Executive Summary
The Walco VF Series is the workhorse of the mailing and packaging industry. Unlike standard feeders that rely on plastic components, Walco utilizes an all-steel drivetrain, including high-torque gear drive motors, steel drive pulleys, and sealed shaft locking collar bearings. This rugged construction ensures that the feeder maintains precision even under the stress of high-speed, heavy-material production. With tool-less adjustments and a modular design, the VF series integrates seamlessly into existing lines, feeding everything from jewel cases and perfect-bound books to heavy chipboard and bags.
Key Advantages
Uncompromising Drivetrain: Built with heavy-duty gear drive motors and steel pulleys to eliminate the slipping and wear common in lesser systems.
Extreme Material Versatility: High-friction feed belts and adjustable gates allow you to feed paper, corrugated, booklets, bags, and heavy chipboard with a single machine.
Sealed Bearings: Equipped with sealed shaft locking collar bearings for long-term reliability and minimal maintenance in dusty warehouse environments.
Precision Gapping: Tool-less, micro-adjust Shuttle Gate for fast, accurate setup when changing between thin documents and thick materials.
Model Scalability: Available in standard (20") and wide-format (29") versions, including specialized high-capacity autoloaders for continuous production.
Modular Integration: Easily integrates with inkjet bases, tabbers, and labellers, featuring variable speed control to match existing lines perfectly.
See the
Walco Systems VF Feeders
in action
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable friction feeder for heavy production?
The Walco VF series uses an all-steel drivetrain, high-torque gear motors, steel drive pulleys, and sealed bearings, where most feeders use plastic drive parts that wear and slip. It holds feeding precision on chipboard, perfect-bound books, and thick mailers run all day.
What is the difference between the Walco VF200, VF280, VF200AL, and 655VFT?
The VF200 is the standard 20 inch feeder. The VF280 widens to 29 inches for large format. The VF200AL adds an autoloader for non-stop runs. The 655VFT pairs the VF200 with an integrated vacuum transport for inline inkjet and labeling.
Can a friction feeder handle 1 inch thick booklets and chipboard?
Yes. All Walco VF models feed material up to 1.0 inch thick, with a tool-less shuttle gate for micro-adjusting the gap between thin and heavy stock and high-friction belts that grip poly bags and bound books.
What causes a feeder to double feed?
Worn feed belts, the wrong gate gap for the stock, static on coated pieces, and poorly fanned stacks, roughly in that order. Vacuum-assisted feeders like the Walco VF reduce misfeeds on hard stock; on an existing feeder it is usually a belt-and-setup service call, not a replacement.
Where can I see a Walco feeder running before I buy?
Mailtech is a factory-authorized Walco distributor with Walco feeders installed at mail and print shops across Long Island, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Call and we will arrange a visit to a running line or a demo on your own stock.
