Afag BF25 User manual

Bowl feeder
BF20 / BF25 / BF30
BF35 / BF40 / BF50
Translation of operating and installation instructions
Copyright by Afag GmbH

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This operation instruction applies to:
Type
Order number
BF20
BF25
BF30
BF35
BF40
BF50
Right 12°
230 V / 50 Hz
50028117
50028101
50013729
50017360
50026172
50028132
115 V / 60 Hz
50042193
50042198
50042202
50042206
50042210
50042214
Left 12°
230 V / 50 Hz
50028118
50028100
50013728
50017358
50026171
50028133
115 V / 60 Hz
50042194
50042199
50042203
50042207
50042211
50042215
Right 18°
230 V / 50 Hz
50042197
50030815
50027880
50029657
50030826
50031622
115 V / 60 Hz
50042195
50042200
50042204
50042208
50042212
50042216
Left 18°
230 V / 50 Hz
50032808
50030814
50027872
50029648
50030825
50031621
115 V / 60 Hz
50042196
50042201
50042205
50042209
50042213
50042217
Version of Documentation: BA_BF20-50_R06.0_EN.docx
Release: R06.0
Date: 16/05/2019
Following US patents are registered or announced:
•Vibrating spiral conveyor (U.S. Patent No.7,143,891)
•Drive unit for a vibrating spiral conveyor (U.S. Patent No.7,299,913)

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Table of contents:
1Safety instructions ................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Notes on symbols and instructions ........................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Basic safety information ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Appropriate use ..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Notes for Pacemakers and Defibrillators ............................................................................................... 6
2Description of the device....................................................................................... 6
2.1 General .................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Function description .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Definition of the feed direction .............................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Technical data ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3Assembly instructions......................................................................................... 10
3.1 Transport ............................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Installing the unit................................................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Fixing the bowl..................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3.1 Central Fixing .............................................................................................................................. 11
3.3.2 Radial Fixing ................................................................................................................................ 12
3.4 Power supply ....................................................................................................................................... 13
4Operating instructions......................................................................................... 14
4.1 Standard operation.............................................................................................................................. 14
4.2 Settings for the specific device............................................................................................................. 14
4.3 Torques ................................................................................................................................................ 16
5Maintenance instructions .................................................................................... 17
5.1 Replacing the leaf springs.................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Adjusting the magnet gap ................................................................................................................... 18
5.3 Wear parts and Spare parts................................................................................................................. 19
6Accessories .......................................................................................................... 21
6.1 Adjusting tools ..................................................................................................................................... 21
6.2 Controller ............................................................................................................................................. 21
6.3 Address for orders................................................................................................................................ 22
7Disposal ................................................................................................................ 22

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1Safety instructions
1.1 Notes on symbols and instructions
Symbols: Assembly and commissioning must be carried out by qualified person-
nel only and according to these operating instructions.
Please observe the meaning of the following symbols and notes. They are grouped into
risk levels and classified according to ISO 3864-2.
DANGER
Indicates an immediate threatening danger.
Non-compliance with this information can result in death or seri-
ous personal injuries (invalidity).
WARNING
Indicates a possible dangerous situation.
Non-compliance with this information can result in death or seri-
ous personal injuries (invalidity).
CAUTION
Indicates a possibly dangerous situation.
Non-compliance with this information can result in damage to
property or light to medium personal injuries.
NOTE
Indicates general notes, useful operator tips and operating rec-
ommendations which don’t affect safety and health of the person-
nel.

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1.2 Basic safety information
These operating instructions provide the information operators require to use the BF
bowl feeder safely. These operating instructions, and in particular the safety information,
must be observed by anyone working on and with the BF. The applicable on-site acci-
dent prevention rules and regulations must also be observed.
These operating instructions must always be kept ready to hand where the BF is operat-
ed.
1.3 Appropriate use
Afag BF bowl feeders are designed only for storing, transporting, separating and sorting
workpieces of varying dimensions, shapes and material variants. Appropriate use also
includes observation of all Notes in these operating instructions.
WARNING
The BF may not be used:
a) in damply and wet area
b) in temperature lower than 10°C or higher than 45°C
c) in areas where readily flammable media are present
d) in areas where readily explosive media are present
e) in heavy polluted or dust- laden area
f) in aggressive area (e.g. saliferous atmosphere)
None modification or reconstruction are allowed. The operations described in chapter 3.3
Fixing the bowl and in chapter 4.1 Standard operation are excluded from this arrange-
ment.
NOTE
Any other use is inappropriate and will result in the warranty be-
coming null and void.
See also our General Terms of Business.

