Company

Building the best and most innovative feeding systems for our customers has motivated us for over 50 years. Our engineers know the specific requirements of all industries from many reference deliveries. Our feeding systems are used in the sterile and clean room area of the pharmaceutical industry as well as under the tough requirements of the metal processing industry. Our high-performance feeding systems with piece sizes of up to 2,000 parts per minute, which are used in the automotive and electrical industries, for example, give you a decisive competitive advantage. You will find our products wherever workpieces have to be supplied to an assembly process in the correct position.

From engineering to commissioning, we supply automation and feeding systems based on all known drive components - from bowl feeder to step feeder and centrifugal feeder. We supply a complete range of powerful drives and controls as well as accessories of recognised high quality and functionality, including for tasks with special performance requirements.

Corporate vision

We want to remain the trustworthy and competitive partner for our customers in the field of feeding technology, which convinces with innovative and high-quality products and solutions for automation and thus continue to maintain and expand our market leadership – today and in the future.

Corporate mission statement

As the market leader in the field of feeding technology, we supply the most reliable, high-performance and high-quality feeding systems and components for automation to all industries. The focus is on innovative overall solutions that convince through quality and high standards. The innovative products developed by our employees should inspire and motivate people in their daily work. We see our customers as partners to whom we create a competitive advantage through our products and solutions. In doing so, we have a consistent, pronounced customer orientation in all areas - from sales to production. With our feeding systems, we ensure our customers' production in automation and can feed even the most difficult workpieces. Our employees are our most valuable asset and play an essential role in the development of innovative products and solutions. We encourage the skills and initiative of our employees and always treat each other with respect and appreciation. In our daily cooperation, we support and complement each other while adopting a solution-oriented attitude. We offer our employees a secure and attractive workplace in a modern environment. We are jointly responsible for achieving the goals and thus ensure the future success of the company and all those involved.

From 1898 to today – a long time! For RNA, your reliable partner for all solutions in feeding technology, motivation enough to remain your first contact for many more years.

1898

"Rheinische Nadelfabriken AG" is founded in Aachen. Production and distribution of sewing needles, pins and lapel pins as well as household sewing machine needles

1911 – 1939

Expansion of the company to 14 divisions (various types of needles, slide fasteners, motorbike rings, hair clippers, packaging tapes etc.).

1945

Name change to "Rheinische Nadelfabriken GmbH".

1955

Takeover & reorganisation of the company by the brothers Horst and Herbert Pavel, followed by the acquisition of new holdings.

1968

The department for production equipment and mechanical engineering, which had previously only been active internally, now trades as "Rheinnadel Maschinenbau" and from then on also works for external customers.

1972

Klaus Pavel, son of the company founder, joins the company. "Rheinnadel Maschinenbau" becomes "Rhein-Nadel Automation GmbH" (RNA) and concentrates exclusively on the area of feeding technology.

1980-1989

RNA expands: Founding of the manufacturing plants in Ergolding and Lüdenscheid as well as subsidiaries in Switzerland and the UK.

1990-1999

The company continues to grow: Acquisition of the Spanish company Vibrant S.A.

2000

With "RNA Automated Systems Inc." the first subsidiary outside Europe starts its business activities in Canada.

2004

The RNA Group concentrates its activities on the field of automation. RNA expands the range of components and further expands its development capacities.

2004-2009

Development of new markets in North America, East Asia and Eastern Europe.

2011

RNA expands and founds the subsidiary PSA in Schwäbisch Hall. The competences in the area of pharmaceutical designs for clean room applications are bundled there.

2013

RNA expands and founds the subsidiary PSA in Schwäbisch Hall. The competences in the area of pharmaceutical designs for clean room applications are bundled there.

2014

Change of the company logo and rebranding of RNA

2015

RNA is the first company in the feeding technology sector to take advantage of 3D printing and starts printing the first parts, such as baffles, for production. Shortly afterwards, the first bowl feeders are printed in their entirety.

