Hydrafeed extends Autofeed range of long magazine barfeeds

The Autofeed 3-26 is one of a series of new barfeeds from Hydrafeed with the 3-26 capable of holding bar from 3 to 26 mm diameter, while other new models include the Autofeed 3-38 and 5-51 for holding respective diameters of 3 to 38 mm and 5 to 51 mm. The barfeed includes a double pusher system, which reduces the overall length of the barfeed by up to 1.2 m, ideal for machine shops working with long bars and limited space for a barfeed system. To maximise the rpm potential, the Autofeed 3-26 and 3-38 both have a dual anti-vibration device that stabilises the bar stock at two different points. For highly automated environments, all the new Autofeed models incorporate a remnant retracting gripper. The gripper holds and inserts the new bar into the collet and then extracts the post-production remnant. The Autofeed series incorporates a synchronisation device for continuous production and to ensure no loss of connection between the bar stock and collet pusher, for sliding head lathes. This system employs an electro-magnetic coupling that mechanically links the Z-axis travel of the lathe to the barfeed pusher to ensure synchronous movement. The range has a touch screen control system with a memory capacity for 36 different jobs. Additional features on the Autofeed include stock alignment guides for reducing set-up times plus quick change guide channels with a 'U' shaped bottom guide channel to enable the sections to efficiently slide out of their base.