Quite often a part’s geometry, required feed rate and orientation make it practical to orient the part in an elevator unit. Parts up to 10” in diameter can be oriented in this type of system using magnetic, cleated steel chain or cleated belting to transfer parts to the orientation tooling. Orientation tooling sections are gravity, vibratory or conveyor driven.

Benefits of this method of parts handling include: less floor space required, less frequent intervention by the material handler and possibly less cost as there is no need for the vibratory or rotary feed system. Plastic containers, lighter forgings, stampings and machined parts are suitable for elevator orienting.