Manufacturing Of Vending Machines

Vending machines have been in existence since 1st century BC. They slowly gained popularity by 1936 and since then there was no looking back for this industry. Name a product and you will find that in a vending machine. Let us look at how these machines have been manufactured.

The making of this machine involves four raw materials:

• Galvanized steel
• Lexan or other variety of plastic
• Acrylic power coating
• Polyurethane insulation

The body of the machine is made of galvanized steel with a gauge of 10 to 22 inches in thickness. Thick gauges are used for peripheral parts like cabinet, exterior doors and internal tank. Thinner gauge on the other hand is used for internal doors and plates can stacks, coin validators and product trays.

Lexan a form of polycarbonate plastic is used in the front panels of the vending machine. Acrylic power coatings are colored used to paint surfaces of the machine. Polyurethane foam on the other hand is an insulator that is used for protecting the inner side of the machine. This foam is a tough material that is inserted in between the outer and inner tank of the vending machine.

Manufacturing process of vending machine is not fixed and varies depending upon the products dispensed. However, the fundamental process can be jotted down as below:

• Galvanized steel undergoes several ordeals before it is used to make the cabinet. This steel is flattened by mixing it with raw steel and is later cut into small pieces.

• Holes are drilled in to the cabinet for fixing bolts and openings are created for electrical cords and slits for vents.

• Steel sheet is moulded into the shape of a cabinet.

• Seams are made for using resistance welding. This process involves use of high voltage charge that melts metal surface.

• The cabinet thus prepared is then taken to finishing area for final touches, before being installed.

• Process of making tank is more or less similar to the cabinet and finally they are fitted.

• Cabinet is subjected to several chemicals for cleaning and coating its surface.

• These units then pass on to the dying oven. They are subjected to a temperature ranging from 350°F to 400°F. This devoid them of any left over moisture content.

• The cabinets thus prepared are painted.

• Doors are installed on the cabinets and the final product is ready.

Companies like Planet Antares make sure that the entire process is carried under the strict vigilance of a quality control team. This team tries to upgrade itself by incorporating latest features and thus produce best vending machines.