CAM-Controlled Ingot Feeding Mechanism for Melting Furnaces

Aluminum ingot feeding systems are vital for ensuring efficient and controlled melting processes in aluminum production. This work presents a novel CAM-controlled ingot feeding unit specifically designed for furnaces employing non-oxidation melting technology. The system is composed of two primary units: a conveyor system for feeding to the input unit, and an input unit that consists of chucking (vice) units, conveyor chain, and a CAM unit with a special profile. When using 5 kg ingots, the system is capable of feeding up to 900 kg per hour. Spring-tensioned two-jaw vices are used to securely clamp the ingots during feeding. Up to three vices can be employed simultaneously, and they can be easily mounted onto the conveyor chain as required by the application. The conveyor chain speed of the input unit is adjustable via a motor inverter, allowing precise control of the ingot feeding rate to the furnace. The clamping and unclamping mechanisms are actuated by a cam unit with a specially designed profile, ensuring synchronized and reliable operation. The entire unit is engineered for easy installation onto the furnace structure. After fabrication, the system was tested continuously over a six-day period, and the results demonstrated that it is highly suitable for use in a production environment.