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Open-sourceβ€”β€˜the way the future is being built’

As of early this year this OEM began delivering friction feeders that relied on open-source programming rather than relying on proprietary, self-made microprocessor controllers.

This friction feeder is an open-source, servo-controlled system with a PLC touchscreen controller.
This friction feeder is an open-source, servo-controlled system with a PLC touchscreen controller.

Pineberry Manufacturing Inc. makes friction feeders that insert coupons, paperboard inserts, envelopes, cards, etc. The firm claims to have the only open-source feeders in the marketplace, which means proprietary electrical components have been eliminated. Pineberry Manufacturing’s HSF and SF Series friction feeders, says the firm, are characterized by an unmatched level of operational simplicity, reliability, robustness, and cost efficiency. Also, they can be easily integrated into manual or automated lines. The HSF operates at 8,000 inches/min and the SF at 3,000.

β€œOur friction feeders are open-source, servo-controlled power platforms with a Schneider Electric PLC touchscreen controller, reducing the overall number of components to the machine,” says Pineberry Manufacturing President David McCharles. β€œUsers can get information from the terminal remotely through an app on a smart phone. Open-source technology is the way the future is being built.”

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