Pins, terminals, seals and latches kept away from damaging pressure points.
Application · electronics & connectors
Control small components without compromising contacts or housings.
Present connector bodies and precision mouldings with stable orientation, protected functional features and sensor technology suited to the material.
Application inputPart · orientation · rate · interface
Small, dark, translucent or reflective parts reviewed with the sensor arrangement.
Access and contact materials selected for the operating environment.
Precision components
A / 01Small scale magnifies clearance, static and sensing issues.
Connector housings and electronic components may be light, asymmetric and difficult to detect consistently. Track and cover clearances must control rotation without trapping moulding flash or damaging exposed features.
If electrostatic discharge control, particulate limits or special cleaning are required, these conditions should be included in the initial specification and overall process design.
Supply production samples in every colour, resin and surface finish because sensor and conveying behaviour can change.
Design review
What the sample trial should reveal.
Stable datum
Whether the body has enough supported geometry to maintain the required rotational condition.
Feature protection
How contacts, pins, clips and seals behave under vibration and queue pressure.
Reliable sensing
Whether the chosen sensor method detects all colours, finishes and orientations.
Separation
Whether cavities, latches or pins cause components to nest or interlock in the track.
Downstream interface
Present a component the assembly tool can trust.
The pick or insertion datum, permitted movement and release timing should be agreed with the machine builder. A part-present signal alone may not prove correct orientation or complete seating.
- Final rotational and vertical datum
- Pin or contact clearance during release
- Orientation or feature verification
- Robot or insertion-tool approach envelope
- Static and cleanliness requirements
- No-part, double-part and wrong-orientation recovery
Common questions
Linear feeder questions, answered.
Practical guidance for an early project review. Final design and performance are confirmed against the actual application.
01Can very small connectors be fed on a linear track?+
Potentially. The practical limit depends on geometry, stability, required rate, sensing and the final pick or insertion condition. Representative trials are essential.
02How are pins and terminals protected?+
Track support and escapement contact are positioned away from vulnerable features wherever possible, and queue pressure is controlled. The agreed acceptance test should include feature-damage inspection.
03Can dark or translucent parts be sensed reliably?+
Suitable sensor and lighting methods may be available, but detection should be tested across all production colours, finishes and orientations in the expected environment.
Start with the component
Need a stable path to the next machine?
Send a part photo or drawing, the required orientation and sustainable rate. We will help define the right linear feeding approach.
Request an application review