How to Adjust the Hopper
The following is an example of how to adjust the hopper.
How to Adjust the Gen.1 Hopper
It is assumed that the installation and connection of the hopper and feeder have been completed.
- In the Part Feeding dialog, click "Calibration." Then click the [Calibrate & Test] button.
Go to the Hopper tab.
Insert parts into the hopper. Approx. quantity of parts to be put in: 5 to 10 times the Optimum number of parts. The optimal number of parts is shown in the [Optimum Part Count] tab.
Only the duration can be adjusted on the Test & Adjust screen. The amplitude must be adjusted manually on the hopper control unit.
- Adjust the volume of the hopper controller to make the parts move smoothly and at a constant speed. Adjust the duration so that the optimal number of parts are fed per click of the [Run] button.
The Gen.1 hopper can be controlled with the PF_Hopper or PF_OutputOnOff commands. Both statements perform the same operation.
When controlling two Gen.1 hoppers simultaneously, use the PF_Output statement.
See below for an example command.
Part Feeding SPEL+ Command Reference
Testing:
- Insert parts into the hopper.
- Click the [Run] button.
- Check that the optimal number of parts are fed.
Adjust the parameters as necessary, return the part to the hopper, and click the [Run] button again.
How to Adjust the Gen.2 Hopper
It is assumed that the installation and connection of the hopper and feeder have been completed.
- In the Part Feeding dialog, click "Calibration." Then click the [Calibrate & Test] button.
Go to the Hopper tab.
Insert parts into the hopper. Approx. quantity of parts to be put in: 5 to 10 times the Optimum number of parts. The optimal number of parts is shown in the [Optimum Part Count] tab.
The amplitude and duration are adjusted on the Test & Adjust screen.
- Adjust the Amplitude setting until parts flow smoothly out of the hopper. Adjust the duration such that the optimal number of parts are fed per click of the [Run] button.
Gen.2 Hoppers are controlled programmatically with the PF_Hopper command.
See below for an example command.
Part Feeding SPEL+ Command Reference
Applying an amplitude above the limit recommended in the tables below will prevent the controller from reaching the targeted amplitude. It will result in an increase of the vibration amplitude as the hopper empties.
KEY POINTS
- The hopper must be calibrated prior to adjusting the amplitude and duration. For more details, refer to the following manual.
"Epson RC+ 8.0 Option Part Feeding 8.0 Hopper" - The Gen.2 hopper integrates a smart sensor that enables regulation of the vibration amplitude. The hopper can detect the current part load and automatically adjust amplitude to insure consistent dispensing.
Maximum vibration amplitude for Hopper size S (1/2Liters):
| Total parts load | Recommended amplitude |
|---|---|
| < 0.5 kg | up to 100% |
| < 1 kg | up to 75% |
| < 1.5 kg | up to 50% |
| < 2 kg | up to 25% |
Maximum vibration amplitude for Hopper size M(3/7Liters):
| Total parts load | Recommended amplitude |
|---|---|
| < 4 kg | up to 100% |
| < 6 kg | up to 75% |
| < 9 kg | up to 50% |
| < 12 kg | up to 25% |
Maximum vibration amplitude for Hopper size L(14Liters):
| Total parts load | Recommended amplitude |
|---|---|
| < 5 kg | up to 100% |
| < 10 kg | up to 75% |
| < 15 kg | up to 50% |
| < 20 kg | up to 25% |
Testing:
- Insert parts into the hopper.
- Click the [Run] button.
- Check that the optimal number of parts are fed.
Adjust the parameters as necessary, return the part to the hopper, and click the [Run] button again.
How to Adjust the IF-80 Hopper
The IF-80 has a built-in hopper. The following is an example of how to adjust this hopper.
Run the hopper calibration. Refer to the following section for further details.
Hopper - Test & Adjust
Make corrections to the program. The IF-80 hopper can be controlled with the PF_Hopper or PF_OutputOnOff commands. Both statements perform the same operation. The PF_Hopper command supports all types of hoppers including Hopper (Gen1 and Gen.2) and IF-80.
For more information about commands, refer to the following section.
Part Feeding SPEL+ Command Reference