Multi-Lane Indexing

Not all products or processes are ideally suited for continuous motion automation or high speed assembly. Indexing refers to a method of intermittent motion, crucial for assembly machines, where the machine initiates and halts at precise positions at specified intervals. This technique is a fundamental requirement in most machines across various applications, including assembly automation. The pause, or 'dwell period,' during indexing is essential as it permits other machine components to perform their tasks efficiently, a core aspect of custom automation engineering. Without indexing, if the machine runs continuously, coordinating other units to interact with a moving object becomes considerably more intricate and challenging compared to when the object comes to a halt.

Advantages of Intermittent (Indexing) Motion Equipment:

• Managing difficult-to-control parts (bags, wires, etc.), important in continuous motion assembly machine applications.
• Managing difficult-to-control materials (glues, lubricants, tapes, etc.), a concern in high speed continuous motion setups.
• Managing ancillary processes equipment (welders, gluers, heat application, inspection systems, etc.), integral to assembly automation.
• Flexibility to run multiple parts or to add operations to the process, a feature of versatile assembly machines.
• Lower initial cost to market when high speed continuous motion is not required.

Selecting the best automation platform, whether it’s continuous motion assembly, high speed assembly, or custom automation, for a project is one of the most important decisions to be made at the onset of an automation project. Haumiller, with its extensive experience in engineering and automation, has decades of experience making those critical recommendations.

‍