KMG vibratory conveyors are built to last and after many years of reliable performance, they can need some maintenance.
How to tell if your vibratory conveyor is out of tune
The main thing is that you will notice is that the conveying rate will have reduced and you may find that product is building up behind the conveyor while downstream conveyors are starving. This is usually caused by the leaf springs losing stiffness. In a dry environment they can last for decades, however, in a washdown area they will need changing more frequently.
Controller Type
How to fault find different controller types?
| Controller Type | MA500 | MA900 |
| Usual Frequency | Tuning reading 3880 | Variable, aim for 26Hz |
| Usual Amplitude | Variable, aim for 4.5mm | Fixed at 4.5mm |
| Usual Power Usage | Between 11% and 23% | Between 11% and 23% |
| How to tell if it is out of tune | Tuning reading above 3880, amplitude low | Power usage low, frequency low, low frequency warning |
If you are running the machine with a KMG MA500 then first check the machine amplitude disc – you may notice that the machine is running well under the standard amplitude of 4.5mm, and when you run a test tune, you will see that the tuning reading is well above the acceptable range of 3880-3980.
If you are running the machine with a KMG MA900 then check the controller interface and you’ll see that there is a ‘frequency low’ warning, the frequency is under 25Hz and the power is low.
Changing Springs
Top tips from our service team:
- Set the machine to ‘Hand Off’ before you start. No need to electrically disconnect it however.
- You can change springs or double up
- Do one at a time and re-check the tuning each time – don’t take them all off at once
- Make sure you re-torque to 30Nm
- Use a pair of 13mm spanners, or a spanner and a nut runner.
- It doesn’t usually matter which springs you change – start with the ones which are easiest to access
Leaf Springs
We recommend that you keep a small stock of leaf springs so that you can easily tune your own machines. Useful sizes include:
- MA248 (this is the stiffest leaf spring at 12 ply)
- MA040-7, MA040-9, MA040-11 are the same size but thinner
- MA230-7, MA230-9 and MA230-11 are half springs which are used for fine tuning.
We always have leaf springs available.
Other issues?
If the tuning is ok, then you might need to:
- Replace a magnet
- Replace a controller
- Replace the isolation mounts
Where to get assistance?
Give us a call on 01767-650760 and we’ll be happy to help or have a look at one of these two short videos: