Overview

Set-ups using indexing or indexed work are rigid and precise. Other common names used for such set-ups are 2+3 machining or positioning, and fixed rotary work. With indexing work, the rotary/pivoting axes are used only for positioning, and cutting (machining) takes place with only the three linear axes moving. Indexing work is the bread and butter of the multiaxis machining industry. Many parts are mass-produced by this method, and it is the most basic multiaxis concept. It is an easy transition from multiple set-up, 3-axis work to a single set-up indexing one. The graphics in Figure 4-1 show how one part can be cut from many different angles without being removed from the fixture.

Figure 4-1: Images showing how one part can be cut from many different angles, without being removed from the fixture.

Figure 4-1a: Images showing how one part can be cut from many different angles, without being removed from the fixture.

The concept may be simple, but it allows for the manufacture of very complex parts with precision, like the samples shown in Figures 4-2 and 4-3.

Figure 4-2: Part of an aircraft landing gear machined with an indexing set-up.

Figure 4-3: An aerospace component machined with an indexing set up.

Indexing Methods

There are many different indexing methods, and they can performed with equipment as simple as a manually-operated, custom indexing fixture. Third-party autonomous rotary devices also are available, which will execute pre-programmed indexing sequences at every cycle. The cycles can be activated manually or...