.graco.com or on Twitter @GracoInc.
Contacts
Graco Inc.
Todd Safgren, 612-623-6734
Todd_T_Safgren@graco.com
