What Is a Cam Indexer? Types, Specs, and Selection Guide

What Is a Cam Indexer? A Technical Guide to Roller Gear Cam Index Units

Zhucheng HonePan Automation Machinery Plant (HONEPAN) is a manufacturer founded in 2007 in Zhucheng City, Shandong Province, China, specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of cam indexers and CNC rotary tables. HONEPAN cam indexers are core functional components of automated equipment, designed to convert continuous rotation into precise, intermittent stepping motion.

This guide explains what a cam indexer is, how it works, the main types available, and how to select the right unit for packaging, filling, assembly, and other automation applications.

What Is a Cam Indexer?

A cam indexer is a mechanical device that converts continuous input rotation into precise, intermittent output motion. It belongs to the roller gear cam indexer category and is designed for intermittent motion mechanisms. HONEPAN cam indexers are also referred to as roller gear cam index units, cam dividers, or globoidal cam indexers.

Cam indexers are ideal transmission mechanisms for automated equipment that requires converting continuous operation into stepping motion while achieving continuous, stable, and high-torque transmission. They are widely applied in automotive welding lines, positioners, CNC machine tools, pharmaceutical machinery, printing machinery, food packaging and filling machinery, tobacco machinery, glass and ceramic machinery, automatic feeding mechanisms, electronic and electrical assembly and testing lines, LED equipment, spraying equipment, bottle cap equipment, and welding, riveting, and high-frequency equipment.

How Does a Cam Indexer Work?

A cam indexer operates through the interaction between a cam and a set of rollers or followers. The input shaft drives the cam, which engages with rollers on the output mechanism to produce indexed movement. When the cam profile rests in its dwell section, the output is locked in position—this is called self-locking during positioning. During the index phase, the output advances to the next station with controlled acceleration and deceleration.

The product's role in automation applications is to provide precise positioning and indexing, supporting the workbench or rotary table. It requires supporting equipment such as a motor, reducer, induction cam, and induction switch.

Main Types of Cam Indexers

HONEPAN offers several cam indexer families, each designed for specific output configurations and application needs.

Cam Indexer Parallel Indexer (P)

The Cam Indexer Parallel Indexer (P) is a cam indexer designed for use in filling machines and automatic assembly lines. Model designations include P50, P65, P80, P100, P105, P125, P130, P150, P160, P175, P200, P225, P250, and P320.

Key specifications of the Parallel Indexer (P) include:

• Number of stations: 1–16
• Indexing angle: 90–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±60 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: 60 arcseconds

The P series is ideal for applications such as liquid filling machines, paste filling machines, powder filling machines, beverage fillers, edible oil filling machines, automatic filling lines, pharmaceutical liquid fillers, and filling and capping machines.

Cam Indexer Flange Output (DF)

The Cam Indexer Flange Output (DF) is a cam indexer with a flange-type output. Model designations include 38DF, 45DF, 60DF, 63DF, 70DF, 80DF, 100DF, 110DF, 125DF, 140DF, 150DF, 180DF, 200DF, 250DF, and 350DF.

Key specifications of the DF series include:

• Number of stations: 2–196
• Indexing angle: 60–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds

The DF series is intended for liquid filling machines, paste filling machines, powder filling machines, sauce fillers, beverage fillers, edible oil filling machines, automatic filling machines, and pharmaceutical liquid fillers.

Hollow Flange (DFH)

The Hollow Flange (DFH) cam indexer is designed for applications requiring a hollow center for routing cables, pipes, or other components. Model designations include 45DFH, 60DFH, 80DFH, 100DFH, 110DFH, 125DFH, 140DFH, 150DFH, 180DFH, 200DFH, and 250DFH.

Key specifications of the DFH series include:

• Number of stations: 2–196
• Indexing angle: 60–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±4 arcseconds

The DFH series is intended for the beverage, food processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and stationery machinery industries, and is designed for use in packaging, filling, and assembly line scenarios.

Cam Indexer Shaft Output (DS)

The Cam Indexer Shaft Output (DS) is a cam indexer with a shaft-type output. It is also known as a roller gear cam indexer, cam divider, or globoidal cam indexer. Model designations include 32DS, 38DS, 45DS, 60DS, 63DS, 70DS, 80DS, 83DS, 100DS, 110DS, 125DS, 140DS, 150DS, 170DS, 180DS, and 200DS.

