P&R Automation Products - What is CAM Indexing?

WHAT IS CAM INDEXING ?

Cam indexing is a mechanical
method of indexing using two
basic elements, the cam and
the turret.

The cam is a worm gear like
component, which is fitted
firmly onto a shaft, with a key
and keyway. The camshaft is
then driven by a motor through
a gearbox.

DWELL PHASE

The turret is a disk like
component with radially
projecting cam followers onto
which the output turntable is
mounted. As the camshaft
rotates, the cam angularly
displaces the turret from one
stationary position to the
next.

During this displacement, the
cam followers on the turret
follow a path dictated by the
shape of the cam track.
During one revolution of the
input camshaft, the turret
output is divided into an
index period and a dwell
period. This movement is
called indexing. As the
camshaft rotates at a defined
speed the output starts and
stops in a time controlled
pattern.

INDEX PHASE

This motion is positively
controlled with a smooth
well-defined acceleration and
deceleration. The cam
followers on the turret are
always in contact with the
cam (preloaded) track and
cam indexers provide zero
backlash and are thus the
best mechanical devices
capable of accurate start and
stop motions. The resultant
output motion is thus
positively and directly
controlled by the shape of the
cam. The accuracy of
indexing is derived from a
highly accurate turret, which
incorporates high precision
cam followers.