Cam Indexing Systems

A circular movement of workpieces within a production or assembly line is made possible by the cam indexing systems, a sort of automation technology. Working on the indexing concept, it moves the workpiece from one station to the next in set angular increments or positions.

 

Widely utilized in several CNC machine tools, automated production lines, and industrial robots, cam indexing systems are a type of mechanical transmission mechanism with great precision and stability. Cam indexing systems comprise a number of elements, mostly camshaft, indexing device and control system.

Motors, gearboxes, clutches, brakes, connection plates, sensor switches, sensor cams, sensor brackets, timing pulleys, timing belt pulleys, torque limiters, VFDs and more.

The cam indexing system works with a specifically created cam profile interacting with a follower. By regulating the rotation or indexing action, this cam profile generates a start- and stop motion. The basic components and procedure involved are shown below.

Profile Cam

Usually formed in a barrel or globoidal form, the cam's profile is exactly designed to specify the particular movement and dwell times. The form of the cam determines the angle and timing of every index as it turns.

Mechanism for Following Leaders

The follower comes into touch with the surface of the cam. The follower is driven by the cam rotations, which also provide controlled movement. This movement is transferred to the output shaft producing either linear or intermittent rotation.

Shaft of Output and Drive

The design of the cam profile lets the output shaft spin exactly to a designated position and hold (dwell) before advancing to the next position. Task like pausing, processing, and indexing components at designated locations are made possible by this intermittent motion.

Housing and bearings

Inside a house with premium bearings, the cam and follower are surrounded to decrease friction, enable seamless operation, and prolong system lifetime.

Clarify application requirements

Indexing position: Determine the required number of workstations, that is, the number of Indexing positions of the cam Indexer in each movement.

Indexing angle: Determine the angle of each rotation based on the number of work positions and application requirements.

Input shaft speed: Understanding the speed of the input shaft is an important parameter for calculating the transmission ratio and the life of the Indexer.

Load conditions: Determine the load that needs to be borne, including factors such as load capacity, inertia, and friction.

Application scenario: Consider whether special requirements such as high temperature resistance, dust prevention, and waterproofing are needed.

Calculate the rotation time and dwell time

Indexing time: Determine the time required for the cam to move from one position to the next.

Stay time: Determine the time when the Indexer stops, that is, the time the product needs to stay in one position.

These times are closely related to the working rhythm of the entire system and should be matched with the process requirements.

Select cam curve

Select suitable curves according to application requirements, such as constant velocity motion curve, acceleration deceleration curve, etc., to ensure smooth indexing action, reduce impact, and extend equipment service life.

Determine output torque and inertia

Calculate the torque and load inertia on the output shaft and select the torque level of the Indexer according to the load requirements.

Ensure that the Indexer can withstand the inertia moment of the load to avoid vibration or deviation during equipment operation.

Choose the appropriate model and model

Based on the previously determined parameters, search for models that meet the requirements in the product catalog provided by the manufacturer.

Select the appropriate model and specifications based on the size, installation method, and output shaft requirements of the Indexer.

Consider special needs

If there are special requirements, such as high temperature resistance, dust prevention, waterproofing, etc., they should also be considered when selecting.

Customization requirements need to be communicated with the manufacturer to determine if they can meet special design needs.

Confirm the selection with the manufacturer

Communicate the preliminary selection plan with the manufacturer to confirm whether it meets the requirements and obtain technical support.

Fine tune the parameters according to the actual situation to ensure that the final selection meets the overall requirements of the equipment.

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