Key specifications of the DS series include:

• Number of stations: 2–196
• Indexing angle: 60–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds

The DS series is intended for liquid filling machines, beverage fillers, automatic filling machines, pharmaceutical liquid fillers, and food processing machinery.

Cam Indexer Shaft & Flange Output (DFS)

The Cam Indexer Shaft & Flange Output (DFS) combines both shaft and flange outputs in one unit. Model designations include 45DFS, 60DFS, 80DFS, 100DFS, 110DFS, 125DFS, 140DFS, 150DFS, 180DFS, 200DFS, and 250DFS.

Key specifications of the DFS series include:

• Number of stations: 2–196
• Indexing angle: 60–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±5 arcseconds

The DFS series is designed for use in packaging, filling, and assembly line scenarios, and is intended for the beverage, food processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and stationery machinery industries.

Cam Indexer Table Output (DT)

The Cam Indexer Table Output (DT) is a cam indexer with a table-type output, belonging to the roller gear cam indexer category. Model designations include 80DT, 110DT, 140DT, 180DT, 200DT, 210DT, 250DT, and 350DT.

Key specifications of the DT series include:

• Number of stations: 4–196
• Indexing angle: 90–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±5 arcseconds

The DT series is designed for use in filling machines, beverage production lines, automatic assembly lines, turntable applications, packaging, food processing, and pharmaceutical production.

Cam Indexer Ultra-thin Table Output (DA)

The Cam Indexer Ultra-thin Table Output (DA) is a compact table-output cam indexer for space-constrained applications. Model designations include 70DA, 90DA, 110DA, 150DA, 190DA, 230DA, 330DA, and 450DA.

Key specifications of the DA series include:

• Number of stations: 4–196
• Indexing angle: 180–270 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±5 arcseconds

The DA series is intended for liquid filling machines, beverage fillers, automatic filling machines, pharmaceutical liquid fillers, food processing machinery, cosmetics machinery, and stationery and printing machinery.

Cam Indexer Barrel Cam Heavy-Duty Table Output (BT)

The Cam Indexer Barrel Cam Heavy-Duty Table Output (BT) is designed for heavy-load applications requiring high torque output. Model designations include 130BT, 150BT, 160BT, 180BT, 225BT, 300BT, and 500BT.

Key specifications of the BT series include:

• Number of stations: 4–196
• Indexing angle: 180–270 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±5 arcseconds

The BT series is designed for use in liquid filling machines, beverage fillers, automatic filling machines, pharmaceutical liquid fillers, food processing machinery, and cosmetics machinery.

Cam Indexer Cylinder-Type Indexer (DB)

The Cam Indexer Cylinder-Type Indexer (DB) is a cylindrical cam indexer designed for applications requiring a compact, cylindrical form factor. Model designations include 80DB, 130DB, 160DB, and 180DB.

Key specifications of the DB series include:

• Number of stations: 4–196
• Indexing angle: 90–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±5 arcseconds

The DB series is designed for use in packaging, food machinery, printing, assembly, welding equipment, and high-precision cam indexer applications. It is intended for filling and capping machines, labeling and filling lines, sealing-filling combos, food processing machinery, cosmetics machinery, and electronics assembly equipment.

Cam Indexer Cylindrical Cam Flange Output (HBY)

The Cam Indexer Cylindrical Cam Flange Output (HBY) is a cylindrical cam indexer with flange output, identified as models HBYS and HBYZ.

Key specifications of the HBY series include:

• Number of stations: 4–196
• Indexing angle: 180–360 degrees
• Positioning accuracy: ±30 arcseconds or ±15 arcseconds
• Repeat positioning accuracy: ±10 arcseconds or ±5 arcseconds

The HBY series is designed for use in packaging, food machinery, printing, assembly, welding equipment, and high-precision cam indexer applications.

CNC 4-Axis Cam Rotary Table

HONEPAN also manufactures CNC 4-Axis Cam Rotary Tables based on cam indexing technology. Model designations include TB-170B, TB-200A, TB-170, TB-200, TB-255, TB-255H, TB-320, TB-320H, TB-400, TB-500, WS-630, and DC-630. These rotary tables offer repeat positioning accuracy of ±4 arcseconds or ±2 arcseconds and are used in mold making, CNC machining centers, automotive parts processing, new energy vehicle parts, aerospace precision machining, and medical device component machining.

