Re: Need hopper bin and screw feed -- what's available?

From: Mark Thorson (nospam_at_sonic.net)
Date: 07/29/04 

Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 07:43:24 GMT

Gregg wrote:

> Check google for volumetric feeder. Unfortunately they can be
> quite expensive for a relatively simple machine.

If it saves me a few days of my time,
expensive might be okay. I only need one.
If the prototype is successful, the whole
machine will be re-engineered competently.

> They come in all sizes and variations some with
> unique features to handle sticky materials.
> If you find a cheap small unit - I'm also interested.
> I'll try to dig up some links for you this weekend.

The search term "screw conveyer" is also useful.
These are devices, often with a flexible screw and
surrounding tube, used to transfer flowable powders.
An interesting effect is that the screw (often a spring
made from metal wire or ribbon) is self-centering
within the hose. Instead of a rigid screw at the
bottom of a hopper, the flexible screw conveyor
is almost like a vacuum hose that can be inserted
into an arbitrary container.

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