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1.4 Notes for Pacemakers and Defibrillators
Afag vibration conveyors are tested in accordance with regulation 15 of the German Statuto-
ry Accident Insurance Association [Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, DGUV] (previ-
ously BGV B11 of German Accident Prevention Regulations). The permissible values of ex-
posure area 2 are not exceeded, therefore no measures are required pursuant to Section 4
(2) of the DGUV regulation 15. The definitions of Section 12 “Indirect Effects, Medical Im-
plants” remain unaffected by the above.
The alternating magnetic fields that occur in the immediate vicinity of certain vibration con-
veyors may affect the proper functions of active implants, i.e. pacemakers and defibrillators.
Anyone with active medical implants, for which no individual risk assessment has been pro-
vided, must observe the specified safety distances to the vibration conveyors. The distances
each relate to the position of the upper body and the active medical implant relative to the
field source.
Type
Safety Distance
BF10-40
--
BF50
5cm
2Description of the device
2.1 General
The BF bowl feeder is used in conjunction with a bowl for storing, transporting, separat-
ing and sorting bulk goods. The transport motion is generated by vibration. The parts are
moved in the transport direction by micro-jumps.
The mass and the moment of inertia of the bowl used should not exceed the values and
tolerances specified in section 2.3 as otherwise the goods will not be transported as well
as possible.
The BF is designed in such a way that if the tolerance ranges for the mass moment of
inertia and mass specified in section 2.3 are observed, no mechanical tuning is required.
If these tolerances are exceeded, mechanical tuning by fitting or removing leaf springs
will be necessary. Please note, however, that in this case perfect transport will no longer
be guaranteed. In addition the vibration force compensation system will be adversely af-
fected in this case, which means that more vibrations will be guided into the sub-
structure and this may affect the area around the machine.
NOTE
BF feeders are to be operated in conjunction with an Afag control
unit. This is the only combination that will guarantee perfect
transport characteristics.

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2.2 Function description
Afag BF bowl feeders use a vibration force compensation system based on the counter-
vibration principle. In this case a utility weight (1) vibrates exactly opposite to a counter-
weight (2). The utility weight is essentially formed by the mounting plate, the bowl and
the magnetic anchor, the counterweight is formed by the counter ring and the vibration
magnet. The utility and counter weights are secured to a base ring (4) by leaf spring as-
semblies (3). If the mass moments of inertia and mass specified in section 2.4 are not
exceeded when the utility and counterweights vibrate, exactly equal reaction forces are
generated, which are then transferred to the base ring (4) through the of leaf spring as-
semblies (3). As a result of this opposite vibration of the utility weight and counter weight,
these reaction forces almost totally cancel each other on the base ring (4).
Figure 1: BF without casing
2.3 Definition of the feed direction
The feed directions for the BF are defined as follows:
Left-hand (L), in anti-clockwise direction
Right-hand (R), in clockwise direction
Figure 2
1
2
4
3

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2.4 Technical data
Figure 3: Dimension sheet for BF08-15

