Understanding Rotational Automation
Cam-driven indexing provides a proven mechanical solution for converting continuous rotary input into precise, repeatable motion. Using precision-machined cams and hardened cam followers, Motion Index Drives designs rotary indexers that deliver high accuracy, rigidity, repeatability, and zero-backlash operation.
From fixed mechanical indexing to servo-controlled programmable rotary motion, MID offers cam-driven solutions for applications ranging from high-speed repetitive production to complex, flexible automation systems.
With more than 55 years of motion control experience, MID engineers each indexing solution around the application’s required load, speed, accuracy, dwell, index angle, and motion profile.
Cam-driven rotary indexers can be configured for either fixed mechanical indexing or flexible, servo-controlled operation. Both approaches use precision cam technology to transfer rotary motion to the output, but they serve different automation requirements.
Fixed cam-driven rotary index tables use a precision barrel cam to mechanically generate a predetermined motion profile. The cam controls the acceleration, deceleration, index angle, and dwell characteristics of the output.
These indexers are ideal for high-volume applications where the motion sequence is repetitive and will remain consistent throughout production.
Best suited for:
MID Products: RT, RTX, TT, TG, and fixed TSR Series
Servo-driven programmable barrel cam rotary index tables combine precision barrel-cam technology with servo motor control. The barrel cam provides the mechanical transmission of motion, rigidity, high load capacity, and zero-backlash operation, while the servo system provides electronic control over the rotary motion.
This combination allows manufacturers to program positioning, speed, index angle, acceleration, deceleration, oscillation, and synchronization without changing the physical cam.
Best suited for:
MID Products: RTF, TMF, and flexible TSR Series
Barrel Cam → Cam Followers → Output Table
The precision barrel cam provides the mechanical foundation for the rotary motion.
The cam provides:
Servo Motor → Servo Drive → Controller
The servo system provides electronic control over how the cam-driven mechanism operates.
The servo provides:
By combining the mechanical advantages of a precision barrel cam with electronic servo control, manufacturers can achieve the flexibility of programmable motion without sacrificing the rigidity and zero-backlash characteristics of a cam-driven mechanism.
Fixed cam-driven rotary index tables use a precision-machined barrel cam to convert continuous input rotation into controlled intermittent output motion.
The physical cam profile determines the index angle, acceleration, deceleration, dwell, and overall motion profile. Because the motion is mechanically defined, these systems are ideal for applications with consistent, repetitive production requirements.
Fixed cam-driven indexers offer a simple and robust approach to rotary automation, with no internal backlash and minimal controls complexity.
Key advantages include:
There are several commonly used cam-driven rotary index table systems:
Indexers with barrel cams offer the greatest strength/size technology available. Depending on the application, a barrel cam can be modified to feature an extended dwell period — how long the machine waits before it moves again — and custom acceleration and deceleration profiles.
Barrel cams are used in conjunction with perpendicularly mounted cam followers. They are used in applications like rotary dial output, where multiple processes happen in sequence as a part moves around the cam’s circular path.
Flat, or disc, cams are valuable for their space-saving attributes and the potential to produce very long dwell periods and operate at high speed. The extremely compact profile and range of possible motion profiles make parallel indexers exceptionally versatile.
Flat cams can also produce one or more of the motions in a multi-axis unit.
The shape of globoidal cams is similar to barrel cams, but they offer different profiles — cam followers are added in a “star” configuration, and there are tapered walls in the cam’s grooves.
This profile leads to significantly less internal inertia than barrel cams. Although the internal workings differ, globoidal indexers can produce the same rotary table output as a barrel cam.
They are ideal for fast-paced applications that require rotary output, offering greater customization flexibility than barrel cams. However, they sacrifice strength to achieve this flexibility.
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Contact us at 248-743-9999 and speak with one of Motion’s engineers about your application to find out what cam-driven indexing can do for you.
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