2017

Expansion of the company premises in Aachen with the construction of a new main building and a new production hall.

2018

RNA acquires Nexolink Solutions AG and starts marketing its own IoT platform. With the help of the IoT ConnectBox, RNA is further advancing digitalisation / Industry 4.0 and offers, among other things, Predictive Maintenance solutions.

2019

RNA takes over Räuchle Automatisation and establishes a third external plant in Remchingen.

2020

RNA takes over the Munich start-up Hofmann & Stirner Zuführsysteme GmbH and secures know-how in the field of digital feeding technology, AI and simulation.

2022

RNA celebrates ist 50th anniversary and is honored as one of Germanys best 100 family businesses.

2023

RNA is honored as one of 50 Germanys best industrial companies.

2024

digitalPIONEER award for the Aachen region.

2025

Foundation of the subsidiary FSA Zuführtechnik GmbH in Amberg.

2026

Foundation of the subsidiary MetalAix GmbH in Aachen.

History

FAQ

What is feeding systems technology, and why is it essential?

Feeding systems technology ensures that parts are sorted and provided in the correct orientation. It forms the foundation for efficient, automated production processes. Feeding systems technology is a key element of industrial automation, and no fully automated assembly line can operate without it.

How does a vibratory feeder work?

A vibratory feeder uses mechanical vibrations and the micro-throw principle to transport components. At the same time, sorting features are used to sort and orient the parts. This ensures that they can be transferred in the correct orientation at the end of the process.

Which feeding system is best suited for my application?

The selection depends on the shape, size, weight, and quantity of the parts. Requirements such as flexibility and cycle time also play a role. Therefore, a detailed component analysis is essential.

What throughput and orientation levels can be achieved?

The achievable degree of orientation ranges from unsorted to precisely oriented. This depends on the feeding system and the part geometry.

Can different parts be handled flexibly?

Yes, RNA feeding systems can process multiple part types. Digital feeding solutions, in particular, enable fast changeovers. However, the complexity increases as the number of variants grows.

Are there integration options for existing production lines?

Feeding systems can be integrated into existing production lines. Interfaces to robots, sensors, and control systems are standardized. Early planning significantly simplifies integration.

What challenges arise when handling small components?

Small parts are difficult to handle and tend to jam. Precise guidance and customized sorting elements are essential. Vibratory devices or vision-based solutions often help achieve reliable feeding.

What challenges are associated with heavy components?

Heavy parts require robust conveying technology and stable system designs. Wear is generally higher than with lightweight parts. Special drive systems ensure reliable transportation.

What challenges should I expect with large components?

Large parts require considerable space and stable handling systems. Their weight and volume make singulation more challenging. Customized solutions are often necessary.

What challenges need to be considered when feeding sticky components?

Sticky parts tend to adhere to one another or to surfaces. This makes sorting significantly more difficult. Special coatings or alternative conveying principles can help feed the components reliably.

What are the differences between the RNA system types?

Conventional systems, such as BaseType, are robust and proven solutions featuring handcrafted tooling, but they offer less flexibility.

Digital systems, such as FlexType, are CAD-designed and provide greater adaptability through simulation and reproducibility.

Cost-efficient systems, such as EcoType, focus on simple applications and low investment costs.

How does component geometry affect the feeding process?

Symmetry, center of gravity, and surface characteristics have a significant impact on feedability. Complex geometries often require specialized sorting elements. Good component design greatly simplifies the feeding process.

Which hopper should I use?

Belt hoppers are robust and suitable for large quantities. Vibratory hoppers provide more consistent dosing. The choice depends on the specific component.

What role do control units play?

Control units optimize the frequency and amplitude of the system. This ensures stable conveying performance. Modern systems also enable remote monitoring.

What are the special requirements for feeding systems in the automotive industry?

High cycle rates and reliability are essential in this sector. Systems must be robust and low-maintenance. The primary focus is on mass production.

