THE FEEDER

THE FEEDER
TYPE	SPECIFICATION		NOTE
YBG301-480	working width	4400mm	available for the heavy weight material
	speed	0.5^6m/min
	power	1.5kw

What is it and what does it do?

Imagine you have a big pile of cotton (or other fibers) that needs to be moved steadily and consistently into a machine like a carding machine or a blending hopper. A feeder is like a “metering and delivery” system for these fibers.

Its main job is to take a mass of loose fibers and deliver them at a controlled rate and in a consistent form to the next machine in the production line. This ensures that the downstream machines receive a steady and even flow of material, which is essential for consistent product quality.

How is it done?

Feeders come in various designs, but they generally use a combination of these mechanisms:

1. Input: The fibers are loaded into the feeder, either manually or via a conveyor system. This input could be in the form of a loose mass, a lap (a sheet of loosely matted fibers), or even bales in some cases.
2. Metering: The feeder uses a system of belts, rollers, or spiked lattices to control the amount of fiber being delivered. These mechanisms regulate the flow rate, ensuring a consistent and measured amount of material is fed forward.
3. Delivery: The fibers are then delivered out of the feeder, usually in a more uniform and manageable form. This might be a continuous web, a sliver (a strand of loosely aligned fibers), or a metered flow of loose fibers.

Use in the Non-Woven Sector

Feeders are essential in non-woven manufacturing for several reasons:

1. Consistent Material Flow: They ensure a steady and even supply of fibers to the carding machines, blending hoppers, and other processing equipment. This is crucial for maintaining consistent product quality.
2. Precise Metering: They allow for precise control over the amount of fiber being processed, which is important for achieving desired fabric weight and thickness.
3. Automated Production: They enable automated and continuous operation of the non-woven production line, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.
4. Buffering: They can act as a buffer, storing a certain amount of fiber material and releasing it at a controlled rate, which helps to smooth out variations in the incoming material flow.

Think of it this way:

Imagine you’re filling bottles with juice on an assembly line. You need a system to ensure that each bottle gets the same amount of juice. The feeder is like the “juice dispenser” in the non-woven manufacturing process, making sure that each machine gets the right amount of fiber at the right rate.

In short, the feeder is a crucial link in the non-woven production line, ensuring a consistent and controlled flow of fibers to the various processing machines.¹ It’s all about maintaining a smooth and efficient production process and ensuring consistent product quality.