VDL Linear Vibratory

Proper, optimum operation of a vibratory unit is dependent on four important principles:

1. Isolation

2. Electrical Supply

3. Tightness

4. Rigidity

To keep your machine in good working order, at peak performance for parts feeding, these factors must be given consideration in all maintenance and servicing work.

1. Isolation
First, it must be ensured that vibratory units are isolated from their associated tracks and chutes. Do not allow contact with electrical drops or air or hydraulic lines that could kill the drive and inflict costly damage. Similarly, safety brackets must not be tightened down on the unit. Only the neoprene feet should come into contact with the external environment. They must not be damaged in any way and there must be no end contact of the bolts inside the feet.

2. Electrical Supply
Next, make certain 115 volt power is available to and through the drive unit speed controller. The internal motor coil electrical components must function correctly. Where drive performance is poor, check for a faulty diode within the electrical shroud.

3. Tightness
Then, especially where there is interchangeable and adjustable tooling, check for loose or missing tooling bolts which will detune and eventually harm the unit. All fasteners should always be in place ( they each serve a purpose ), secured with lock washers, Loctite, or both, and torqued to their design maximum. All spring pack bolts must be torqued to 75 foot lbs., as must the counterweight bolts, using, preferably, a 1/2 inch flex bar and socket.

4. Rigidity
Finally, for a unit to be considered properly rigid, no item of orientor tooling should deflect more than 1/32 inch under thumb pressure - about 20 lbs. of force. If the principles of isolation and tightness have been violated in any way, there will be a lack of rigidity and the unit will not function correctly. Be sure the structure supporting the drive unit is rigid. A vibratory drive unit will move a weak support structure, rather than its tooling.

A mushrooming of tooling, created by a continuous pounding on the feed track, provides a cue that cracks may exist somewhere in the unit. Cracks, if they occur, may be found in overstressed or weakened areas of the unit, such as around the holes. Check for cracked springs by removing, inspecting, and replacing them one at a time. Test all springs by dropping them from waist high in a flat, horizontal position, onto a concrete floor. Cracked springs will not give off the clear ring of a sound spring. While spring packs are out, check closely for cracks around the inside of the unit, particularly around the spring anchor welds. An examination of the area around the counterweight base can frequently reveal drive-destroying cracks in units with operational problems, usually as a result of external contacts. Carry out inspections only on a clean unit and use a flashlight for the best advantage.

Ultimately, all tooling will wear, fatigue and need replacement. Since each vibratory unit is properly tuned prior to shipment, any later tooling weight changes may necessitate an alteration in the number of springs for proper tuning. Substitution of heavier materials will not give greater endurance unless a unit is retuned for the additional weight. Therefore, drastic weight changes should be reviewed with a Spectrum serviceman. Once the unit has been thouroughly inspected for the four important principles and is determined to be isolated, rigid, tight, and electrically sound, optimum performance is available. Your unit will perform at its peak with due consideration of these key operational factors.