For many medium-sized and large companies, one of the challenges is to increase production speed and volume without compromising worker safety.
Manufacturers of engineered flooring, signage or cabinets, for example, often opt for an automatic panel feeder to facilitate the processing of larges volumes of sheet materials (wood, polystyrene, melamine, glass, plastic, etc.).
To optimize your production, Doucet has designed two high-performance pieces of equipment: the AP automatic panel feeder and the APV automatic panel feeder/stacker. What's the strength of these machines? The wide range of options that allow you to customize these feeders to suit your needs!
Let me introduce myself, Daniel Côté, Regional Sales Manager at Doucet. I have more than 30 years' experience in the industrial sector. I have a good understanding of the production challenges you face, as well as the labor recruitment issues. During my career, I've often had to advise companies wishing to optimize their panel production. The aim of this guide is to facilitate your decision-making by transparently answering your main questions about the AP feeder and the APV feeder/stacker.
Table of contents
- Product description
- AP – Automatic Panel Feeder
- APV – Panel Feeder / Stacker
- For whom is the AP & APV made for?
- The benefits of using this type of equipment
- Which options are offered to customize this equipment?
- Similar equipments
- What are the customer’s main questions in their buyiing process?
- How expensive is an AP & an APV?
Product description
AP and APV automatic panel feeders are designed to feed the equipment (saw, sander, sanding machine, edger, laminator, etc.) required at different stages of the panel processing cycle.
AP - Automatic Panel Feeder
Using a hydraulic lift table that can be equipped with a motorized roller conveyor, the AP Feeder pushes one panel at a time using an electric push-arm with longitudinal control to set the length of the push cycle.
Refer to the AP model data sheet for full product specifications, features and options.
APV - Panel Feeder / Stacker
Unlike the AP model, the APV feeder also enables panels to be stacked at the end of a belt or roller conveyor. A moving arm fitted with suction cups picks up the panel, directs it to the stacking area and deposits it on the scissor table. Once the panel has been released, the arm returns to pick up the next panel. This way, the panels accumulate in a stack on the scissor table, which automatically descends between each panel. In addition, the APV can be used in feed mode, using the vacuum function to separate parts before the arm moves, for example in a thin-piece application.
For a full list of specifications, features and options, please consult the APV model datasheet.
For whom is the AP & APV made for?
Both models of automatic feeder are well-suited to high-volume manufacturing manufacturers for panel feeding in a production line. Some common application examples are a lamination line, a multiple panel rip saw feeder and a panel saw feeder. In some applications, it is possible to use this technology for unstacking boards in low-speed applications instead of MANYX or GANTRYX type unstackers.
The benefits of using this type of equipment
AP and APV automatic panel feeders can be integrated into any production line to provide automated operations. The APV's technology eliminates friction between panels during stacking by lifting them rather than moving them sideways, which reduces the risk of damaging the material.
These are production optimizers in the true sense of the word! Their sustained output makes up for shortages of human resources while increasing production capacity. Easy to use and safe, the AP and APV lower the risk of injury due to sustained, repetitive physical effort.
Which options are offered to customize this equipment?
AP OPTIONS
Optional simultaneous feeding of multiples panels:
- Push-arm with thickness adjustment, allowing more than one panel to be fed per cycle, comparable to a panel saw.
Roller conveyor:
- Motorized roller conveyor over hydraulic table
- 4' long non-motorized roller conveyor to interface with a panel saw
- Pre-alignment roller conveyor with side push-button ahead of a multiple saw
Thickness selection:
- Feed module for thin panels, between 1/4“ and 3/8” thick.
- For thinner material than 1/4”, we can custom-make a thin-panel feeder to suit the porosity and characteristics of the material to be fed. We may require factory tests to obtain a quotation.
Similar equipment
The GANTRYX stacker/unstacker from Doucet's product range has features like those of the AP feeder and APV stacker/destacker.
