Cam Indexer Was Delivered to Indian Clients

What is a cam indexer?

A cam indexer is a mechanical indexing device that converts continuous rotary input motion into precise intermittent rotary output motion through a hardened, ground cam profile engaging roller-equipped turret followers. The input shaft rotates continuously while the output dial plate locks and unlocks in defined dwell and motion segments — typically expressed as a ratio such as 270° dwell / 90° index. Cam profiles follow modified sine or modified trapezoidal curves to minimize acceleration shock. 

The difference and application between cam indexer and hollow rotating platform: 

Both cam indexer and hollow rotating platform can achieve intermittent motion.

The intermittent mode of moving and stopping is currently a common practice in the automation industry. In the non-standard machinery industry, it is typically used to convert continuously supplied raw materials into walking and stopping modes for production, processing, or installation of materials. This mode is commonly referred to as intermittent motion mechanism.

The most common automatic tools in intermittent motion mode are cam dividers or hollow rotating platforms. The basic principle for selecting a cam indexer is that the motor rotates continuously to promote the continuous movement of the camshaft. The camshaft is converted into the rotation of a single roller on a CNC punch through continuous operation. When each roller rotates to the next roller, it will end for a period of time. This is a cam indexer.

The hollow rotating platform is a new product that can replace the splitter.

It is used in various rotating sports situations. This is a beginner product for rotary motion mechanisms. To achieve a balance between the two. The repeated positioning accuracy is very high, ≤ 5 seconds. The motor is easy to equip and has stable load. It can be segmented at any angle using AC servo motors or stepper motors, which not only meets the digital control that cannot be achieved by the splitter, but also comparable to DD motors.

The cam indexer should specify the total number of rollers on the upper side of the NC punch based on your design scheme, number of working positions, stop time, and angle. If we have eight processes, there are eight balls on the upper side of the CNC punching machine. The tugboat moves one roller per week. The indexer also has several main parameters, such as size, installation method, and driving angle.

The hollow rotating platform completes intermittent motion under the reciprocating propulsion of AC servo motors and turntable bearings. This type of movement is mainly accomplished through an electric motor. Most of them cannot be called gap motion mechanisms, but they can also perform intermittent motion functions. If the number of workstations needs to be increased or decreased, most of them will use this type of Cam Indexer, such as AC servo motors, direct drive motors, deceleration platforms, etc., because they can basically control the number of jobs and driving angles through motors.

FAQs about cam indexer

1. How does a cam indexer produce intermittent motion?
   The input cam profile engages and disengages turret rollers during each shaft revolution. The geometry divides each cycle into a motion segment and a dwell segment. During dwell, the cam positively locks the output — no brake or detent needed.
2. What does dwell-to-index ratio mean?
   The ratio describes how much of each input shaft revolution the output spends stationary versus moving. A 270°/90° ratio means the output dwells for 270° of input rotation and indexes for 90°. Higher dwell ratios allow longer work station processing time.
3. What cam curve profiles do indexers use?
   Modified sine and modified trapezoidal curves are most common. Modified sine minimizes peak acceleration at high speeds. Modified trapezoidal delivers higher torque capacity at moderate speeds. Manufacturers select the profile based on speed, load, and shock tolerance requirements.
4. What is the difference between a cam indexer and a Geneva mechanism?
   A Geneva mechanism uses a pin-and-slot drive producing abrupt velocity changes, limiting speed and causing shock. A cam indexer uses a smooth engineered cam profile, allowing significantly higher cycle rates, lower vibration, longer service life, and better repeatability.
5. How many stations can a cam indexer drive?
   Standard cam indexers handle 2 to 24 output stations. The number of turret rollers equals the station count. Custom units exceed 24 stations for specialized dial transfer applications. Station count selection affects index angle, dwell ratio, and available torque.

You are welcome to watch more projects or visit our website to check other series or load down e-catalogues for further technical data. 

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