Parallel Tooling Style Fork Feeders

Fork feeders can also be built with orientation and return rails parallel to each other. In these systems, an extra device such as a drum or a riser is used to elevate parts from the return rail to the orientation rail. The orientation rail manipulates parts to deliver as many as possible in the correct orientation to the outfeed section at the end of the rail. The outfeed section includes full containment to allow for back pressure and create a buffer to maintain constant feed rate. The hopper delivers parts into the return tooling as needed, at which point the parts can start to move through the system.

Other features are as follows:

• miniature size
• machined tooling
• available for small-medium sized parts
• high-level sensor on linear tooling standard