The Characteristics of a Reversible Flow Vibratory Shake Table

Abstract

For many years shake tables have been used extensively in industry for the high speed orientation of small parts. In a recent paper (1) it was reported that a considerable research effort was being put into extending the potential of these devices. The current method of operation is by manual shaking or by simple vibration on an inclined surface. The current paper describes work which has been carried out on a vibratory table with reversible flow. For various table loads, a range of ‘pocket’ sizes, a range of frequencies of flow reversal and a range of rates of flow, the rate of filling pockets has been determined. The results show that the filling capability of the device is good and that the load, frequency of operation and rate of flow of components are not critical to the effectiveness of the device. 1) W. Bauman, K.G. Guenther, J. Haeusler “Orientation of small parts, considerations concerning the multi-handling method”, C.I.R.P 28th General Assembly, Eindhoven 1978