How do you prevent 'Ring Tangling' in high-volume production lines using spiral retaining rings?

Because spiral rings consist of multiple turns, they have a tendency to 'nest' or 'interlock' when stored in bulk. This causes major delays in automated assembly lines. To prevent this, manufacturers supply rings on 'shrink-wrapped' mandrels or 'stacked' in tubes. For smaller rings, 'oil-dipping' can sometimes create enough surface tension to keep them separated, but 'mechanical separation' (orienting the rings on a vibro-bowl) is the most reliable method. Designers should also avoid specify 'loose-fit' rings for automated lines, as the gap between turns is the primary entry point for tangling.