Scroll

FAQs

RNA UK is part of Rhein-Nadel Automation GmbH owned by the Pavel Family who for more than 40 years has stood for peak performance, quality and reliability in the field of handling and feeding technology. As market leader we deliver customized automated systems and due to our sophisticated technology we give our customers the competitive edge.

FAQs
How can I contact RNA Automation?

RNA Automation can be reached at:
RNA Automation Ltd, Unit C Castle Bromwich Business Park, Tameside Drive, Birmingham B35
7AG, UK
T: +44 (0) 121 749 2566
E: [email protected]
More details can be found at the Contact page.

What do you do?

RNA automation specialise in:

  • Automation Solutions – Turnkey automated assembly systems, special purpose machinery
  • Robotic Solutions – Fully integrated robotic technologies
  • Vision Inspection Solutions – Turnkey solutions designed for a broad spectrum of applications including quality control checks, OCR and barcode reading applications.
  • Feeding & Handling Solutions – Vibratory bowl feeders, multi-lane linear vibratory feeders, centrifugal feeders, step feeders, carpet feeders and hopper elevator systems in many different formats.
Are you a manufacturer?

RNA is a manufacturer, and much more! With five subsidiaries and eight manufacturing facilities across Europe and a network of sales and service outlets across the globe, RNA have the capability to support you wherever you are in the world.

RNA Quality

Quality has always been of central importance to RNA, with each employee committed to make their own personal contribution to the achievement of quality standards and customer satisfaction.

We understand that long term success in business can only be achieved by providing high quality equipment, which fulfils the customer’s requirements.

What information do you need to provide to receive a quote?

After the initial discussion to determine we are a good fit for your requirement, we will then ask you to provide us the component specifications, samples/drawings, production speeds and design specifications.

How long does it take to receive a quote?
  • Feeding & Handling Systems
    ½ day – 2 weeks
    Duration of the quotation development depends upon the complexity of the requirements and level of detail of the information provided by the customer.
  • Special Purpose Machines
    2 – 4 weeks
    Duration of the quotation development depends upon the complexity of the requirements and level of detail of the information provided by the customer.
How can I get information on RNA’s equipment?

Product literatures are available from our website Products page, and product specification sheets including operating instructions and spare parts lists can be found from Information page. You can also contact us directly for more information.

What are your standard payment terms?

Refer to the quote.

Packing and carriage charges are not included in the price but can be quoted for VAT will be charged at the rate current at the time of despatch. Full details are set out in our sales terms and conditions.

What does your standard warranty cover?

Our warranty period begins from the date of delivery on all items manufactured by RNA Automation. RNA Automation will pass on to the Customer the warranty for any third party supplied items incorporated within the equipment. Full details are set out in our sales terms and conditions. Standard warranties last 12 months or 2000 hours (whichever the sooner).

Why should I automate my production line?

Automation of an existing or new manufacturing process can bring various improvements, better procedures and processes, reduce wastage, time and cost savings, enhanced health and safety, increased quality and efficiency, and most importantly up-skilling of existing workforce.

What types of automated system have you provided?

The demands on today’s industry have never been greater. Shorter product life cycles, small batch sizes and constant product upgrades are now the norm. RNA has responded to this environment by developing a range of automation solutions flexible enough to meet these challenges. Solutions which are capable of handling multi-products and product additions, with high efficiency and which have simple and fast changeover to minimise downtime.

What automation technologies are you specialized in?

RNA are the leading Vibratory Bowl feeding company in Europe with extensive knowledge in handling components, we also provide specialist handling systems. Sachet & pouch feeders, specialist bottle handling and palletizing systems are just some of the market leading solutions RNA can offer to complement our range. We also have experience in Robotic and Vision Inspection applications.

To what industries have you provided automation solutions?

We supply to a wide and varied selection of industries (Automotive, Electronic, Inject Moulding) but we have particular expertise within the Pharmaceutical, Medical device and FMCG.

Do RNA automated systems have CE, UL, CSA or other certifications?

All our equipment is supplied with either CE or Certificate of Incorporation depending on scope of supply. RNA offer an extensive range of bowl feeders, linear feeders and control units certified by TÜV Rheinland to meet these safety standards for the USA and Canada. The “cTUVus mark” serves as proof of compliance with the UL standards of the United States and the Canadian CSA standards, enabling our customers to meet US and Canadian standards as well as European requirements.

