Simplicity, accuracy, reliability and high production rates make a cam indexing drive a good choice for your machine.   As with any large purchase shopping around is advised before making any big decisions.

• You could also use a servo motor drive to do the job, but a servo would be really under utilized for a repetitive machine operation.
• But what type of cam indexer should you consider, there are many types and all are not created equal. Remember, the age old saying “You get what you pay for,” so you need to consider a few key factors.
• Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) keep an old technology in the forefront of motion control for high speed machinery. Cams are an older technology, so it is very important that the manufacturer of these devices use the latest 5 axis CNC manufacturing machinery and QA equipment.
• There are numerous ways to harden a cam but CNC induction hardening is the most advanced method which insures the hardening process is completely controlled via 6 axis CNC machines. Some manufacturers don’t harden their cams at all, whereas others through harden or chemically harden, but CNC induction hardening provides 100% process control.
• Cam follower design may seem to be a minor issue but it makes a big difference. Indexing drives rely on cam followers that typically consist of needle bearings.
• This is where indexing drives really differ. Look for drives that utilize a solid friction cam follower design which does not use needle rollers. This solid friction cam follower provides both a larger diameter stud and outside roller than needle type followers of similar size.
• So when selecting a cam indexing drive, make sure to consider these key factors when making up a short list and as always it pays to shop around. Becoming too complacent with one supplier puts you at risk of paying too much and becoming entrenched in a “technology rut” where you fail to discover new products and technical solutions.