Indexing Drives For Automation

There are many applications in automation calling for repetitive rotary indexing. Some examples:

• star wheels
• conveyors
• escapements
• parts positioning for labeling, machining, inspection, etc.
• dispensing

There are at least three types of indexing drives that the engineer can choose between for these applications:

• Mechanical cam based drive
• Electrical servo based drive conveyors
• Pneumatic indexing drive

Cam Drives

Cam drives have been used for many years and are capable of good accuracy and dynamic control, high speed, and heavy loads. They are typically driven by a gearmotor, with one revolution of the input for each incremental motion of the output. They are best suited for continuous indexing which does not require the motor to be started and stopped for each cycle.

Servo Based Indexing Drives

A servo based indexing drive for such an application will include a servomotor with or without a gearbox, an encoder for position feedback, a motion controller, and an amplifier. Some of these components may be combined into integrated packages. There is normally a system controller overseeing the motion control, including human interface.

Pneumatic Indexing Drives          See Our Indexers!

Pneumatic indexing drives, such as our indexing actuators, are simple, mechanical components capable of repetitive rotary indexing with no accumulating error. They are based on rack-and-pinion rotary actuators with the addition of one-way roller clutches and a ratchet and pawl system for stopping and registration. The motion is initiated by a directional control valve, so they are well suited to flexible automation where the index must occur on demand. They are robust and durable, but cannot match the controlled motion characteristics of the servo or cam drives.

Energy Consumption

The relative amount of energy these drives consume will depend on the duty cycle of the application. Cam and servo drives are both quite efficient but differ in that the servo uses full power to hold the load in place whereas the cam drive uses power only when driving the load. A pneumatic indexer uses compressed air, which is less efficient than an electric motor drive, but also uses no power when in the locked condition. So, if the duty cycle includes a high percentage of dwell time, the advantage shifts toward the cam and pneumatic systems.

If you have any questions for our engineers regarding our indexing actuators, call us at 386-676-6377 or CONTACT US to discuss your specific requirements. 

X22 Indexing Actuator

Overview

The X22 indexing actuator has a precision ground shaft that delivers 73 inch pounds of torque at a max psi of 75 psi. This unique device indexes with high accuracy and no accumulating error. It is ideal for use in relatively small index tables, conveyors, or to consistently position parts evenly for multiple simultaneous operations.

Specifications:

• 2-Position Rotary Actuator
• Bore Size = 1"
• Standard Rotations = From 12 (30 steps/rev.) to 360 (1 step/rev.)
• Shaft Sizes = Standard: .500" dia., Options: D .500" dia.
• Torque at 75 psi max = 73 in-lbs.
• Ball Bearing Ratings = Radial: 1,030 lbs., Axial: 257 lbs.
• Port Size = 1/8 NPT
• Available Options:
  • Cushions
  • Flow Controls
  • Heavy Duty (Aluminum Cylinders, Option A or Steel Cylinders, Option K)
  • Mount Plates
  • Magnetic Switches Installed & Tested Prior To Shipping
  • Bumpers
  • Hydraulic Service Seals
  • Fluorocarbon Seals
  • Fluorocarbon Hydraulic Service Seals

See the X22 Indexing Actuator Part Numberpage for detailed configuration and option information.

If your application features a load that would exert a pull force on the indexer’s shaft or requires washdown protection, consider using an X3 Indexing Actuator instead.

If independently-controlled linear motion is desired, combined with the X22 rotary characteristics, select our PX22 Nitpicker Actuator.

Compare All Dual Rack Indexing Actuators

X32 Indexing Actuator

Overview

This unique device indexes with high accuracy and no accumulating error. Floating pistons and a precision ground rack riding in replaceable sintered bronze bearings assure millions of reliable duty cycles. It is ideal for use in medium index tables, conveyors, or to consistently position parts evenly for multiple simultaneous operations.

Specifications:

• Bore Size = 1 3/8"
• Standard Rotations = From 12 (30 steps/rev.) to 360 (1 step/rev.)
• Shaft Sizes = Standard: .750" dia., Options: D .750" dia.
• Torque at 60 max psi = 179 in-lbs.
• Ball Bearing Ratings = Radial: 1,030 lbs., Axial: 257 lbs.
• Port Size = 1/4 NPT
• Available Options:
  • Cushions
  • Flow Controls
  • Heavy Duty (Aluminum Cylinders, Option A or Steel Cylinders, Option K)
  • Washdown Protection
  • Mount Plates
  • Magnetic Switches Installed & Tested Prior To Shipping
  • Bumpers
  • Hydraulic Service Seals
  • Fluorocarbon Seals
  • Fluorocarbon Hydraulic Service Seals

 See the X3 Indexing Actuator Part Number page for detailed configuration and option information.

For increased torque, consider the X4 Indexing Actuator.

Compare All Dual Rack Indexing Actuators