Pneumatic Shaker Conveyors for Small Parts, Scrap and Short-Distance Material Movement
Storch Air Quake pneumatic shakers are compact, beltless material handling devices used to move small parts, stamping scrap, machining chips and light material through a custom tray or chute.
Air Quake shakers are powered by compressed air and are commonly used where traditional belt conveyors, magnetic conveyors or steel hinge belt conveyors are not practical because of space, layout, cost, part size or quick die change requirements.
What Is an Air Quake Pneumatic Shaker?
Air Quake is Storch’s pneumatically powered shaker module for controlled part and scrap movement. The shaker mounts below a properly designed tray or chute and creates a smooth, efficient conveying action without using a belt, chain or drive motor.
- Low-profile pneumatic drive module
- Designed for small parts, scrap, chips and light material
- Supports single tray or multiple tray configurations
- Useful in presses, machining cells, dies, hoppers and tight spaces
- Helps eliminate belt repair and belt tracking issues
- Tray change-out can support quicker die changes
Common Pneumatic Shaker Conveyor Applications
Air Quake shakers are often selected when the application needs compact movement of material over a short distance and a full conveyor is not the best fit.
- Stamping scrap handling
- Small stamped part removal
- Machining chip movement
- Controlled hopper feeding
- Short-distance parts transfer
- Bulk bin unloading assistance
- Part positioning or orientation
- Low-clearance or space-restricted areas
Why Use a Pneumatic Shaker Instead of a Traditional Conveyor?
No Belt to Maintain
Air Quake shakers move material through a tray or chute, helping avoid common belt maintenance items such as belt tracking, belt damage and belt replacement.
Compact Installation
The low-profile shaker module can fit into areas where a full conveyor frame, belt return, head pulley or drive package may be difficult to install.
Flexible Tray Design
Custom trays can be designed around the press, die, hopper, bin or machine layout, allowing the shaker system to fit the actual application.
Custom Tray and Chute Design
The Air Quake module is only part of the system. Tray weight, tray balance, support, overhang, part size and part condition all affect how well material moves.
Tray and chute designs can be built around the application, including straight trays, split trays, multi-tray layouts, collection chutes and machine-specific part paths.
- Tray size should stay within the selected model’s weight capacity.
- Overhanging trays should be properly balanced and supported.
- The shaker body should be mounted level.
- The tray can be angled when the design and support are suitable.
- Surface style and tray material should match the part, oil condition and flow requirement.
Air Quake Model Selection
Storch offers three Air Quake models: AQ25, AQ100 and AQ220. Model selection is based on the application weight requirement, tray design and material movement needed.
| Model | Mounting Bolt Size |
Air Inlet |
Maximum Tray Weight |
Maximum Parts Weight |
Height (inches) |
Length (inches) |
Width (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQ25 | M10 | 3/8" NPT | 6.4 lbs | 25 lbs | 2 | 7.9 | 4.9 |
| AQ100 | M10 | 1/4" NPT | 12.8 lbs | 100 lbs | 3.3 | 9.5 | 6.7 |
| AQ220 | M8 | 1/4" NPT | 44 lbs | 220 lbs | 4.2 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
Final selection should consider the full tray layout, part flow, balance, overhang, support and the actual material being moved.
Air Quake Features and Benefits
Features
- Pneumatically powered shaker module
- Low air volume operation
- Unique air valve design for smooth, efficient action
- Single or multiple tray capability using one Air Quake module when the application allows
- Adjustable stroke rate on the unit
Benefits
- Helps reduce costly belt repairs
- Supports quick tray change-out for die changes
- Works well in tight or low-clearance areas
- Can be designed around custom press, die, chute or bin layouts
Optional Universal Filter Regulator Lubricator Kit
The Universal Filter Regulator Lubricator kit, part number AQ-FRL-KIT, is available as an optional recommended accessory for Air Quake pneumatic shaker installations.
Kit Includes:
- (1) AQ25 fitting
- (1) AQ100/AQ220 fitting
- (1) FRL unit
- (1) 15 ft air hose
Operating and Installation Notes
Air Supply
Use clean, lubricated air. Recommended operating pressure is approximately 70 psi. Do not exceed 80 psi.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication helps protect the O-rings and maintain shaker performance. ISO VG 32 hydraulic oil is recommended.
Mounting
The Air Quake unit should be mounted level. The tray can be angled, but the shaker body itself should remain level.
Information Needed for an Air Quake Quote
To help select the correct Air Quake model and tray design, send as much of the following information as possible:
- Material or part being moved
- Part size and weight
- Tray size or available space
- Desired direction and distance of travel
- Application type, such as press, die, hopper, bin or machine area
- Oil, coolant, burrs or sharp edges on the material
- Photos, drawings or layout sketches when available
- Required model if already known
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Air Quake shakers typically last?
If balance is maintained, the air is clean and the O-rings are properly lubricated, these shakers can last 6 months or 10 million cycles before O-ring replacement is necessary.
What maintenance is required?
O-ring replacement is typically needed every 6 months or 10 million cycles. Clean air, proper lubrication and a balanced tray are important for long-term operation.
Can the speed of the shake be adjusted?
Yes. The unit will be set to the recommended strokes-per-minute setting, but the stroke rate is adjustable on the unit.
Does the Air Quake unit have to be level?
Yes. The shaker unit itself should be mounted level. The tray can be mounted at an angle when the tray is properly designed, balanced and supported.
Is there a limit to the size of the tray?
The tray size is limited by the maximum tray weight, the selected Air Quake model and the need to keep the tray balanced and supported, especially if it overhangs the unit.
When should I use a pneumatic shaker instead of a conveyor?
A pneumatic shaker is often a good choice when the part or scrap only needs to move a short distance, when space is limited or when a full belt, magnetic or steel hinge conveyor is not practical.
Do I need the FRL kit?
The FRL kit is optional, but it is recommended when the installation needs a convenient filter, regulator and lubricator setup for the Air Quake unit.