Questions on Metco 4MP feeder

[SurfaTec]

Hello,

Could somebody comment on the following questions, please:
- how dependable those 4MP feeders are, i.e. how much maintenance required and what are the typical problems?
- what is the minimum feed rate these units are capable to deliver?
- how accurate is the unit in maintaining the feed rate?
- what to look for (pay attention to) when buying a used one?
- availability of spare parts?

Thanks to everybody who can help.

Serge

[kschewe]

Hi
My company still uses the 4mp in some locations. It is a simple machine and does a good job. I never tried a min feed rate but i can remember using 4lb/hr, or 30 g/min. to 20/b/hr. I am very sure it goes lower. It is easy to clean hoppers. The one I used had a digital scale which takes a bit of time to stabilize. Its accurate since it weights the powder and calculates how much feed its using. I think this unit is high maintenance since there are so many hoses and orings from it. Most spare parts are available. I don't think metco supports some of the older models and you cannot get parts if it dies. In the US there are very popular and probably tons of used or after market parts.
I personally like the twin 10 system but its expensive.

For a used one I would look to make sure the scale works. Hoses and orings are easy enough to fix.

Hello,

Could somebody comment on the following questions, please:
- how dependable those 4MP feeders are, i.e. how much maintenance required and what are the typical problems?
- what is the minimum feed rate these units are capable to deliver?
- how accurate is the unit in maintaining the feed rate?
- what to look for (pay attention to) when buying a used one?
- availability of spare parts?

Thanks to everybody who can help.

Serge

[SurfaTec]

Thank you very much for your input!
Do you think it will do 1/2 lbs/hr?

Serge

[Spraytube]

Hi,

- how dependable those 4MP feeders are, i.e. how much maintenance required and what are the typical problems?

Leaks are the typical problems on those feeders, internal hoses and rings have to be replace in most of second hand systems.

- what is the minimum feed rate these units are capable to deliver?

The minimum i went was 5g/mn, under 5 it was unstable, it was a laser clading project, we switch on a 9MP CL dedicated to laser cladding with a better accuracy load cell.

- how accurate is the unit in maintaining the feed rate?

+/- 5% of the set value but it's really related to the powder structure and density and sometime it's areal pain in the neck to stabilize the powder flow.Hopper base filter element should be in excellent condition.

- what to look for (pay attention to) when buying a used one?

Hopper condition (O-ring surface condition), flowmeter and vibrator (rust).
Filter aspect will give you a good idea of the general condition of the feeder.

- availability of spare parts?

2 year ago, when i get retired, spares were still available.
Anyway all you need to restart on is a reseal package, a tubing package, an hopper base filter element and a pick-up shaft according to your powder feed rate.

If you need more help just ask.

Regards

[SurfaTec]

[quote='Spraytube' pid='7445' dateline='1351589579']
Hi,

[quote]
- how dependable those 4MP feeders are, i.e. how much maintenance required and what are the typical problems?

Leaks are the typical problems on those feeders, internal hoses and rings have to be replace in most of second hand systems.
[/quote]

I'm looking to get a refurbished one with 90 days warranty. I think that would be enough to test its operation and accuracy.

[quote]
- what is the minimum feed rate these units are capable to deliver?

The minimum i went was 5g/mn, under 5 it was unstable, it was a laser clading project, we switch on a 9MP CL dedicated to laser cladding with a better accuracy load cell.
[/quote]

That's what I need this unit for – laser cladding. Could you please let me know what type and what power of laser you were using? Did you need feed rate lower than 5 g/m?

[quote]
- how accurate is the unit in maintaining the feed rate?

+/- 5% of the set value but it's really related to the powder structure and density and sometime it's areal pain in the neck to stabilize the powder flow.Hopper base filter element should be in excellent condition.
[/quote]

Good to know. Should I request the spare filter to come with the unit?
And maybe the kit of spare parts (o-rings, hoses, etc.)

[quote]
- what to look for (pay attention to) when buying a used one?

Hopper condition (O-ring surface condition), flowmeter and vibrator (rust).
Filter aspect will give you a good idea of the general condition of the feeder.
[/quote]

Thank you. Will check them out.

[quote]
- availability of spare parts?

2 year ago, when i get retired, spares were still available.
Anyway all you need to restart on is a reseal package, a tubing package, an hopper base filter element and a pick-up shaft according to your powder feed rate.
[/quote]

Thank you once again.
I'll ask my vendor if they do have all these spare parts available.


Cheers!

Serge

[Spraytube]

Hi,

That's what I need this unit for – laser cladding. Could you please let me know what type and what power of laser you were using? Did you need feed rate lower than 5 g/m?

Sorry but this project was under NDA, all i can say is that the only solution was the 9MP powder feeder with a special load cell.

We rented a twin like and a 5 MP, 5MP was almost "ok" but the powder established time was too long.

Regards

[J!m]

This is an ancient thread, but I thought I would comment due to the laser cladding aspect.

What is not widely known is that the "E" shaft from the 9MP-DJ can be used in the 4MP feeder. Coupled with the blue powder hose, the feeder should be able to handle low feed rates. Rates down at 5g/min is not what I would call production rates for cladding, and alternatives would be better suited for that low. But 20g should be quite comfortable, and this hardware set is your best chance for consistent low feed rates.

Hoper leak checks are quick and easy, and should be done every day, or every time you switch powder.

The filter bowl is often ruined, and the o-ring for it leaking. You can replace the entire thing or just the bowl assembly (Speedaire 1AKG5A), but make sure you install it correctly- the arrow points AGAINST the carrier flow, such that any backflow will stop powder from getting into the (very expensive) precision regulator that controls feed rate. I have seen more than one of these "fixed" with the arrow pointing away from the cabinet. This is incorrect.

Another thing to keep in mind is head pressure. A full hopper will feed more than a nearly empty one with all settings otherwise locked down. If you want precision, you need a small hopper and to replace the used volume of powder frequently to hold the powder level constant.

Screen should always be used in the hopper. It reduced the head on the bottom of the hopper to help control this increased feed rate with increased head pressure. It also catches the desiccant bags but generally doesn't stop much else.

Hoses inside the cabinet (out of the UV light) generally last a very long time. If a feeder hasn't been messed with, it's probably fine. A full rebuild is not a big deal as long as you have the plumbing diagram, or an unmolested example to replace one hose at a time in. If it's been messed with and you don't have a diagram, you probably won't have success.

I rebuilt one that was "customized" such that the carrier and feed both came on together (in an effort to save carrier gas, which should always be flowing). No surprise the feeder oscillated horribly and "didn't work right" every time it was asked to feed. Once rebuilt, it worked exactly as designed.

For extremely low feed rates, or the need for extreme precision, you should order a new 9MP feeder from your local Metco rep. He should be able to specify the exact build to fit your needs. Hopper size and hardware set will be as needed for your specific use. It is not widely known that the pharmaceutical industry uses Metco 9MP feeders for precise dispensing of their powders...