Are there specific requirements for feeding systems in medical technology?

Cleanliness and precision are top priorities. Systems often need to be validated and easy to clean.

Feeding systems for the food industry: what should I consider?

Sensitive products place high demands on hygiene and material selection. The feeding system must handle products gently. Ease of cleaning is critical.

have an inquiry from the electrical industry. Which feeding solution is the best choice?

Small and delicate parts are the primary focus. High precision and speed are required. ESD protection is often necessary.

What special requirements apply to feeding systems in the cosmetics industry?

A wide variety of products must be handled flexibly. Component design and surface characteristics vary significantly. Flexibility is critical.

I have a component from the consumer goods sector. What do I need to consider?

Speed and efficiency are the key priorities here. Large quantities must be processed reliably. Cost efficiency is essential.

What difficulties can occur when feeding screws and other fastening components, and how can they be solved?

Oily or heavy components present special challenges. They tend to stick together or behave unpredictably. Specialized feeding solutions are required.

Can feeding systems technology help reduce costs?

Automation reduces labor requirements and minimizes error rates. Processes become more stable and faster. As a result, production costs are reduced over the long term.

How can I avoid downtime in my production line?

Regular maintenance and proper system design are essential. Clean part feeding also contributes significantly. Early detection of potential issues helps prevent downtime.

Is reproducibility important in series production?

Reproducible feeding systems deliver consistent results over extended periods. This is essential for mass production. Variations are minimized.

What role does maintenance play?

Maintenance ensures system availability. Wear parts must be inspected regularly. This helps prevent unexpected downtime.

Is remote maintenance useful and feasible?

Remote maintenance enables rapid fault analysis. Technicians can resolve issues without being on site. This saves both time and costs.

What is the RNA Check-Up Service?

Regular inspections extend the service life of the system. Potential weak points are identified at an early stage. This increases operational reliability.

Can I get spare parts within 24 hours?

Fast availability minimizes downtime. Critical components can be delivered at short notice. This is essential for production. System-specific spare parts that require custom machining may require longer lead times.

What are the most common mistakes when integrating feeding systems?

Interfaces are often underestimated during project planning. Incorrect sizing can also lead to problems. Proper planning helps avoid these mistakes.

Is it worthwhile to optimize existing systems?

Performance can be improved by adjusting parameters or components. In many cases, minor modifications to the feeder bowl are sufficient. Measurement-based analysis is the first step.

Repair or replacement: when does each option make sense?

Repair is worthwhile when wear is moderate. For outdated technology, a new system may be the better option. Economic efficiency should always be the key consideration.

Is there a checklist for selecting the right feeding system?

Important criteria include the component, required performance, flexibility, and budget. Integration and maintenance requirements should also be considered. A structured evaluation supports the decision-making process.

AI in feeding systems technology: what are the benefits?

Artificial intelligence is used to automatically analyze and compare CAD data of components. This allows suitable feeding solutions to be identified or optimized much faster.

What is a digital twin?

Simulations make it possible to optimize systems before commissioning. Errors can be detected at an early stage. This saves time and costs during the project. Component modifications can be implemented quickly and easily. We create a digital twin of the system or sorting process and can test the feeding solution before manufacturing to verify that the sorting process functions reliably.

What does DigitalMotion, or cloud-based tuning, mean?

Drive systems can be adjusted via cloud-based platforms. Parameters can be optimized flexibly. This improves performance and reduces setup effort in the workshop.

Can I identify the right feeding solution using the CAD model of my part?

Design for Feeding considers feedability already at the quotation stage. Tools such as the RNA SolutionFinder support the selection process. This saves development time.

Why is simulation beneficial?

Simulation reduces the need for physical testing on the shop floor. Potential errors are detected and avoided early. This accelerates implementation.

How do I choose the right bowl feeder?

The choice of the right feeding bowl depends on the geometry of the workpiece and the requirements of the application. The size, shape, and material of the workpiece are key factors. Customized design is essential.