Abstract: A method for maintaining orientation of a part during manufacturing includes feeding a carrier a supply apparatus. The carrier includes a flexible material and supports a plurality of manufactured parts and includes indexing parts and the supply apparatus stores the carrier. The method includes feeding the carrier into a part forming module to form a manufactured part, forming a plurality of manufactured parts onto the carrier and determining a position of the carrier by sensing the indexing marks. The carrier includes a plurality of parts formed onto the carrier and each manufactured part is connected to the carrier with connectors that hold the part from the carrier. The width of the connector less than or equal to the connector at a connection point to the carrier. Each part maintains orientation with respect to the carrier where the part is formed and maintains orientation during a subsequent operation.
Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining orientation of a manufactured part during a manufacturing process. The apparatus, system, and method include uncoiling a carrier from at least one supply reel and feeding the carrier into a manufacturing machine used by a manufacturing process to form a manufactured part. The apparatus, system, and method include forming the manufactured part onto at least one prong protruding from the carrier. The at least one prong and the carrier maintain orientation of the manufactured part with respect to the carrier.