Several methods of governing a system’s timing and accuracy are available, but one thing is agreed upon by consumers and engineers alike: cam-driven systems provide the best results. Another thought equally agreed upon but misconceived is this: cam-driven systems are fixed, meaning station counts, timing and rotational patterns can never be adjusted.
In a cam-driven system, timing and precision are both dependent on the quality of the engineering and machining behind the components.
The Power of Flexibility: A Common Misconception
Many businesses searching for a high speed assembly system (or indexer in general) feel they have to choose between the reliability of a cam-driven mechanical system and the flexibility of a programmable one. Motion Index Drives offers the reliability of a fixed cam-driven indexer and the flexibility of a programmable unit in a single place with the Motion Flex line of indexers.
What is Motion Flex?
Motion Flex equipped indexers are cam-driven devices with programmable servo motors. A unique cam profile with a constant lead gives devices the smooth movement and reliable in-station accuracy of a mechanical system. Rather than run a direct-drive motor with a number of complex moving parts and the lack of a quality union between drive and application, a Motion Flex device places precision-machined cams and cam followers where they can impact the quality of your end product.
Backlash-Free Engineering
Cams and cam followers go through Motion’s unparalleled cam production process, giving buyers the same strength and reliability of Motion’s fixed cam-driven devices. The use of a gear reducer results in zero backlash, and accuracies of ±0.01 mm are still achieved.
Backlash, caused by empty space between two gears, causes drives to oscillate upon stopping. With a unique cam profile and exceptional machining behind both cam and cam followers, Motion Flex indexers produce zero backlash. The combination of a low backlash gear reducer and pre-loaded cam followers make this indexer’s flexibility and accuracy the perfect solution for factory automation processes.
Repurposability
As products change, so do production processes. The Motion Flex line allows users to repurpose their indexing equipment for new applications. By reprogramming the servo logic, someone could alter speed, station counts and rotation patterns, as opposed to single-purpose fixed indexers (which are often better suited for extensive use with extreme loads over long periods of time in abusive environments).
Keep in mind the value of a flexible cam-driven system next time you make a purchasing decision for your automation processes. Motion Index Drives’ experienced staff is ready to assist you in properly selecting the right indexer to suit your needs.
Visit www.motionindexdrives.com for more information about the Motion Flex line of indexers.
