Vending machines are becoming very popular these days because of the convenience they offer. Whether they dispense snacks, food, beverages, recreational items like cigarettes, and even toys, they can give people what they want without the need for human supervision.
These machines are considered a good investment and to get the most of your money, getting to know the parts of a vending machine can help. The quality of the vending machine parts is an essential factor in determining how reliable and sturdy the machine is. Vending machines have intricate systems that allow them to function with each part serving a purpose.
A Closer Look
With high-quality parts assembled well, a vending machine can perform longer than the usual. To better understand how a vending machine works and what quality parts are, then read on.
A vending machine is manufactured from galvanized steel, plastic, such as Lexan, acrylic powder coatings, and polyurethane insulation. These materials also make up for the different parts that form the inside of a vending machine.
Galvanized steel is used for the bulk of the machine. Its thickness ranges from 10 to 22 gauge, with the thicker gauges for the internal tank and external doors. The thinner gauges, on the other hand, are used for the interior doors and plates, can stacks, and coin validators and product trays mechanisms.
Manufacturers use galvanized steel so that the machine would not rust easily. Galvanized steel is known for its protective coating of zinc.
A vending machine needs protection from rusting because rust reduces the material’s mass. When this machine becomes rusty, it may not sustain its structure and its lifespan is reduced.
Acrylic powder coatings are used to paint the vending machines. These coatings are known for their outstanding smoothness and resistance to weather and chemicals. The powder is applied uniformly throughout its surface, then baked during the manufacturing process.
For the insulation of the vending machine’s internal structure, polyurethane foam is used due to its rigidness. It is necessary to insulate the vending machine so that it can maintain its optimal temperature and to avoid the machine being destroyed due to extreme temperatures.
Polyurethane foam is used as insulation in many other applications such as houses and vending machines. The tough and rigid foam is usually situated between the outer cabinet and the vending machine’s internal tank. The foam also helps in sustaining structural stability to both the exterior cabinet and the tank.
Parts and Functions
Vending machines distribute goods to people without the need for human supervision, and as such, proper and accurate payment is put into consideration when designing one.
The bill acceptor is the primary tool that generates income for the vending machine, so you need to install it correctly. In its fundamental definition, bill acceptors receive paper currency and validate them as acceptable currency.
The bill is inserted into a slot of the vending machine, typically called the bezel, and the bill acceptor pulls the bill and scans the validity of the currency. It then sends a corresponding input/output signal to its output connector for transaction recording. If installed correctly, the process usually takes 2 to 3 seconds.
After validation, the bill is stacked in a bill cassette or a cash box so that it can be easily removed from the vending machine by its operator.
Trays or racks are the holders of the products that are to be sold by the vending machine. It is in clear view from the front behind the installed plastic. These parts display the products that consumers can buy.
There are many different types of trays for small candies, snacks, beverages, and more. That’s why it is imperative to consider your products for sale.
Cleaning cards are materials that mimic the shape of the bill. It effectively cleans the insides of the bill acceptor without the need of dismantling the machine.
The cleaning cards will clean the components that will touch the bill acceptors. These cards usually have the aspects of wipes or sponges that can clean off debris that has been inside the slots during the vending machine’s usage.
Several vending machines have adapted to the modern era of payment through credit cards. That is made possible thanks to credit relays. Credit relays can read the information on the credit cards properly and take the right amount needed for the product to be bought. With this mechanism, many consumers can worry less about not having paper bills on hand.
While vending machines accept paper bills, they can also be installed with coin mechanisms that can disburse and accept coins. In many cases, products are not always bought by single paper currency and thus need coins to pay the exact amount or give the change for the amount bought.
Coin mechanisms use various parts like electromagnets and light sensors to detect the size of the coin.
Refrigeration decks are components of the vending machine that refrigerate the products to keep them at their optimal temperature, usually applicable to products such as beverages like sodas.
Refrigeration decks keep the products fresh. If properly installed, the structure of the vending machine can keep the refrigeration enclosed only in the products, ensuring the internal components are not damaged.
Vend motors are for the coils on the trays of the vending machine. They push the item off the tray once the consumer has selected and paid for the product. These components vary in sizes. So, when installing vend motors, it is necessary to consider the products you are to selling.
Most vending machine manufacturers install vending machine locks to avoid burglary and vandalism.
These vending locks ensure consumers buy the products instead of taking them away for free. They keep the vending machines locked tight without anyone stealing the products or the money inside.
Control boards for the vending machine are used for many different applications. They are one of the most vital parts of the machine itself.
The control board manages the entire machine. It ensures that the vending machine is connected to its servers for transactional records. It monitors the status of the vending machine, organising the correct security access, and signalling unauthorized access to the vending machine.
The control boards are usually installed with the necessary software needed for it to function.
Looking for Vending Machine Parts?
Do you require spare vending machine parts? Whether you need repairs or new parts, know that TCN Vending Australia has a fully equipped technical service centre and a dedicated spare parts department.
To know more about our services, get in touch with us! Call us now at 1800 959 910.
