Rotary index device

A rotary index device is a mechanism used to convey parts for assembly, machining, packaging, finishing, or other manufacturing operations. This index device conveys the parts in a rotary or dial motion, stopping intermittently in station "to dwell" for a fixed period of time. The dwell time and index time between stations are programmed and variable.

The number of index stations of a rotary index device is predetermined and specified at the time of purchase. Stations range from a minimum of two up to thirty-six in a 360� work circle. Stations on a rotary index device are typically set at 20�, 40�, 60�, 120�, 180�, etc. Rotary index devices provide controlled acceleration and deceleration from station to station in a clockwise or counterclockwise mode. Index times can be as low as .20 seconds, and over 150 cycles per minute.

Rotary index device diameters range from 5" to 40". Electric motors are the most common drive source, however, rotary index devices can be driven by air and fluid motors. Most rotary index devices are dedicated and installed in automatic machines. Rotary index devices are specified based on inertia load capacity, work circle radius, and speed of index time.