Isolation of small coil spring

Handling flexible and/or small parts is one of the greatest challenges in automation. In this context and within the scope of automating the assembly process for cylinder locks, PROFACTOR RS was assigned the task of filling a tube feeder with the springs required for the locks to function, individually and in the correct orientation, for assembly purposes. Due to the geometry of the springs and the large manufacturing tolerances, it was not possible to find a reliable method of isolating the springs, which are delivered in bulk, inspecting them and storing them in the tube feeders despite extensive efforts by the customer. The following article describes the development and implementation of a machine for isolating these specific springs.