Vending Machine Design

The basic design of an Antares vending machine begins with the cabinet, the steel outer shell that holds all the internal components which will determine the overall shape and size of the vending machine. Inside the cabinet is an inner steel lining called the tank which fits closely together with the cabinet leaving enough room in between for a layer of polyurethane foam insulation. The tank and foam insulation regulates internal temperatures and protects the products from exposure to extreme outside temperatures.

The outer surfaces of the cabinet are coated with acrylic powder finish. The coatings enable the Antares vending machines to withstand extreme external temperatures, salt or sand, abuse and other conditions.

Products are contained in the cabinet but stored within the tank. To dispense the products can feeder stack columns or feeder trays are stored in the machine. Each tray has a large rotating wire spiral that keeps the products in place. Feeder trays slide in and out of the Antares vending machine to allow restocking of the machine. They have motor controls that push out the products for their release.

Some vending machines especially cold drink machines like an Antares vending machines, have two doors. The internal door seals the inside of the machine and provides insulation. The outer door contains the electrical controls that allow the customer to purchase and receive products. The outer door includes heavy duty hasps, hinges and locks.

Coin and bill validators have been inserted in the Antares vending machines to ensure that the cash is genuine and of the proper amount. Change makers hold quantities of coins that are released the correct amount of change after a purchase has been made. Recent machines include credit and debit card validators.

Design changes occur when frequently in the mechanisms for handling and dispensing different types of products. For example when plastic soda bottles were first introduced in vending, they tended to jam the machine. Constant changes in product packaging have ensured that designers must always look for practical and efficient ways to vend products.