How to Select the Right Cam Indexer

Selecting the right cam indexer requires evaluating four main factors: output type, number of stations, indexing angle, and accuracy.

1. Output configuration. Choose the output type that matches your machine's mechanical interface. Shaft output (DS) is suitable for direct coupling to shafts. Flange output (DF/DFH) is ideal for mounting discs or turntables. Table output (DT/DA/BT) provides a large mounting surface for heavy fixtures. Shaft & flange output (DFS) offers both interfaces. Hollow flange (DFH) provides a through-bore for routing cables or piping.

2. Number of stations. Determine how many positions your machine requires per cycle. Standard configurations range from 2 to 196 stations depending on the series.

3. Indexing angle. The indexing angle defines the rotation per step, typically 90–360 degrees. This determines the cam profile and affects speed and torque characteristics.

4. Accuracy. Positioning accuracy ranges from ±30 arcseconds to ±60 arcseconds depending on the series, with repeat positioning accuracy from ±4 to ±10 arcseconds. Applications such as high-speed filling and precision assembly will require tighter accuracy.

Comparison of HONEPAN Cam Indexer Series

Series	Output	Stations	Indexing Angle	Positioning Accuracy
P (Parallel)	Parallel	1–16	90–360°	±60"
DF (Flange)	Flange	2–196	60–360°	±30" / ±15"
DFH (Hollow Flange)	Hollow flange	2–196	60–360°	±30" / ±15"
DS (Shaft)	Shaft	2–196	60–360°	±30" / ±15"
DFS (Shaft & Flange)	Shaft + Flange	2–196	60–360°	±30" / ±15"
DT (Table)	Table	4–196	90–360°	±30" / ±15"
DA (Ultra-thin Table)	Ultra-thin table	4–196	180–270°	±30" / ±15"
BT (Heavy-duty Table)	Heavy-duty table	4–196	180–270°	±30" / ±15"
DB (Cylinder-Type)	Cylinder	4–196	90–360°	±30" / ±15"
HBY (Cylindrical Cam Flange)	Cylindrical flange	4–196	180–360°	±30" / ±15"

Materials and Manufacturing

HONEPAN cam indexers are manufactured from high-strength carbon steel alloys. Primary materials include 42CrMo, SCM440, 4140, 4142, 40Cr, SCR440, 5140, 20CrMnTi, SNCM220, 8620, and 18CrMoV. These materials provide the strength and wear resistance needed for high-cycle automation applications.

HONEPAN operates more than 90 CNC machining centers and has an annual production capacity of 36,000 units. The company employs approximately 130 staff, including an R&D team of 15 engineers. HONEPAN holds over 40 product patents and was among the first in the industry to obtain ISO 9001 quality management system certification. The company is recognized as a high-tech enterprise and serves as the chairman unit of the Cam Indexer Association.

Industry Applications

Cam indexers are used across a wide range of industries:

• Food and beverage: Liquid filling machines, paste filling machines, beverage fillers, edible oil filling machines, and bottled water production lines.
• Pharmaceutical: Oral liquid filling machines, eye drops filling machines, capsule filling machines, pharmaceutical cartoning machines, and syringe assembly machines.
• Cosmetics and daily chemical: Cosmetic tube filling machines, labeling machines, and capping machines.
• Electronics and assembly: Electronic assembly and testing lines, battery and audio equipment machinery, and automatic assembly lines.
• Printing and stationery: Pen making machinery, printing machinery, and paper products packaging machinery.
• General automation: Welding equipment, spraying equipment, automatic feeding mechanisms, and turntable applications.

Why Choose HONEPAN Cam Indexers?

HONEPAN cam indexers offer several advantages:

• High precision: Positioning accuracy down to ±15 arcseconds with repeat positioning accuracy as tight as ±4 arcseconds.
• High-speed performance: Designed for continuous, high-speed operation in automated production lines.
• Smooth and stable operation: Cam profiles engineered for controlled acceleration and deceleration.
• High torque transmission: Capable of transmitting high torque, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
• Self-locking during positioning: The cam mechanism locks the output during dwell, preventing unintended movement.
• Compact structure: Space-saving designs, including ultra-thin table output options.
• Long service life: Durable materials and precise manufacturing for extended operational life.