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Table 1: Technical data
Models
Units
BF 20
BF 25
BF 30
BF 35
BF 40
BF 50
Dimension
A
[mm]
180
224
265
305
345
440
B
[mm]
142
194
194
294
294
340
C
[mm]
2
2
3
3
3
5
D1
-
M8
M10
M10
M10
M12
M16
D2
-
- - -
- - -
4 x M6
4 x M6
4 x M6
24 x M6
D3
[mm]
3 x 4H7
3 x 5H7
3 x 5H7
3 x 5H7
3 x 5H7
- - -
D4
[mm]
- - -
3 x 5H7
3 x 5H7
3 x 5H7
- - -
- - -
D5
-
3 x M6
3 x M6
3 x M8
3 x M8
3 x M8
3 x M8
E1
[mm]
87
100
140
162
214
- - -
E2
[mm]
- - -
116
162
214
- - -
- - -
E3
[mm]
120
120
195
195
195
280
F
[mm]
- - -
- - -
186
186
320
320 /
400
H
[mm]
90
93
100
103
112
150
X1
[°]
3 x
120°
3 x 120°
3 x 120°
3 x 120°
3 x 120°
3 x 120°
X2
[°]
4 x 90°
4 x 90°
4 x 90°
4 x 90°
4 x 90°
12 x 30°
Max. mass moment
of inertia
[kg*dm²]
1,0
10%
2,2
10%
4,5
10%
8,8
10%
17,0
10%
65,0
10%
Max. bowl weight
[kg]
2,0
30%
3,0
30%
4,0
30%
6,0
30%
9,0
30%
20,0
30%
Weight
[°]
7,3 kg
12,0 kg
15,4 kg
23,3 kg
34,5 kg
56,6 kg
Rating
[°]
69 VA
69 VA
135 VA
135 VA
180 VA
180 VA
Protection type
IP
54
Vibration force com-
pensation
-
yes
Electric version
[V / Hz]
230 / 50 or 115 / 60
Vibration frequency
[1/min]
6000 / 7200
Direction of rotation
-
right / left
Leaf spring angle
[°]
12° / 18°
Environmental condi-
tions for operation:
Temperature range
[°C]
+10 to +45
Noise emission: Con-
tinuous noise pres-
sure level (without
transported material)
[dB]
<70
Measuring
height/measuring dis-
tance
[m]
1,6 / 1
Measurement direc-
tion with respect to
the noise source
[°]
90
Measurement meth-
od
-
A evaluation

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3Assembly instructions
3.1 Transport
WARNING
Improper use of transport means (industrial trucks, cranes, tech-
nical aids, sling gear etc.) may lead to bruises and other injuries.
Required behaviour:
-Observe and follow the transport and maintenance instruc-
tions
-Proper use of transport means
CAUTION
Only handle the bowl feeder by its base ring during transport. Nei-
ther the bowl nor the control elements may be used to lift the
feeder.
3.2 Installing the unit
Each BF has 3 rubber-metal buffers so that the bowl feeder can be fastened to the sub-
structure (see Figure 4). See section 2.4, Table 1, for the mounting hole dimensions.
Ideally the devices must be mounted on a plate that can be height-adjusted and rotated
around a central column. Suitable substructure components are available from Afag.

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Figure 4: Drive unit mounting
Another possibility is to mount the device straight on to a base plate.
Suitable Afag standard parts are available for complete station assemblies using Afag
linear feeders.
3.3 Fixing the bowl
3.3.1 Central Fixing
The bowl is secured to the mounting plate provided for it on the BF bowl feeder using a
central mounting screw. The mounting screw must be tightened using the torque speci-
fied in
Table 2 in order to generate the required frictional locking.
There are adjusting holes on the mounting plate so that the bowl can be positioned pre-
cisely on the BF drive unit. This means that there is no need to repeat the alignment of
the interface on the bowl discharge when the bowl is changed or if a bowl that has been
removed for cleaning or repair is refitted.
Feeder bowls that are mounted differently (at the edges, for example) require special
adapter plates.
To ensure perfect operation of the equipment, do not exceed the maximum mass mo-
ment of inertia and feeder bowl weights. They are dependent on the design of the feeder
bowls.
Rubber metal
buffer
Mounting plate
Central column
Mounting foot

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Figure 5: central bowl mounting
Table 2: Tightening torques for the bowl mounting
Type
Unit
BF20
BF25
BF30
BF35
BF40
BF50
Tightening torque
[Nm]
15
30
30
30
50
80
3.3.2 Radial Fixing
Normally big bowls are not fixed in the centre. These kinds of bowls should be mounted
with some screw, positioned radial to the centre. See section 2.3 Table 1, for the mount-
ing hole dimensions.
The hole in the middle of the drive can be used to fix the bottom of bowl or to position the
bowl according the drive.
Figure 6: radial bowl mounting
Central fixing
Bowl
Locating pin
Bowl
Fixing screw for
bottom of bowl
Bottom of bowl
Radial fixing screw
Fixing screw for
bottom of bowl

