Case Study: Scoop Feeder for Food-Grade Parts Feeding Line

A Bellco food-grade vibratory bowl system delivers consistent scoop orientation and seamless integration for a food packaging line.

Project Overview

A food industry manufacturer needed a reliable way to feed medium-sized plastic scoops—like those used in protein powder containers—into their packaging line at a consistent rate of 40 parts per minute. The main priorities of the project were ensuring the system was food-grade, and able to be integrated seamlessly into an existing custom machine.

The Bellco team engineered a custom vibratory feeder bowl system using 304 polished stainless steel. The solution included an elevated conveyor hopper for hands-free loading, a vibratory bowl feeder, and an end of track sensor paired with a two-finger escapement for seamless integration. 

The Challenge: Clean, Reliable Delivery for an Integrated Packaging Line

The customer needed a parts feeding solution that could keep up with the required throughput while ensuring scoops remained intact and properly oriented. It also had to support easy cleaning, reduced operator handling, and precise handoff without compromising hygiene.

The Bellco Solution: Built for Food-Grade Handling and Automation Integration

Our team engineered a complete part feeding solution centred around a custom-tooled vibratory bowl feeder fabricated from 304 polished stainless steel for durability and sanitation. A two-finger escapement paired with an end-of-track sensor enabled reliable, one-at-a-time delivery with consistent spacing and seamless downstream integration.

To reduce downtime and operator intervention, the system includes a 4.5-cubic-foot elevated conveyor hopper, providing continuous hands-free part loading.

Key design features include:

• 304 polished stainless steel bowl for food-grade hygienic operation
• Elevated 4.5 cu. ft. conveyor hopper for continuous loading with minimal operator input
• Two-finger escapement for reliable part separation
• I/O-ready end-of-track sensor for plug-and-play integration
• Feed rate of 40 PPM, aligned with packaging line requirements

The Result: Repeatable, Sanitary Feeding

The customer received a fully integrated, plug-and-play system that slotted directly into their automation line. The polished stainless steel design met the customer’s sanitation standards, while the sensor/escapement setup ensured precise communication with downstream automation.

Our approach ensured that:

By focusing on part-specific design, Bellco delivered a system that solved a problem few others would take on.

Why It Matters: Engineered for Food-Grade Automation

This project reflects Bellco’s ability to design systems that meet hygienic, mechanical, and integration requirements in one clean, turnkey package. From material selection to part presentation, every detail was designed around performance and food-grade expectations.

Got a challenging part to feed?
We’ll design a system that works — tested with your actual parts, built to your spec, and ready to plug into your line.

👉 Request a Quote and let's get started!

FAQ

How does Bellco ensure seamless integration with existing automation systems?

Bellco provides SolidWorks 3D models for approval, conducts in-house testing with customer-supplied systems, and offers video run-off testing before shipment, ensuring a plug-and-play experience.

How long does it typically take to design and manufacture a custom feeding system?

Lead time is typically 10-14 weeks from the time of order to the time the system is in your facility.

How do vibratory bowl feeders improve automation efficiency?

Vibratory bowl feeders provide a consistent, reliable method for sorting, orienting, and feeding components in high-speed production environments, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.