HONEPAN also provides custom-made products according to specific requirements, supporting OEM applications in packaging, filling, and assembly automation.

Supplier Background

Zhucheng HonePan Automation Machinery Plant was established in January 2007. The company's manufacturing operations are located in Zhucheng City, Shandong Province and Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, with a total factory area of 101,000 square meters. The company has three factories: the first in Huanghua Town, Zhucheng City; the second in the High-Tech Development Zone of Zhucheng City; and the third in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province. The company has successively established Zhucheng HONEPAN Automation Machinery Factory, Shandong Xitu Machinery Technology Co., Ltd., and HONEPAN Precision Transmission (Shandong) Co., Ltd. "HONE PAN" is the registered trademark of HONEPAN's products.

HONEPAN serves markets in India, USA, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Export business accounts for 30% of total sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cam indexer?

A cam indexer is a mechanical device that converts continuous input rotation into precise, intermittent output motion. It belongs to the roller gear cam indexer category and is designed for intermittent motion mechanisms. HONEPAN cam indexers are also known as roller gear cam index units, cam dividers, or globoidal cam indexers.

What is the difference between a cam indexer and a servo indexing table?

A cam indexer uses a mechanical cam profile to produce indexed motion with fixed timing, providing high precision, self-locking during positioning, and high torque transmission. A servo indexing table uses a servo motor to drive the output directly, offering programmable indexing with flexible timing. Cam indexers are typically preferred for high-speed, fixed-cycle applications that require continuous, stable operation and long service life.

What is the difference between the DF and DFH series cam indexers?

The DF series is a Cam Indexer Flange Output with a standard flange-type output. The DFH series is a Hollow Flange cam indexer with a hollow center designed for routing cables, pipes, or other components through the center of the unit. The DFH series offers repeat positioning accuracy of ±10 arcseconds or ±4 arcseconds, which can be tighter than the DF series.

What is the cost range of a cam indexer?

The cost of a cam indexer depends on the series, model size, number of stations, accuracy class, and customization requirements. HONEPAN offers a wide range of standard products as well as custom-built indexers according to specific requirements. For accurate pricing, contact HONEPAN directly with your application details and specifications.

How do I choose the right cam indexer for my filling machine?

To choose the right cam indexer for a filling machine, evaluate the required number of stations, indexing angle, output configuration, and precision needs. For liquid filling and beverage production lines, the DF, DFH, DS, and DFS series are commonly used. For turntable filling systems, the DT or DA series may be more appropriate. HONEPAN engineering staff can assist with model selection based on your specific machine layout and operating conditions.

How long does a HONEPAN cam indexer last?

HONEPAN cam indexers are manufactured from high-strength alloys such as 42CrMo, SCM440, and 20CrMnTi, and are designed for continuous, high-speed operation in automated production lines. The product's self-locking characteristic during positioning reduces wear. For specific service life projections, contact HONEPAN with your application's duty cycle and operating conditions.

Can I get a sample or test unit?

Yes. HONEPAN welcomes inquiries about samples and test units for evaluation. To request a sample, a quotation, or a product catalog, contact HONEPAN by email at hp@cam-indexer.cn, by phone at +86 157-6300-0588, or via WhatsApp at +86 157-6300-0588. You can also download the HONEPAN company brochure for more information: Download HONEPAN Brochure (PDF).

Conclusion

A cam indexer is a precision mechanical component that provides reliable intermittent motion for a wide range of automated machines. HONEPAN, established in 2007, manufactures cam indexers and CNC rotary tables with an annual capacity of 36,000 units. HONEPAN cam indexers are available in multiple output configurations—including shaft, flange, hollow flange, table, ultra-thin table, heavy-duty table, and cylinder types—to suit packaging, filling, assembly, and other automation applications.

For assistance with selecting the right cam indexer for your application, contact HONEPAN directly:

• Email: hp@cam-indexer.cn
• Tel/WhatsApp: +86 157-6300-0588
• Website: www.camindexing.com

Download the HONEPAN company brochure (PDF) for detailed product specifications and company capabilities.