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3.4 Power supply
WARNING
▪Any work performed on the electrical supply may only be
performed by trained, authorised, qualified personnel!
▪The power supply must be protected by an FI switch (pro-
vided by the customer).
▪The bowl feeder may only be operated with the power sup-
ply specified on the name plate.
The control device IRG1-S is used for the activation of the bowl feeder. The MSG801 or
MSG802 can also be used. Please note that an additional CEE connector plug is re-
quired for the MSG controllers (Order number: 11006982)
Installation of the plug is only to be carried out by technically qualified personnel.
Figure 7: End of the wire for additional plug

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4Operating instructions
4.1 Standard operation
No further settings are required for standard operation once the control is switched on.
An uninterrupted operation only requires the re-filling of the feeder bowl.
CAUTION
The bulk material must be filled into the middle of the conveyor
bowl. Otherwise the orientation system might be damaged or the
required capacity might not be achieved as falling parts can get
jammed in the orientation system.
CAUTION
Under certain circumstances an inadmissible noise level may oc-
cur (e.g. when opening the cover of the noise protection hood for
filling in parts).
Required behaviour:
Wear ear protection when working at critical sound levels
4.2 Settings for the specific device
The BF is a spring and mass vibration system that operates on the basis of its resonance
properties. All basic devices are set by the manufacturer to the mass moment of inertia
and weight values specified in section 2.4. If you comply with these values and toleranc-
es, there will be no need to adjust the BF.
However, if you fail to comply with these values, the inherent frequency of the BF will
have to be adjusted accordingly. Once the assembled feeder bowl has been mounted,
the inherent frequency of the drive unit must be tuned to the feeder bowl. The bowl feed-
er must always be adjusted ‘sub- critically’, in other words, the inherent frequency
must be approximately 5% above the exciter frequency. For a 100 Hz feeder this trans-
lates to an inherent frequency of around 104 Hz (6000 vibrations per minute), for a 120
Hz feeder to one of around 126 Hz (7200 vibrations per minute).
The fully set-up feeder bowl must be bolted to the basic device to allow the drive unit to
be tuned. Proceed as follows to tune the drive unit to the specific application:
1. Unscrew the cover from the BF and mount the feeder bowl on to the drive unit.
2. Place a part into the feeder bowl and use the control unit to set a low transport
speed.
3. Slowly loosen the lower mounting screw at one of the three spring assemblies on
the bowl side and watch the transport speed of the part inside the bowl.
4. If the transport speed increases initially at first and then decreases again as the
screw is loosened further, the drive unit is correctly tuned and the inherent fre-
quency is slightly above the exciter frequency.

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5. If the transport speed only increases when the screw is loosened and does not
decrease again even when the screw is fully loosened, the drive unit is too rigidly
tuned. In this case, remove a leaf spring and retune the frequency. You must re-
move as many leaf springs as necessary until the properties described in point 4)
are achieved. If you have to remove several leaf springs, they must be removed
as evenly as possible from the three spring assemblies on the bowl side.
6. If the transport speed decreases immediately while the screw is being loosened,
the drive unit is tuned too softly. In this case, fit a leaf spring and retune the fre-
quency. You must add as many leaf springs as necessary until the properties de-
scribed in point 4) are achieved. If you have to add several leaf springs, they must
be added as evenly as possible to the three spring assemblies on the bowl side.
The fitted leaf springs must be clean and dry.
Only one spring assembly must be dismantled at a time. To tighten the screw after tuning
the bowl feeder, apply the appropriate installation tool (see section 0, Table 7: Adjusting tools)
in order to prevent the bowl feeder from twisting. The spring assemblies connected to the
counter weight must not be loosened.
After you have adjusted the natural frequency, the magnet gap must be checked.This
can easily become maladjusted whilst you are fitting or removing springs. If this is the
case the magnet gap must be reset as described in section 5.2 Adjusting the magnet gap

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4.3 Torques
Tightening torques MSp in Nm for shank screws with metric ISO control threads and head
supports according to DIN 912 or DIN 931:
Tightening torques MSp in Nm
Screw
Strength class 8.8
Strength class 10.9
Strength class 12.9
M4
2,8
4,1
4,8
M5
5,5
8,1
9,5
M6
9,5
14,0
16,5
(M7)
15,5
23,0
27,0
M8
23,0
34,0
40,0
M10
46,0
68,0
79,0
M12
79,0
117,0
135,0
M14
125,0
185,0
215,0
M16
195,0
280,0
330,0
M18
280,0
390,0
460,0
M20
390,0
560,0
650,0
M22
530,0
750,0
880,0
M24
670,0
960,0
1120,0
M27
1000,0
1400,0
1650,0
M30
1350,0
1900,0
2250,0
by: Dubbel (18th edition), page G175

