Identify variants
Good parts, full size range, normal variation and known difficult samples.
Production sample trials and FAT
Turn component behaviour into testable evidence.
Representative parts, a defined output condition and agreed acceptance criteria create the foundation for feeder selection and design.
Before the trial
Define the question the test must answer.
A short demonstration can look convincing while missing rate, variation, recirculation and interface risks. The test plan needs to reflect the production duty.
Define acceptance
Orientation, datum, pitch, discharge point and quality condition.
Set the test
Sustained rate, duration, hopper level and downstream demand pattern.
Agree the record
Counts, interventions, rejects, observations, photographs or video.
Every intended material, finish and format should be included in the trial sample set.
What the trial reveals
Behaviour that a drawing cannot show.
Physical parts expose the friction, bounce, static, nesting and manufacturing variation that determine feeder performance.
- Bulk flow, bridging and entanglement
- Useful step loading and rollback behaviour
- Track entry, overlap and orientation stability
- Recirculation without damage or obstruction
- Output buffer and track-full response
- Escapement repeatability
- Surface marking or unacceptable contact
- Changeover between formats where required
Factory acceptance
Measure the production result—not unloaded cycle speed.
Acceptance should be based on correctly presented parts at the agreed interface under a known operating condition.
| Criterion | Define before the test | Record during the test |
|---|---|---|
| Sample set | Quantity, variants, production status and any permitted exclusions. | Actual parts used and remaining sample condition. |
| Output | Accepted orientation, datum, pitch and discharge boundary. | Correctly presented part count and reason for rejected presentations. |
| Rate | Sustained accepted parts per minute and test duration. | Output by interval, stops and any recovery time. |
| Intervention | What counts as normal refill, adjustment, jam or manual assistance. | Time, cause and action for every intervention. |
| Quality | Permitted contact, marks, damage or contamination. | Inspection result against the agreed sample and method. |
What to send first
A concise application pack speeds up the review.
Do not send confidential information until any required NDA is in place and sample delivery has been agreed.
Part informationDrawing, photographs, dimensions, weight, material, finish and all variants.
OrientationClear image or drawing of the accepted output condition and datum.
RateSustained required output and expected line demand or buffer requirement.
Machine interfaceLayout, transfer height, direction, pitch, controls and receiving process.
EnvironmentNoise, cleanability, oil, dust, temperature, static and site standards.
TimelineTarget decision, trial, delivery and production dates.
Straight answers
Trial and FAT questions
The quantity depends on part size, hopper volume, target test duration, variant mix and whether surface quality must be assessed. Sample quantity and delivery details are confirmed after the initial application review.
Every intended production variant should be represented. The smallest, largest, lightest, heaviest and known difficult formats are especially important.
It is the accepted output maintained over the agreed test period at the defined hand-off, after misoriented parts, recirculation and normal feeder control are accounted for.
Witness arrangements can be agreed with the project. The important point is that the method, sample set, duration and acceptance criteria are fixed before the test begins.
Application review
Agree what success looks like before the trial begins.
Send a drawing or photograph, the component range, required orientation, sustained output and receiving-machine details. We will identify the most suitable next step.
Step feeder knowledge centre
Engineering guides for a better feeding decision.
Compare principles, define the application and arrive at a quotation or trial with the evidence needed for a useful answer.
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Protect feed-path geometry, sensing, alignment and fault recovery.
Read the guide →Step feeder FAQ
Get direct answers to common engineering and purchasing questions.
Read the guide →