An indexing head is a tool used on machine tools to rotate a workpiece in equal steps, allowing for precise cutting of facets. It can be manually or automatically adjusted and is often used on milling machines. The indexing head has a disc with concentric rows of holes that allow for accurate cutting. It can be advanced manually or automatically and is commonly used in CNC milling machines.
An indexing head is an accessory used on machine tools that allows the workpiece to be rotated around its axis in equal steps. This facilitates the machining of exact and equal facets such as square or hex head profiles. Indexing head attachments are typically fitted to routers to make flat cuts and can be manually adjusted or automatically advanced. Most are capable of a 90° range of motion along their axis, thus allowing for a good range of cutting options. Indexing heads are typically designed to facilitate cutting a selection of facet numbers and are often available in sets that cover a wide range of machining requirements.
Machined parts that have an equal number or faces are usually machined on milling machines with an indexing head. This fixture fixes the workpiece and allows it to be rotated in precise steps to allow individual facets to be cut. Based on a conventional chuck or clamp, the indexing head is also equipped with an indexing disc which has several concentric rows, typically 6, of equally spaced holes on its surface. Each row has a specific number of holes with each successive row having fewer holes towards the center of the disc. The typical number of holes varies between 15 and 49 with discs generally available in sets offering a wide range of different facet pitches.
As the cut begins, the blade is locked in place with a spring-loaded pin that passes through a hole in the blade row and into a locking notch. Once the cut is complete, the pin is retracted, the head advances a set number of holes, and the cut on the next facet begins. The disc is advanced the same number of holes with each cycle allowing for the cutting of precise and accurate profiles. The indexing head can present the workpiece parallel to the cutting tool or be rotated 90° for greater flexibility in cutting geometry.
Also known as a split head, the index head can be advanced manually or fully automated. Hand advancement is achieved with a crank or handle that turns a lead screw actuator to rotate the disc in a controlled manner. Automated feed is typically only found on large industrial machines and depends on a separate spindle to rotate the disc. These systems are usually part of fully automated computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines that have fully computer controlled cutting cycles.
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