The Motor
Affects: Speed, Torque, Braking, Power Consumption
Options: Single and Two Speed, RPM and Torque values
Description: Key distinctions in motors can be found in two vs. single speed and varying RPM and torque capabilities. Motion manufactures tables with low-friction internal components; it is common for a Motion indexer to require a considerably smaller, more efficient and cost effective motor than leading competitors.
The Cam
Affects: Station Count, Indexing Speed, Longevity, Precision, Strength
Options: Barrel, Globoidal, Disc Various Laws of Motion, Physical Dimensions
Description: The heart of an indexer is its cam. It directly drives the dial plate/output shaft via the mechanical interaction between cam and cam followers (fixed to output). The indexer’s precision is entirely dependent on the quality of the cam’s surfaces; high-precision machining is necessary for the cam’s surface(s) to ensure an accurate dwell. The longevity of an indexer is first addressed at the hardening process of the cam and cam followers, which creates wear resistance and resilience to unnatural impacts (such as e-stops). Station count and indexing speed are both determined by the cam’s physical qualities.*
* Note that the Motion Flex line of servo-powered flexible indexers do not have a physically determined dwell, acceleration or deceleration. These constant lead cams are different from those used in fix indexers.
The Dial Plate
Affects: Applicable Tooling Configurations, Precision at Tooling Interface Points
Options: Custom Dimensions, Hole Configurations, Surfaces, Material
Description: The dial plate (aka indexing head) is the part of the indexer most processes interact with. It is a mounting surface fixed to the indexer’s top dial with machined holes at various points for tooling. Whether you are mounting large sets of robotic welding equipment or fine fixtures to hold toothbrushes while bristles are inserted, the dial plate is where it is all attached. Dial plates and structural frames can come in almost any shape and size… provided of course it is physically possible for the table to handle it.
