Bar Feeder Centers Barstock with Hydrodynamic Principle

Lexair’s Mini Rhinobar bar feeder automatically centers and feeds small-diameter barstock for Swiss-type CNC screw machines and small fixed- or sliding-head lathes. The single-tube bar feeder quickly centers 6- or 12-ft. (1.8 or 3.6 m) bars as small as 0.04" (1 mm) in diameter using the hydrodynamic principle. The bar stock is supported in an oil bath in the feed tube, and as the bar’s rotation speed increases, the hydrodynamic forces move it toward the center of the tube and stabilize it.

The single-valve design controls oil flow and pressure for increased bar control, accuracy and vibration damping. A completely enclosed fluid recuperator keeps oil off the floor and contaminants out of the hydraulic system, the company says. The outer barrel is a precision-extruded aluminum tube held in place with a single clamp to further minimize barrel vibration and control Z-axis motion. A removable pendent enables the bar feeder to be controlled remotely, while a positive pusher retention system ensures efficient operation. The bar feeder’s ergonomic design features a safety interlock system and front swing-out mechanism for easy reloading

Feed tubes ranging from 0.125" to 1.625" (3.2 to 41 mm) in diameter are available in 0.125" (3.2-mm) increments to minimize bar-to-feed tube clearance and promote maximum throughput. According to the company, feed tube changes can be accomplished in fewer than 3 min. The bar feeder is well-suited for small-diameter, high-production workpieces, including automotive components, medical devices and motor shafts.