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5Maintenance instructions
A type BF bowl feeder essentially requires no servicing. The leaf springs, however, may
oxidize in certain conditions of use, thus affecting the vibration behavior in the long run.
In these cases the leaf springs must be removed and cleaned or be changed. In rare
cases the leaf springs must be completely replaced.
5.1 Replacing the leaf springs
Only one spring assembly may be dismantled at a time when removing the leaf springs.
Before undoing the screws the centering brackets (Table 7: Adjusting tools) must be se-
cured to the drive unit (see Figure 8). These secure the counterweight and mounting
plate and thus prevent these parts sagging or moving.
CAUTION
The leaf springs must not be oiled or greased as this would make
the springs sticky and in turn adversely affect the vibration re-
sponse.
The number of leaf springs in a spring assembly and the structure of the spring assembly
installed must be identical to the original spring assembly. Only then will the device func-
tion correctly.
Figure 8: Spring assembly and centring bracket
The screws must be tightened using the torque shown in Table 3. During tightening the
screws the spacer washers may not be turned.
Table 3: Tightening torques for spring installation
Type
Unit
BF20
BF25
BF30
BF35
BF40
BF50
Tightening torque
[Nm]
40
40
79
79
79
135
Spacer
washer
Leaf spring
Centring bracket
Leaf spring
Centring bracket

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5.2 Adjusting the magnet gap
To adjust the magnet gap between the oscillating magnets, the casing must be removed
and the securing screws (see Figure 9, Figure 10)of the magnetic anchor) undone. Then the
appropriate spacer gauges (Table 7: Adjusting tools) must be slid into the openings provided
on the counterweight. It must be ensured that a spacer gauge has been inserted to each
oscillating magnet and that it juts out of it horizontally. Then apply 24 VDC to the drive
unit which will cause the magnets and the anchors to pick up. The required magnet gap
will be set by the inserted spacer gauges. Now the securing screws must be tightened
using the appropriate torque (Table 4: Magnet gap and tightening torque). When all the magnetic
anchors have been secured, switch off the 24 VDC voltage and remove the spacer
gauges from the openings in the drive unit. As you do this, ensure that the spacer gaug-
es can be removed easily but do not have too much play since otherwise the magnet gap
is too large. In this case the magnet gap adjustment process must be repeated.
Figure 9: Adjusting the magnet gap with spacer gauges BF20-40
Securing screws
of magnetic
anchor
Spacer gauge

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Figure 10: Adjusting the magnet gap with spacer gauges BF50
Table 4: Magnet gap and tightening torque
Typ
Unit
BF20
BF25
BF30
BF35
BF40
BF50
Air gap
[mm]
0,8
0,8
1,2
1,2
1,3
1,5
Tightening torque
[Nm]
2,8
2,8
5,5
5,5
5,5
9,5
5.3 Wear parts and Spare parts
Table 5: Wear parts
Designation
Order number
BF20
Leaf spring
50030807
Spacer
50030808
Rubber buffer
50041329
BF25
Leaf spring
50030807
Spacer
50030808
Rubber buffer
50041329
BF30
Leaf spring
15151865
Leaf spring
50013514
Spacer
50025641
Rubber buffer
50041330
BF35
Leaf spring
15151865
Spacer
50025641
Rubber buffer
50041330
Spacer gauge
Securing screws
of magnetic
anchor

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BF40
Leaf spring
50030852
Spacer
50025641
Rubber buffer
50041330
BF50
Leaf spring
50031626
Spacer
50031627
Rubber buffer
50041331
Table 6: Spare parts
Designation
Power supply
Order number
Magnet
BF20
230V/50Hz
50066426
115V/60Hz
50066429
BF25
230V/50Hz
50066426
115V/60Hz
50066429
BF30
230V/50Hz
15215514
115V/60Hz
15138144
BF35
230V/50Hz
15215514
115V/60Hz
15138144
BF40
230V/50Hz
15215514
115V/60Hz
15138144
BF50
230V/50Hz
15031196
115V/60Hz
15160938