Automation can be a game changer when it comes to increasing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of your line. However, with so many parts on the market, it can be hard to know which applications to invest in. Flexibowl makes that decision easy by maximizing flexibility while minimizing the initial investment and cost of ownership of applications.

Flexible part feeders are designed to process several parts using a single part feeding mechanism. These parts are then analyzed by a vision system that informs a robot or cobot of which parts to pick and how to pick them. FlexiBowl is a patented flexible parts feeding system, designed by ARS, that optimizes parts feeding by improving overall feed rates, increasing productivity, and reducing changeover times. The Flexibowl is a standardized component, unlike traditional vibratory feeders, that are custom designed and fabricated for a specific application. This system is less expensive than traditional bowl-feeders and is compatible with all industrial robots and vision systems, making it easy to integrate with your existing applications or begin designing a new automation line.

Flexibowl ensures more parts are available for pick-up in every cycle. Up to 6 parts of any geometry, surface, or material can be fed onto a disc by one or more hoppers. Parts are kept separately in independent sectors, and hoppers use visual sensors to drop new parts only when needed. Each sector is oriented and separated through the movement of a rotating and pulsating plate. This action allows for every part to be quickly stabilized so that robots can pick and place them as efficiently as possible. Rotary disks are quick and easy to swap out, and different disc materials can be used in each sector, ensuring that you always that the most ideal surface for stabilization of your parts. Changing products supplied by the Flexibowl system is also simplified, requiring selecting a new program to run. This process is usually complete within a few seconds and eliminates the need for tools or physical modifications.

FlexiBowl is available in 5 models which can feed entire ranges of parts measuring between 1-250 mm and 1-250 g. Every Flexibowl is designed to allow simultaneous bulk feeder dropping and robot picking, helping you increase efficiency and minimize downtime. Selection of the Flexibowl model that is best for your industry depends on:
    - Expected productivity
    - Required orientation of the components that are going to be fed
    - How parts should be set down
    - Overall dimensions and available space
    - Interactions with other features on the production line
    - Reference standards and regulations
    - Characteristics of the production setting

Optional accessories are available to help complete a system that identifies the unique needs of your process. Options include:
    - Bulkfeeders
    - Back light
    - Top light
    - Vision System/calibration plates
    - And more!

To make integration easy, plug-ins are available for most of the common Robot and PLC manufacturers.

Contact us to speak with a dedicated Triad Technologies Account Manager and ask about Flexibowl, or to schedule a product demonstration in one of our Triad Technologies Automation Labs. Our labs in Sharonville and New Albany can provide a free Flexibowl product demonstration using your specific part(s) to help you to identify the correct model and accessories for your automation application. Our labs can also help you qualify products and system solutions for applications involving robotics, motion control, and vision sensors technologies. Lab visits are by appointment only – schedule today!