6 Stations Cam Indexer
6 Stations Cam Indexer

6 Stations Cam Indexer

There are six equally spaced workstations in the 6 station cam indexer. Every movement of the output shaft stops exactly six times. Six rotations by the input shaft guarantees synchronisation. Every turn of the output shaft moves from point A to point B covering a 60-degree angle to run one workstation. Often found in automated rotary table machines, the 6-station cam indexer provides dependable performance and effective running speed.
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Hansheng Automation (Dongguan) Co., Ltd. is one of the most experienced manufacturers and suppliers of 6 stations cam indexer in China. If you're going to wholesale bulk cost-effective 6 stations cam indexer made in China, welcome to get pricelist and quotation from our factory. Also, customized service and OEM&ODM service are available.

 

Are equipment manufacturers concerned about high precision and high costs? Are end-user factories concerned about the huge investment required for equipment upgrades? We redefine cost-effectiveness with our comprehensive manufacturing capabilities. Our standard ±30 arc-second Cam Indexing Systems meet the basic needs of tobacco packaging machines, while customized ±15 arc-second versions address high-end applications. Our P2-class Planetary Gear Drives balance precision and cost, while our P0-class ultra-precision versions push the boundaries of technology. Combined with our 3800mm ultra-large precision castings (±1mm free tolerance/±0.03mm specified tolerance), we reduce the cost of large components. Our comprehensive FA parts supply chain minimizes downtime and makes precision affordable.

 

What is a 6 Stations Cam Indexer

 

There are six equally spaced workstations in the 6 stations cam indexer. Every movement of the output shaft stops exactly six times. Six rotations by the input shaft guarantees synchronisation. Every turn of the output shaft moves from point A to point B covering a 60-degree angle to run one workstation. Widely used in automated rotary table machines, the 6-station cam indexer provides dependable performance and effective running speed.

 

It runs using a conjugate cam on the output and input shaft. Crucially important is the indexing disk, which has vertically meshed without clearance and homogeneous distribution of needle roller bearings.

 

Keeping the straight-line section immobile, the cam profile surface of the 6 stations cam indexing table produces rotational movement as it interacts with the needle roller bearings on the indexing disk. This system guarantees exact placement and self-locking ability.

 

Why Choose 6 Stations & Technical Calculations

 

Choosing a 6-station configuration (6 stops) offers a practical balance between mechanical cycle efficiency and process complexity. It allows you to distribute your automation workflow into up to 5 processing steps and 1 loading/unloading step.

 

1. Angular Allocation (Output Indexing Angle)

 

For a 6-station indexer, the output flange rotates 60 degrees per index:
Output Indexing Angle = 360 degrees / Number of Stations = 360 degrees / 6 = 60 degrees


This means each input shaft revolution drives the output rotary table to rotate exactly 60 degrees, then locks it mechanically in place during the dwell phase.

 

Angular Allocation

 

2. Indexing Time and Dwell-to-Motion Ratio Calculation

 

The cycle of a cam indexer consists of Motion Time (tm) and Dwell Time (ts). This ratio is determined by the Drive Angle (theta) of the internal globoidal cam (commonly 120, 180, or 270 degrees).

 

Formula for Motion Time (tm):
tm = (Drive Angle / 360) * (60 / N)

Formula for Motion Time


Formula for Dwell Time (ts):
ts = ((360 - Drive Angle) / 360) * (60 / N)
(Where N is the input shaft speed in RPM)

Formula for Dwell Time

 

Example Calculation:
If you select a 6-station cam indexer with a 180-degree drive angle (a 1:1 motion-to-dwell ratio) and run the input shaft at 60 RPM (1 second per revolution):


Motion Time (tm): (180 / 360) * (60 / 60) = 0.5 seconds
(The table takes 0.5 seconds to rotate 60 degrees)


Dwell Time (ts): ((360 - 180) / 360) * (60 / 60) = 0.5 seconds
(The table stops for 0.5 seconds to let the tooling perform its task)

 

Vedio Show

 

 

 

DF Series Model Recommendation for 6-Station Applications

 

Our DF (Flange Output) Series is highly recommended for 6-station rotary indexing tables because the heavy-duty flange design directly accepts dial tables, gears, or sprockets with excellent rigidity and zero-backlash.

 

If you need other models such as DA and DT or need help calculating the exact torque and inertia for your 6-station setup? Contact our engineering team for free custom calculations and CAD model downloads.

 

Model Recommended Dial Table Diameter Typical Applications & Load Capacity
45DF / 60DF / 70DF

300 mm

Micro & Light-Duty Automation: Best for high-speed, light-load applications such as electronic component assembly, medical device testing, and cosmetic packaging.
80DF / 110DF 300 mm – 600 mm Medium-Duty Industrial Lines: The most popular sizes for standard rotary dial tables, automatic screwdriving stations, food packaging, and multi-sensor inspection equipment.
140DF / 180DF 600 mm – 1000 mm Heavy-Duty Assembly: Engineered to handle larger plates, heavier fixtures, and high-impact operations like riveting, welding nests, and bottle-filling manifolds.
250DF > 1000 mm Extra Heavy-Duty Operations: Suited for massive rotary automation structures, multi-robot welding stations, and heavy machinery handling large automotive or structural steel parts.

