PSI Engineering, a leader in material handling and in-line document automation solutions, has launched its newest friction feeder, the Direct In-Feeder system.

In an effort to improve efficiency and lower operating costs, distribution centers have had to automate their material handling process. The implementation of systems such as friction feeders, which automatically insert anything flat into boxes or totes, has improved the order fulfillment throughput of many warehouses. However many friction feeders have difficultly feeding fine paper products and envelopes, which results in delays on the material handling line.

A solution to this costly problem finally exists, as PSI Engineering, a leader in material handling and in-line document automation solutions, announces the launch of its newest friction feeder, the Direct In-Feeder system.

Setting the Direct In-Feeder apart from the competition is its compact design and ability to feed difficult paper products.

The friction feeder automatically feeds anything from very fine sheets all the way up to the most difficult envelopes.

Considerable time savings and efficiency gains are achieved by automating this portion of the material handling line.

Along with feeding a variety of envelopes and fine paper stocks, the Direct In-feeder system easily adjusts to feed other flat products including CDs, DVDs, catalogs, and magazines.

With dimensions of 20' x 15.5' (50.8 x 39.4 cm), the Direct In-Feeder is easily integrated into any material handling line, or can function as a stand alone unit.

Its load capacity of 11.5' (29.2 cm) minimizes user intervention, since operators can simply pack the feeder and walk away.

Downtime is minimized because the Direct In-Feeder is designed around PSI's 'Load-On-The- Fly' technology, which allows for feeder reloads while the system is in operation.

'Distribution Centers are constantly seeking ways to minimizes costs and increase their efficiency,' believes Tom Napier, Automation Solutions Account Manager at PSI.

'Both of these goals are accomplished through the implementation of automatic friction feeders.' PSI's friction feeders have been proven to increase the productivity of their customers by 100% and provide a return on investment of less than one year.