Need hopper bin and screw feed -- what's available?

Question

I'm building a prototype machine that requires a small hopper and a screw feed system for feeding a granular material similar to sawdust at a constant rate. What I'd like to find is some sort of reasonably priced machine that has a system like this which I can scavenge and adapt to my prototype. Does anyone know of such a machine? Maybe something like an automatic animal feeder?

If the hopper could hold 1 to 5 pounds, that would be about right. A screw diameter of 0.5 to 1 inch would be about right. I'd like it to be driven by a little electric motor.

Terry Harper · Accepted Answer

Try "Volumetric Feeder" in Google.

Mark Thorson · Answer

Thanks, that provided lots of relevant hits.

Gregg · Answer

Check google for volumetric feeder.Unfortunately they can be quite expensive for a relatively simple machine.They come in all sizes and variations some with unique features to handle sticky materials.If you find a cheap small unit - I'm also interested.I'll try to dig up some links for you this weekend.Gregg

Mark Thorson · Answer

If it saves me a few days of my time,expensive might be okay.  I only need one.If the prototype is successful, the wholemachine will be re-engineered competently.The search term "screw conveyer" is also useful.These are devices, often with a flexible screw andsurrounding tube, used to transfer flowable powders.An interesting effect is that the screw (often a springmade from metal wire or ribbon) is self-centeringwithin the hose.  Instead of a rigid screw at thebottom of a hopper, the flexible screw conveyoris almost like a vacuum hose that can be insertedinto an arbitrary container.

Gregg · Answer

Try this linkThey make screw conveyers - you may also want to try ebay!!I'll look for my notes on feeders this weekend.Good luckGregg

Need hopper bin and screw feed -- what's available?

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