INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Pocket/Cavity

Precision-engineered recesses in starwheels or pocketed discs for accurate product positioning and transfer in automated assembly lines.

Component Specifications

Definition
A pocket or cavity is a precisely machined recess in a starwheel or pocketed disc component, designed to securely hold and transport individual items during automated manufacturing processes. These cavities maintain consistent product orientation and spacing as the disc rotates, enabling synchronized transfer between stations in packaging, assembly, or sorting systems. Critical dimensions include depth, diameter, and angular positioning relative to the disc's center.
Working Principle
The pocket/cavity operates on rotational indexing principles. As the starwheel or disc rotates, each cavity sequentially aligns with infeed and discharge points. Products are deposited into the cavity at the loading station, carried through the rotation arc, and released at the unloading station. The cavity's geometry ensures product stability during transport, while precise machining allows for high-speed operation with minimal vibration or misalignment.
Materials
Typically manufactured from hardened tool steel (e.g., AISI D2, H13), stainless steel (304 or 316), aluminum alloys (6061-T6), or engineering plastics (POM, UHMW-PE) depending on application requirements. Surface treatments may include nitriding, chrome plating, or PTFE coatings to reduce friction and wear.
Technical Parameters
  • Depth 5-100 mm
  • Hardness 45-60 HRC for steel
  • Tolerance ±0.05 mm
  • Surface Finish Ra 0.8 μm or better
  • Cavity Diameter 10-200 mm
  • Operating Speed Up to 300 cycles/minute
Standards
ISO 2768, DIN 7168

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Pocket/Cavity.

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Wear leading to dimensional inaccuracy
  • Product jamming due to cavity contamination
  • Fatigue failure from cyclic loading
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Abrasive product contact
Failure: Cavity diameter expansion beyond tolerance
Mitigation: Implement hardened steel surfaces with wear-resistant coatings
Trigger: Improper cleaning procedures
Failure: Material buildup causing product jamming
Mitigation: Establish automated cleaning cycles and inspection protocols
Trigger: High-cycle operation
Failure: Fatigue cracks at cavity edges
Mitigation: Design with radiused edges and regular non-destructive testing

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Geometric tolerances per ISO 1101, dimensional tolerances per ISO 2768-m
Test Method
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) verification, surface profilometry, hardness testing per ASTM E18

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5.0 (23 reviews)

"Reliable performance in harsh Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing environments. No issues with the Pocket/Cavity so far."

"Testing the Pocket/Cavity now; the technical reliability results are within 1% of the laboratory datasheet."

"Impressive build quality. Especially the technical reliability is very stable during long-term operation."

Related Components

Inspection Frame
Structural support component in automated fabric inspection systems that holds cameras, sensors, and lighting for defect detection.
Machine Frame
The rigid structural foundation of a CNC wood router that provides stability, vibration damping, and precision alignment for cutting operations.
pH Sensor Assembly
Precision pH sensor assembly for automated monitoring and dosing systems in industrial applications
Load Cell Assembly
Precision load cell assembly for automated powder dispensing systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors determine cavity material selection?

Material choice depends on product abrasiveness, required precision, operating speed, and sanitation needs. Steel offers durability for heavy items, aluminum reduces inertia for high-speed applications, and plastics prevent product damage for fragile items.

How are cavities maintained in production environments?

Regular inspection for wear, cleaning to prevent material buildup, and lubrication of bearing surfaces. Replacement is recommended when dimensional tolerances exceed ±0.1 mm or surface defects appear.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

Get Quote for Pocket/Cavity

Pocket Inserts Pointer