With its more precise articulated arm and vacuum technology, the GANTRYX can rotate the panels to be stacked/unstacked, which is not possible with the AP and APV models. When combined with other equipment, such as a floor conveyor bringing several packs of panels to the front of the equipment, the GANTRYX increases automation of the production line. Acquisition, however, requires a higher budget, as well as more floor space.
A key difference between the GANTRYX and AP/APV models lies in the height of the packets compatible with the application. The GANTRYX is much less restrictive and can handle higher packets than the equipment line. However, AP and APV models are limited in height by the passage line, minus the height of the hydraulic table at its lowest level.
While other manufacturers offer equipment like the AP and APV, these stand out for:
- the stiffness of their push arms;
- the adjustment options on the push-fingers (multiple thicknesses, manual or electric mode, etc.);
- the vacuum system for thin panels.
What are the customer’s main questions in their buying process?
Which sizes of panel can be used on these two models?
The AP automatic feeder is designed to handle panels 4 or 5 feet wide by 8, 10, 12 and 16 feet long from a 25-inch-thick feeder magazine (in standard mode). If the line of passage can be raised, the package height capacity can also be increased.
What is the feed rate of the panels?
Depending on the characteristics of the incoming parts, AP feeders can provide production lines of up to 150 feet per minute, although panel length will have a direct effect on speed capacity.
The electric pusher arm can also be moved backwards at a much higher speed than the pushing speed, increasing the rate of panel production.
Are the AP and APV models compatible with other equipment?
The AP Feeder and APV Feeder/Stacker are attachments designed to feed a range of panel processing equipment: saws, sanders, edgers, laminating machines, etc.
Which stacking capacity does the APV model have (stack height)?
The stacking capacity depends on the height of the passage line. For instance, the accumulation table is approximately 15 inches above the ground at the lowest level. The stacking capacity will therefore be defined by the difference between this height and the height of the equipment passage line.
Why opt for a hydraulic lift table versus an electric lift system?
Both types of mechanism do the same job, mechanically speaking. While more expensive, the electric mechanism can be more compact, reducing the minimum level. It also makes it easier to integrate other equipment to manage the supply of packets in reserve, thus ensuring continuous panel feeding. Electric rising mechanism is also available, but the equipment becomes a custom design.
How expensive is an AP & an APV?
Standard price: the acquisition cost of a Doucet AP or APV automatic panel feeder is between $60,000 and $75,000.
Equipment cost factors: hydraulic table size and capacity have the greatest impact on the total purchase price of the AP or APV.
Several sub-factors related to the customization of automatic feeders will subsequently affect the cost of this equipment:
- The addition of adjustable fingers to feed the equipment with several sheets at a time;
- The need to place bundles of sheets on a pallet, in which case additional costs will be incurred to compensate for the height of the pallet, etc.
- Customer-made component additions: material thinner than 1/4'', grip modification for porous material, for example.
Delivery fees: fees based on equipment delivery location apply and must be paid by the customer.
Warranty: 1 year, parts and labor.
Both the AP Automatic Panel Feeder and the APV Automatic Panel Feeder/Stacker are simple, effective solutions for speeding up the feeding of sheets to a panel saw, a sander conveyor or any other finishing equipment, for instance. Despite your employees' skills and professionalism, handling panels as quickly and efficiently as the AP and APV will never be possible. On top of saving you time and manpower, this equipment will help ensure the safety of your teams on site.
Above all, both the AP and APV offer multiple options for adjusting your equipment to your needs in terms of dimensions, thickness and types of sheets to be processed.
Which means that Doucet not only offers you the possibility of acquiring high-performance equipment, but also one that's totally customized to your needs. A valuable asset for optimizing and automating all types of panel production.
If you have any questions regarding this article or if you would like more information about this equipment, please feel free to contact us now.
You have three ways to reach us:
- Fill out our quote request form
- Contact us by email at info@doucetinc.com
- Call us at 1-866-673-8876
