The 7 best feeding systems for precise watch component production

Hopper systems continuously supply the production line with parts. This reduces manual intervention and increases productivity. In the watchmaking industry, they are particularly important for the reliable feeding of small, precise parts.

Key Takeaways

  • Rotary drives move the smallest watch parts precisely in a circle
  • bowl feeders sort and feed parts continuously
  • Linear actuators ensure precise linear movements
  • Bunker systems reduce manual intervention
  • Special Spring Disentangler solve problems with watch springs
  • Cobot systems offer flexible automation
  • Integrated controls coordinate all components

Table of Contents

1. rotary drives: precision in circular movements

Rotary drives are important for feeding watch parts. They move the parts evenly and precisely without damaging or displacing them.

1.1 Rotary drive Power Line

The Power Line rotary drive is strong and good for larger watch parts:

  • Powerful for demanding tasks
  • Reliable in continuous operation
  • Large bowl feeders for less refilling
  • Precise control for different parts

Larger bowl feeders enable longer running times without refilling. From size RA 200, the drives have vibration dampers and adjustable feet, which makes installation easier and reduces vibrations.

More about the Power Line rotary drive

1.2 Fine Line rotary drive

The Fine Line rotary drive is made for the smallest watch parts:

  • Small: Ø100 x 65mm
  • Fast vibrations for efficient conveying
  • Fine adjustment for different parts
  • Very gentle movements from 4µm
  • Energy-saving and quiet

This drive is ideal for delicate, small parts. It works precisely and quietly, which is good for employee concentration.

More about the Fine Line rotary actuator

2. bowl feeders: Efficient sorting and feeding

bowl feeders sort and feed watch parts continuously. They use vibrations to align parts correctly, which speeds up production and reduces manual labor.

2.1 Precision feed bowl (70-400mm)

The precision feed bowl is good for small and medium-sized watch parts:

  • Very precisely milled for precise guidance
  • Sizes from 70 mm to 400 mm
  • Suitable for flat and round parts
  • Fast: Up to 600 parts per minute
  • Special coatings protect sensitive parts

These bowl feeders are designed with 3D CAD and fit well into existing production lines. They work very accurately, which is particularly important in watchmaking.

More about the precision feed bowl

2.2 Heavy-duty conveyor bowl (300-800mm)

The heavy-duty conveyor bowl is designed for larger watch parts:

  • For watch cases or bracelets
  • Sizes from 300 mm to 800 mm
  • Efficiently untangles complex parts
  • Large capacity for long production runs
  • Robustly built for intensive use

These bowl feeders are strong and reliable. They are well suited for the mass production of larger watch parts and work precisely even under high loads.

More about the heavy load funding pot

3. linear actuators: precise forward movement

Linear actuators move watch parts precisely in a straight line. They are important for many steps in watch manufacturing where parts need to be moved and positioned precisely.

3.1 Compact Line linear actuator

The Compact Line actuator is very compact and offers:

  • Space-saving solution for small workshops
  • Precise handling of various watch parts
  • Simple adjustment without removal
  • Flexible cable routing for easy integration
  • High frequencies for fast parts conveying

This small drive (70-185mm long, 30mm wide, 39mm high) fits well into tight production lines. It can be used alone or with other systems and is versatile, from small gears to housing parts.

More about the Compact Line linear actuator

3.2 Linear actuator Power Line

The Power Line actuator is more powerful and is suitable for:

  • Medium-sized and large watch parts such as cases or bracelets
  • Fast production processes
  • Reliable performance under difficult conditions
  • Precise control of speed and direction
  • Possibility of monitoring with sensors

This drive (200mm long, 80mm wide, 130mm high) is strong and compact. It is well suited for larger parts or fast production lines and is very reliable, which minimizes downtime.

More about the linear actuator Power Line

4. bunker systems: Optimized operational autonomy

Hopper systems continuously supply the production line with parts. This reduces manual intervention and increases productivity. In the watchmaking industry, they are particularly important for the reliable feeding of small, precise parts.

Our bunker systems offer:

  • Large capacity for long running times without refilling
  • Uniform feeding thanks to integrated vibratory linear drives
  • Different materials (polyamide, aluminum, chrome steel) for different requirements
  • Adjustable inclination up to 4° for optimum adjustment
  • Possibility of level monitoring with sensors
  • Special coatings to protect sensitive parts

These systems are ideal for the constant feeding of small parts in watch production. They can be easily combined with other systems and adapted to different watch parts. The adjustable inclination enables fine tuning for different parts, from tiny screws to larger case parts.

More about our bunker systems

5. Spring Disentangler: Special solution for clock springs

The Spring Disentangler is Special developed for watch springs. It solves the problems associated with handling these sensitive parts, such as tangling or damage.

Our compact Spring Disentangler offers:

  • Careful untangling of delicate watch springs
  • Compact design for easy integration
  • Increased efficiency in spring processing
  • Suitable for spring diameters from 0.8 mm to 3.0 mm
  • Precise control of the unraveling process
  • Possibility of quality control during untangling

This Spring Disentangler is Special developed for watches. It handles springs carefully, which is important for the accuracy and reliability of the finished watch. It can handle different spring sizes, which makes it very versatile.

More about the specialized Spring Disentangler

Cobot systems: Cooperation between humans and robots

Cobots, or collaborative robots, bring new possibilities to watchmaking. They combine the precision of robots with the flexibility of human labor. In this way, complicated tasks can be automated without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship.

The cobot systems developed by Arcoz enable seamless integration into existing production processes and offer numerous advantages:

  • Increased precision for repetitive tasks
  • Improved occupational safety thanks to intelligent sensors
  • Flexible use for different production steps
  • Optimized collaboration between man and machine

By using this innovative technology, watch manufacturers, for example, can increase their productivity while maintaining the high quality standards of the Swiss watch industry.

More about our innovative cobot systems

7. integrated control systems: coordination of all components

Integrated control systems connect all feeding components. They ensure that everything works together smoothly and that production runs efficiently. These systems are important to ensure quality and accuracy in watch production.

For further information or a personal consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Don't hesitate to contact us - our team of experts looks forward to helping you realize your plans and finding tailor-made solutions for your needs. We are just a phone call or message away!