Include variants, tolerances, finishes and known difficult batches.
Project support
Turn assumptions into evidence before the feeder reaches production.
Use representative samples and agreed acceptance criteria to test component behaviour, track performance, controls and the final hand-off.
Application inputPart · orientation · rate · interface
Define sustained accepted output, duration, interventions and reject condition.
Agree the results and observations needed before the trial starts.
Sample-led engineering
A / 01A useful trial recreates the operating condition that matters.
A short demonstration with ideal parts can show movement but not production robustness. A project trial should challenge the feeder with the agreed part set, queue condition, start and stop behaviour and final presentation requirement.
The acceptance plan should separate feeder responsibility from downstream equipment limitations and define how normal operator replenishment or intervention is recorded.
Accepted output means correctly presented, usable components at the defined hand-off—not total components moving within the system.
Trial route
Prepare the evidence in four stages.
Define the sample set
List variants, batches, tolerances, finishes and reject examples with quantities and traceability.
Agree the hand-off
Document orientation, datum, pitch, sensor state and downstream-ready condition.
Write the test
Set duration, accepted rate, queue states, start/stop events and permitted interventions.
Record the result
Capture sustained output, faults, interventions, part condition and open interface actions.
Acceptance schedule
Criteria worth agreeing before manufacture.
01Sample population
Part numbers, batches, quantities, condition and how samples represent production.
02Orientation
Exact accepted presentation and how an incorrect condition is identified.
03Sustained output
Accepted parts at the hand-off over a defined duration and operating state.
04Interventions
What counts as normal replenishment, permitted adjustment, stoppage or failure.
05Part quality
Permitted marking, deformation, contamination or damage after feeding.
06Recovery
Restart after track full, depletion, downstream stop, jam or loss of signal.
07Interface
Signals, release timing, position and responsibilities at the system boundary.
Sample planning
Send enough parts to reach stable and difficult states.
Sample quantity depends on system volume, test duration, variants and whether parts can be safely recirculated. The project team confirms the required quantity and delivery details after initial review.
- Normal production components from more than one batch
- Minimum and maximum tolerance examples where available
- Every colour, finish and material variant
- Known difficult but acceptable components
- Clearly identified reject examples
- Packaging that preserves the received condition
Common questions
Linear feeder questions, answered.
Practical guidance for an early project review. Final design and performance are confirmed against the actual application.
01How many components are needed for a feeder trial?+
The quantity depends on feeder volume, variants, test duration and whether parts can be safely recirculated. The project team confirms a useful quantity after reviewing the application.
02Can you test several variants?+
Yes, provided each variant is identified and enough samples are available to establish its behaviour. Changeover and wrong-part risks should be included in the trial plan.
03What should an FAT measure?+
A useful FAT measures accepted output at the hand-off, orientation, permitted interventions, part condition, sensor and control sequence, recovery and the agreed machine-interface states.
Start with the component
Need a stable path to the next machine?
Send a part photo or drawing, the required orientation and sustainable rate. We will help define the right linear feeding approach.
Request an application review