Mechanical cam operation and high accuracy

April 6, 2009
For many applications, mechanical cams are unrivaled by any competitors, electronic or otherwise.

For many applications, mechanical cams are unrivaled by any competitors, electronic or otherwise.

In machine design, indexing is the movement from an initial position to a new position, starting and ending in rest. What applications require such motion? Machine tool changers, beverage cappers, and medical-product stampers are just a few examples.

Scroll down to read the fully illustrated article.

Mechanical cam-driven indexers are motion control devices that use physical parts to convert constant rotary motion into this intermittent, dynamically controlled indexing motion. It is true that electronic cams are used in some systems. However, electronic approaches are sometimes unnecessary. In fact, as we will discuss, mechanical cams frequently offer superior performance and accuracy in a simpler, more robust design.

Sponsored Recommendations

Aug. 22, 2025
Discover how to meet growing customer demands for custom products without overextending your engineering team. Learn how scaling your automation strategy can help you win more...
Aug. 22, 2025
Join industry leaders to explore how cutting edge digital technologies are transforming factories. Learn how to boost throughput, enhance flexibility, and accelerate your digital...
Aug. 22, 2025
Explore the future of manufacturing. Learn how to leverage the latest digital technologies and strategies to build a more efficient, agile, and resilient digital factory.
Aug. 21, 2025
A look into the latest improvements in motion control through high-performance drives, AI enhancements, and faster communication protocols.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!