 

product-704-631

 

 

Typical Applications of 6-Station Cam Indexers

 

A 6-station rotary cam indexer is the most common workstation situation for our customers. Common applications include:

6-Station Automatic Assembly Machines

Allows sequential operations such as feeding, positioning, press-fitting, screwdriving, visual inspection, and unloading at dedicated stations.

01

Multi-functional Inspection & Testing Equipment

Ideal for rotary inspection tables where sensors, laser scanners, or cameras test parts (e.g., electronic components, medical devices) at successive stations.

02

Automatic Packaging and Bottling Lines

Perfectly coordinates filling, capping, labeling, and batching processes with precise dwell times for zero-spill operation.

03

Dedicated Welding Workstations

Enables safe loading/unloading by human operators or robots at one station while welding processes (such as ultrasonic or spot welding) occur simultaneously at other stations.

04

Automotive & Hardware Parts Processing

Drives rotary indexing tables for tapping, riveting, and light metal-forming operations.

05

 

 

 

 

Processes and Materials

 

Usually using process techniques like CNC machining, heat treatment and precision assembly, the manufacturing process of 6 stations globoidal cam indexers concentrates on great accuracy and durability. The main parts are cams and indexing discs; to guarantee their curve correctness, the cams are molded using exact CNC turning and milling techniques. The design and manufacturing of the cam determines the motion accuracy of the indexer mostly, so it needs rigorous quality control.

 

Regarding materials, cams are quenched and tempered to increase their hardness and wear resistance and extend their service life from high-strength alloy steel, such as 42CrMo or high-carbon steel. To guarantee the stability and precision of the device in long-term operation, other important components such the indexing disk are sometimes composed of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, such premium bearing steel or stainless steel.

 

Product Use and Maintenance

 

Firm installation of the cam indexer on a level surface guarantees that the levelness satisfies the criteria to prevent vibration and needless wear during operation. To reduce deviations, guarantee correct alignment with output devices and drives.

 

Periodically examine the state of the grease or lubrication. It is advised to fill with a suitable oil and replenish it sometimes before first usage. Usually, the first oil change comes following 500 hours of running and every two thousand hours later.

 

Operating environment: Make sure the indexer runs in a clean surroundings, so avoiding dust, trash or corrosive compounds from contacting the device and so preventing damage to internal parts or a reduction in its accuracy. Extreme temperature environments should be avoided; the temperature should be maintained between -10°C and 80°C.

 

Every 1000 hours of operation, the cam indexer should be carefully examined including testing the wear and tear of the transmission components, verifying the tightness of the fixing bolts, etc., so guaranteeing stable operation of the equipment.

 

Overloading is absolutely forbidden in order to prevent damage to internal components resulting from it. To guarantee that the load situation is within the equipment's intended range, routinely check it during running.

 

Based on frequency of usage, create a fair maintenance program; particularly in the demanding working environment, the maintenance frequency should be raised properly.

 

FAQ

Q: How accurate is the positioning of the 6-station cam indexer?

A: The indexing device has great positioning accuracy, with a repeatability error of ≤±30 arc seconds. This makes sure that all six workstations are perfectly aligned. It is very useful for situations that need a lot of accuracy, such automated assembly and precise packing.

Q: Can we change more than six workstations?

A: Yes. The base version includes 6 stations, but you may change it to 4, 8, or 12 stations depending on how much torque and speed you need. You can get in touch with our technical staff for a solution that is made just for you.

Q: What kinds of businesses can use this 6-position indexer?

A: It is commonly utilized in many different situations, such as making automobile parts, packing food (labeling and sealing), and assembling PCB boards. It is especially useful for jobs that need to be done with rigorous accuracy and occasional rotation between workstations.

Q: How do you take care of it to make it last longer?

A: Put high-temperature lubricating grease (NLGI grade 2) on the contact region between the cam and roller every 500 hours.
Every month, clean the debris off the flange and input shaft to keep anything from getting stuck;
Do not go over the rated torque load (see the specification sheet for details).

Q: What is the difference between an indexer with six stations and one with eight?

A: The 6-station design has a wider space between stations, which is better for big workpieces, and a higher indexing speed. The 8-station design is better for small, high-frequency tasks like putting together small parts.

Q: Does it need a certain type of motor drive?

A: Works with ordinary servo motors (500–1500W) and stepper motors. The best input speed is between 100 and 300 RPM. We offer motor mounting adapters to make integration easier.

Q: How long should it last under usual use?

A: With regular upkeep, it can run for more than 10,000 hours straight, which is the same as 3 to 5 years of normal two-shift work.

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