Overview of Variax Feeding Systems

Variax offers high-performance, high-speed press feeding systems leveraging Sankyo's proprietary cam and roller gear cam drive technologies. These systems provide exceptional feed speed, precision, and user-friendly operation with adjustable parameters such as feed length, material thickness, grip force, and roll parallelism.

Main Product Categories

1. VG Series (Gripper Cam Driven System)

• Uses friction-based gripper feed mechanism ideal for delicate or irregular materials without causing pressure marks.
• Models: VG15H, VG20H, VG25, VG50, VG75, VG100, VG120W.
• Max speed: up to 3600 strokes per minute (spm); feed length: up to 250 mm.
• Adjustable parameters include material thickness, grip force, and feed length.
• Applications: thin plates, wires, electronic components, flexible substrates, springs, batteries.

2. VGX Series (Advanced Gripper Feed with Adjustable Release Timing)

• Enhanced VG series with tool-free dial adjustments for thickness, feed length, and release timing.
• Features gate-shaped gripping clamp arm for improved grip force and capacity.
• Models: VGX30, VGX60, VGX100, VGX350 (strip feed), VGXW (wire feed).
• Max speed: up to 2000 spm; feed length: up to 420 mm.
• Improved usability for diverse materials and secondary processing.

3. V Series (Cam Type Roll Feed)

• Cam-driven roll feed with fan-shaped roller segments and four cams for high precision.
• Roller drive on both edges with parallelism adjustment and digital feed length counter.
• Models: V76, V127W, V230W.
• Max speed: up to 1500 spm; feed length: up to 370 mm.
• Ideal for motor cores, connectors, lead frames.

4. VSC and VLC Series (Loop Controllers and Straighteners)

• Servo-driven loop controllers stabilize material loops using sensors and servo control to prevent damage.
• Integrated leveling corrects material rolling habits.
• VSC models: VSC70, VSC150, VSC400; max speed up to 3000 spm; feed length up to 400 mm.
• VLC models: VLC50, VLC150, VLC400; max speed up to 3000 spm; feed length up to 400 mm; feed speed up to 150 m/min.

Drive Systems and Control Technologies

• Variax Servo Drive (VSD): Proprietary servo system synchronized with press cycles, enabling easy feed timing and indexing adjustments.
• VGT Twin Gripper Feed: Twin gripper for wide materials with independent adjustment of feed length, thickness, and grip force for precise orthogonal feeding.
• S.C.T. (Self-Compensating Tensioning) Drive: Input drive synchronized with press crankshaft, maintaining timing despite positional changes, simplifying installation.

Technical Specifications and Performance Parameters

• Feed length ranges from 15 mm (VG15H) to 420 mm (VGX350).
• Material thickness typically 0–2 mm; some models support up to 3 mm or wider materials.
• Material width varies from narrow wire feeds to wide strips (up to 250 mm+).
• Grip force adjustable from approximately 300 N to 30,000 N depending on model.
• Max strokes per minute range from 250 spm (VG120W) to 3600 spm (VG15H).
• Max feeding speed up to 150 m/min for loop controllers.
• Repeat accuracy typically ±0.025 mm to ±0.08 mm.

Applications and Material Compatibility

Suitable for thin plates, wires, battery components, electronic parts, flexible substrates, laminates, springs, connectors, lead frames, and shaped materials. Gripper feeds excel with delicate or irregular materials requiring minimal surface pressure.

Adjustment and Usability Features

• Dial-based, tool-free adjustments for feed length, material thickness, grip force, and release timing enable fine tuning during operation.
• Mechanical counters provide real-time monitoring of settings.
• Parallelism adjustments between rollers and clampers enhance feeding precision.
• Servo control and sensor integration improve loop stability and material handling quality.

Component Descriptions and Features

• Guide plates and optional stock catenaries guide material feed with customizable configurations.
• Oil ports specified as BSPT 1/4 and 3/4 for lubrication and hydraulic functions.
• Feed mechanism typically configured for left-to-right push feed with guide rollers adapted to stock width.
• Brake and grip jaws include standard and micro-adjust options with screws and brake arms for precise control.

Material and Weight Calculations

Material weight (M) is calculated using the formula: M = T × W × L × ρ, where T = thickness, W = width, L = length, and ρ = material density. This calculation is critical for determining feed rates and system load.

Standard Speed and Weight Charts

Charts for various VG and V series models provide feed pitch and operational parameters to assist in selecting appropriate equipment based on material dimensions and weight.

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Connections

• Oil input/output ports and drain taps have specified depths and thread sizes (e.g., TAP 18, 25, 40 DEEP).
• Air inlet ports support pneumatic control.
• Sector rolls and guide components align with material center lines for precise feeding.

Material Density Reference Table

Includes densities (kg/m³) for metals and alloys such as Aluminum, Magnesium, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Titanium, Tungsten, supporting accurate weight and feed calculations.

Model Coding and Options

• Model codes indicate series and features: "W" for wire feed or wide version, "T" for micro-adjust option.
• Voltage options include 115 VAC and 24 V DC.
• Feed rotation and direction options: clockwise (CW), counterclockwise (CCW), left-to-right (LR), right-to-left (RL).
• Special requirements can be specified in model codes.

Manufacturer and Contact Information

Global Sankyo group contacts include Sankyo America Inc., Sankyo China Trading Co., Ltd., Sankyo Korea Co., Ltd., and the Tokyo headquarters, with full addresses, phone, fax, and email details.

Critical Information and Best Practices

• Ensure correct BSPT oil port connections for proper lubrication and equipment longevity.
• Use the material weight formula and density table for precise feed rate settings.
• Select feed direction and rotation carefully to match application requirements.
• Consult speed and weight charts to align equipment model with material specifications.
• Utilize micro-adjust grip and brake options for enhanced material handling precision when necessary.

Summary

The Variax feeding systems provide a versatile, high-speed, and high-precision solution for press feeding applications. Combining advanced cam technology, servo drives, and intuitive adjustment features, these systems accommodate a wide range of materials and shapes with robust synchronization and control, making them well-suited for demanding industrial environments requiring reliable and precise material feeding.