Sandex

Indexing & Oscillating Drives

Overview

Sandex indexers are core components in productivity-oriented automated machinery. They come in various sizes, from the world’s smallest compact type to large over-sized types. Our drives either index or oscillate, but the same motion control principle drives our other products as well,such as our Pick and Place Units and Parts Handlers, which combine linear and vertical motions; our Torque Limiter, which safely disconnects torque in the event of overloads; and our Cam Balancer, which reduces the impact of fluctuating torque in the drive train.

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Rotary Positioning Drives and Indexing Drives

D, MI Series

Employs a newly developed, high-precision, ultra-small, special cam follower, we were able to make the housing much more compact.

D Series

Basic model for Sandex products.
Output shaft model offers affordability
and performance. Available with additional reducer.

DF Series

Flange output model features a rigid output shaft for mounting tables,
gears, etc., directly to the flange surface. Available with additional reducer.

DT and DTR Series

Table output model for rigidity with large
diameter tables. Hollow center hole lends
this model for use as the base machine. Available with additional reducer.

Do Series

The ring model features an oversized
hollow ring, ideal for automatic assembly
and machining equipment.

DU Series

The universal type offers flexible time design schemes for diverse applications. It can accommodate a low number of stops, such as 1/2 (the output shaft makes two turns for each stop), 2/3 or 1:1. This has not been possible by ordinary means and we do it by using a turning radius ratio for the roller gear cam to the turret as large as 3x or 4x. We can also index small angles such as 6 stops at 30 degrees, or 2 stops at 90 degrees.

P Series

Parallel input and output shafts ideal for
driving conveyors and other applications.

Oscillating Positioners and Drives

E Series

This is our most commonly used oscillating drive. It uses a combination of roller gear cam and cam followers to meet the two most desirable requirements, greater speed and accuracy. Available in input to output center distances from 45 to 180 mm.

EF Series

This drive features a highly rigid output shaft with a flange mounting surface for directly mounting tables, gears, and sprockets. This type features a “user-friendy” design that allows you to place a large bore through-hole in the center of the output shaft and then attach a fixed shaft to the center of the output shaft, or attach peripheral equipment for indexing drives.

E Series

Parallel shaft type

The E Series (Parallel shaft type) is an oscillating drive that uses a parallel cam mechanism with parallel input and output shafts. This mechanism makes it possible to produce drives with large oscillating angles.

Rotary Pick & Place Units (Indexing or Oscillating)

FN Series

Cam driven pick and place unit combines vertical and intermittent rotary index or oscillate motions. Ideal for two-dimensional positioning, such as crimping and part inserting.

FU Series

This handler uses a large diameter roller gear cam with a groove cam on the face of the cam for additional flexibility with schemes and wider oscillating angles.

FH Series

The FH series cam-actuated pick & place unit was developed as a high-speed indexing handler for rotary and lift motions. It can rotate up to 600 rpm, the fastest speed for a pick & place unit. High accuracy and reliability are also ensured.

F Series

The F series is our high-end pick & place unit. It is driven by two independent roller gear cams. The use of a separate lift cam and oscillating or indexing cam gives the unit excellent rigidity, while allowing for flexible timing schemes.

Parts Handlers, Linear Pick & Place Units

GY Series

Cam driven pick and place unit
performs handling tasks through a
two-dimensional vertical/linear motion.

GV Series

Thin profile
Various drive layout arrangements

GI and GII Series

Heavy torque
Long stroke

Peripheral Equipment

Reducers

Exclusively designed for the SANDEX Series
Worm reducers
Compact, very efficient

Cam Balancer

Torque compensation device
exclusively for the SANDEX Series
Suppresses vibration, reduces peak torque.

Sankyo Automation has many different cam actuated positioning mechanisms to fit a wide variety of applications. Sankyo’s standard cam mechanism is a roller gear cam (globoidal cam) that has many advantages compared to competing cam mechanisms such as barrel cams. The roller gear cam mechanism is a preloaded zero-backlash mechanism that comes in a right-angle configuration. It is renowned for its positioning accuracy and smooth dynamic performance. For applications requiring parallel shafts, Sankyo’s P series achieves this by using a pair of conjugate cams. All of Sankyo’s units use needle roller bearing cam followers for long life.

Sankyo’s cam positioning devices are available with a variety of cam motion curves that are selected to suit the application. The units can be driven mechanically via belts or gears to synchronize the units to the rest of the machine. It is also very common to drive them with their own AC gearmotor using a VFD for speed control. Each series is available in fixed-stop, oscillating, or constant-gear ratio configurations. Sankyo’s cam indexer have been used in a wide-variety of applications including small-part assembly, welding positioners, and high-speed stamping press applications. Sankyo’s cam products range in size from something that can be held in the palm of the hand to indexers that weigh several tons. They fit applications that require incredible accuracy and repeatability and also systems that run up to 1,000 indexes per minute. The robustness of the cam mechanisms allow for the units to run for many years or even decades before replacement is required.