The cTUVus mark is officially recognized as an equivalent and direct replacement of the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) marks.

What testing is performed to validate a system’s performance?

All our equipment is fully tested in house prior to FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) and SAT (Site Acceptance Test). Our in-house test procedures mirror image the FAT requirements of each individual client. All test procedures are documented and form part of the final documentation package.

What documentation is provided for a new machine?

Each machine will have a complete operational manual which includes Risk Assessments (where applicable) operation sequence, maintenance schedule, critical spares list, CE, third party warranty documents, electrical drawings, software diagram. We supply hardcopy and electronic.

What is a bowl feeder?

A bowl feeder is a device for sorting and orienting components from bulk to be assembled, packaged or inspected.

RNA Bowl tops Bowl Material Suitable for
Cylindrical bowl Aluminium / Steel /
Stainless Steel
Continuous transport of
components and for
handling small parts
Conical bowl Aluminium /
Stainless Steel
Heavy sharp-edged
components
Larger Loads
Automatic pre-separating
Stepped bowl Aluminium /
Stainless Steel
Larger loads and larger
components
See also ‘conical bowl’
Polyamide bowl
(conical or stepped)
Small components
with simple
geometry and where
mass production of
feeders is required

Cylindrical bowls: These bowls provide a constant feed of components. They are ideal for small components, but have restricted capacity for some applications. Conical Bowls: A conical bowl provides a higher capacity and with an increase in radius, assists the pre-separation of components. Where necessary, the standard track width, track pitch and the amount of tracks can be adapted to suit the application. Type RG makes pre-orientation possible through a sloping track position, which prevents parts jamming between the pitch of the tracks. The closed track type is particularly suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Stepped Bowls: Stepped bowls have a larger feeding track width and are particularly suited to pre-orientate components. The capacity is larger than that of a cylindrical bowl. A further advantage is that the components do not jam in the tracks. All stepped bowls are cast aluminium, which need to be coated.

Polyamide Bowls: Plastic bowls show favourable sliding and running properties: an unfavourable mating of steel on steel is avoided. Customized milling of the bowl and spiral makes it flexible to shape and reproduce the plastic bowl. The sound pressure level is reduced. Plastic bowls are available in a stepped shape (TKF) or in a conical shape (KKF).

A range of bowl tops in cast aluminium, stainless steel, plastic and polyamide is available, with a wide range of coating and tooling options to maximise the efficiency of the system.

Some applications require specific materials, ie: suitable for a clean room environment, or food production; the size of equipment also varies depending on the component.

 

What type of components can be fed in a bowl feeder?

Caps, screws, bolts, nuts, seals, springs, medical components, moulded plastics. Almost anything!

To what industries have you provided feeding and handling solutions?

With over 2000 systems supplied annually, RNA operate in the area of special purpose engineering, providing automatic parts handling equipment for high volume production in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electronics, food and automotive industries, etc. – Anywhere, where there is a need to automate the handling and orientation of component parts.

How fast can the components be fed?

RNA fabricate vibratory bowl feeders to suit a wide range of components and applications, with feed speeds ranging from 1 part every few seconds, to thousands a minute.

What is the difference between a bowl, centrifugal or pneumatic feeding system?

A bowl feeder uses vibratory technology for moving the parts; Centrifugal feeder uses a spinning disc for centrifugal force for gentle handling and high output rates; Pneumatic feeder uses an air motor in replacement of magnetic coils, mostly used in corrosive and explosive environments.

Does a bowl feeder feed only one part?

No. RNA bowl feeder can be adapted to handle different component variants with little or no interchangeable/adjustable tooling.

Do you build machines out of stainless steel?

Yes. RNA standard bowls are made from 304 stainless, while bowls for food and medical applications are made of 316 stainless steel.

Do you provide painting and coating services?

Yes. We can paint traditional enamels and also polyurethane FDA coatings in house.

Does RNA have experience building machines to meet the electrical requirements of foreign countries?

Yes. RNA supply equipment that carries approvals and certifications necessary to meet the needs of today’s global industrial machinery markets, including the European CE mark, US and Canadian based standards CSA/UL.

Will you install the equipment you build?

Yes we do.

Do you prepare the export documents and make shipping arrangements?

RNA export our machines to more than 30 countries worldwide. We prepare for all export documentation and international shipping required in house.

Contact us