When it comes to increasing machine production, automating a CNC lathe is the way to go. There are two ways to do this: bar feeders and bar pullers. Both do the work that allows a lathe to operate on its own – no need for an operator to stand there watching the machine.

If the job calls for more extensive stretches of independent running time, then a bar feeder is the way to go. However, if the work includes somewhat smaller or medium batch sizes, then a bar puller can be just as effective while costing less and taking up less room on the shop floor.

What is a bar feeder?

Also known as a barfeed, a bar feeder is a CNC machine support piece used to load barstock automatically into a CNC lathe. The feeder is attached to a headstock full of bars which it draws out one at a time, moving each one through the lathe until the job is complete.  The purpose of the bar puller is to work independently so there is no need for an operator to stand there monitoring and feeding stock into the machine. 

Bar feeders are very effective and are commonly found in the manufacturing industry, especially alongside CNC lathes and turning centers. Bar feeders are considered highly effective for a number of reasons:

• Increased Productivity: Bar feeders allow a technician to run a CNC machine continuously without needing to attend to it, which is a major benefit for productivity.
• Reduced Labor Costs: When the process of feeding the bar into the machine is automated, operators can be freed up to use their time more effectively and productively.
• Improved Accuracy: Bar feeders can precisely position the bar, which produces less waste at consistent speeds.
• Versatility: Depending on the bar feeder, it may be able to accommodate a wide range of diameters and lengths, which makes them flexible for a variety of different jobs.

Safety: When the bar feeding process is automated, the risk of an injury is reduced, making the operator's job safer.

What is a bar puller?

ike a bar feeder, a bar puller also allows a CNC lathe or turning center to run on its own, freeing up operators to focus on other jobs.  Rather than pushing bars through the lathe’s spindle, a bar puller pulls the bar from the spindle, grips the bar and then moves it into the work zone. Once turning and part cutoff are completed on that section, the process repeats until the bar is consumed. 

The two most common types of bar pullers are spring-loaded jaw-type pullers and air/coolant-actuated finger-type pullers. Spring-loaded pullers can have either manually adjustable jaws that slide over the stock, or they might have rollers. Air/coolant-actuated pullers usually have three fingers with which to grip the barstock by the end. These fingers have hardened inserts to prevent wear. When the jaws contact the bar, the fingers deflect and expand over the bar. This provides the gripping force for the jaws.

Benefits of a Bar Puller

COST-SAVING ALTERNATIVE: A bar puller can be used instead of a bar feeder to automate any CNC lathe or turning center when only one bar is needed. In those cases, using a bar puller is a smart alternative because it’s cheaper than a feeder and takes up less space in the shop.

SIMPLICITY OF SETUP AND USE: A bar puller usually requires much less setup time, meaning that if you plan to use something back and forth between jobs and locations, this could be a really convenient way to maintain productivity.

VERSATILITY: Bar pullers can typically be used with a variety of different bar diameters. This flexibility, along with the ease of setup and mobility, makes a bar puller a great solution for use on a number of different jobs without needing to make significant changes or do major work.

SMALLER THAN FEEDERS: A bar puller is usually much smaller than a feeder, so it can be stored easily when not in use and might be a great option for a smaller workshop. In fact, it might be the only option for very small spaces!

REDUCED NEED FOR OPERATOR INTERVENTION: Even though the bar puller is not fully automated like a bar feeder, it still reduces the need for a lot of the manual aspects of CNC machining, such as loading the material. While you will need an operator to be there to advance the bar stock, they will still have plenty of time to do other work instead of manually loading the bars.

IMPROVED SAFETY: Since a bar puller reduces the need for manually loading bars, operators can enjoy much more safety while using this cost-effective alternative to a bar feeder.

The Role of Bar Pullers in CNC Machinery

Bar pullers are important and cost-effective alternatives to bar feeders that can upgrade your operation in a must more cost-effective way than a bar feeder. The return on investment for a bar puller is substantial. We've already discussed the many different unique benefits of a bar puller versus a feeder, but here are a few roles that these important tools can play in your workshop:

Untended Operation

When you have a bar puller installed, your operators can spend more time doing important work that isn't just feeding bars into the machine. While a bar puller is more affordable than a feeder, the fact that it also frees up time makes it even more cost-effective.

Closer to Automation

A bar puller isn't going to fully automate your work, but it is going to move you one step closer — for a great price. An investment in a bar puller can streamline your workshop's operations and immediately start generating a return on your investment.

As automation continues to be an integration that many workshops are striving towards, you can take a step in this direction to stay competitive without needing to fully commit to a large, costly bar feeder by choosing a bar puller.

BlackHawk Industrial sells Royal CNC bar pullers that are inexpensive, require minimal setup, and can be easily fit to any CNC lathe. 

Royal bar pullers have a number of advantages over bar feeders:

• Bar pullers are much less expensive. The average cost of a Royal bar puller is about $900, compared to $20,000 - $40,000 for a bar feeder.
• Royal bar pullers are easier to setup and use — no electrical interface with the machine tool control is required.
• Bar pullers don’t waste valuable floor space.
• Bar pullers can be easily moved from machine to machine as jobs require.
• Royal bar pullers offer maintenance-free operation.

CNC accessories, including Royal CNC bar pullers, can easily be purchased on the BlackHawk Industrial web site. For any questions about CNC accessories or any other products sold by BlackHawk, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Our mission is to provide innovative, value-added services and products that reduce our customer’s total cost. Feel free to contact us for more information.

BlackHawk Industrial

1501 SW Expressway Drive

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

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Toll Free: 855-610-1001