mG miniGears installed a furnace loading system in its powder metal department to avoid defects, especially for gears where small damage of the toothing can compromise the functionality of a component. According to the company's press release, miniGears applied lean manufacturing techniques to powder pressing with continuous flow to sintering furnaces. Two presses feed a palletized holding area at the entrance of a 24" belt furnace. Robots handle the compacted (green) parts in a fully automated production line, thereby avoiding any damage risk.