When it comes to automated screw feeding, one inevitably thinks: what is the jamming rate? Can screws with large heads be fed? What about extra-long screws? Or screws with washers? During automated screw feeding, complex screws have corresponding feeding solutions. Today, we’ll first take a look at the automated feeding method for screws with washers.

Due to their structural characteristics, screws with washers are more prone to jamming compared to regular screws. Danikorr’s step feeder has systematically upgraded and optimized the mechanical structure of the pushing track, feeding track, and separator, significantly reducing the jamming rate for screws with washers. For spring and flat washer screws, the jamming rate is as low as 200 PPM, greatly improving feeding stability.
Generally, the feeding process of a step feeder is divided into the following steps: First, screws are pushed onto the track via a step mechanism, then they are arranged in an orderly fashion and enter the track. Next comes the separation stage, where the end of the track connects to a standard screw separator module, which feeds the screws to an actuator such as a module gun head or pickup station.
Pushing Stage:
Compared to traditional vibration bowls, the step feeding method avoids screw stacking caused by vibration and reduces friction between screws. This results in less debris generation and minimal surface damage to screws, enabling clean feeding.
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Feeding Stage:
The screening structure has been optimized and upgraded for more comprehensive filtering. Abnormally positioned screws are blown directly back into the hopper using air assistance, effectively preventing congestion caused by multiple screws on the track. Additionally, the linear vibration track features adaptive technology and closed-loop logic control, enabling intelligent troubleshooting and ensuring stable and efficient screw feeding, which supports consistent high-quality production.
Separation Stage:
Screws with washers often overlap due to varying washer heights, especially spring and flat washer combination screws, which are more prone to jamming during separation. A pressing mechanism is used to ensure the washer stays close to the flange surface, reducing the risk of jamming.
Optional features also include abnormal screw rejection. For example, if a spring washer screw has a washer caught in the threads, or a rubber ring screw is missing its ring, it may cause feeding failure or tightening errors. A special mechanism can reject these abnormal screws and blow them into a waste box, significantly improving feeding stability and tightening success rate.
Danikorr thoroughly analyzes the characteristics of screws with washers and deeply examines each step of the feeding process, innovating and optimizing the system structure to reduce jamming rates. Currently, the jamming rate of the 1.5L step feeder is far below the industry average:
Multiple optional expansion modules are available to make automated feeding of screws with washers more reliable.