Precision Indexing

When parts arrive at inconsistent positions, downstream operations suffer. Labels land off-center. Vision systems trigger false rejects. Assembly tooling misses features. Each positioning error creates rework, scrap, or line stoppages.

Standard flat belt conveyors rely on friction between belt and pulley. As loads vary, belts slip. Small errors accumulate across the conveyor length, and parts drift from their intended positions.

Timing belt conveyors eliminate this problem through positive engagement. Belt teeth mesh with pulley grooves, producing exact belt movement regardless of load. Parts arrive at the same position, cycle after cycle.

For over 40 years, Conveyor Technologies has manufactured precision conveyors in Milford, Ohio. Engineering support is provided directly by our technical team. All conveyor frames are backed by a 10-year warranty.

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Position variation on friction-driven conveyors stems from belt slip under changing loads. When a part indexes forward, the belt stretches slightly and recovers. Over hundreds of cycles, small inconsistencies compound into measurable drift. Stations calibrated in the morning require adjustment by afternoon.

Timing belt conveyors remove this variable. Belt teeth lock into pulley grooves, creating mechanical engagement that transfers motor rotation directly to belt movement. Load changes do not affect positioning because the belt cannot slip.

The result is repeatable part placement throughout a production shift without recalibration. Downstream equipment receives parts at expected locations, reducing missed operations and false rejects. Reject rates tied to positioning errors decrease. Operators spend less time adjusting equipment and more time running production.

Precision indexing applies wherever part position affects process quality or automation reliability.

Labeling and marking operations place labels or print codes at specific locations relative to part features. When parts arrive inconsistently, labels land off-target and marked codes shift from intended positions. Timing belt conveyors present parts at the same orientation for each cycle, enabling accurate placement without operator adjustment between runs.

Vision inspection systems capture images at programmed positions. Inconsistent part placement forces systems to search for features within images, increasing cycle time and reducing throughput. Stable positioning enables faster inspection cycles and reduces false rejects caused by parts outside expected locations.

Assembly operations position parts for robotic handling, fastener insertion, or component mating. When parts shift between cycles, tooling misses features or robots require vision-guided correction. Consistent indexing enables reliable automation without compensating for position variation.

The motion control system determines how the conveyor indexes, accelerates, and positions parts. Selection depends on the precision required, the flexibility needed, and budget considerations.

Servo drives provide the highest precision and flexibility. Index distances, acceleration profiles, and dwell times are programmable and adjustable without mechanical changes. Position feedback enables closed-loop correction. Applications requiring multiple index pitches or frequent recipe changes benefit from servo control.

Brushless DC drives offer variable speed control with long service life. These drives suit applications with fixed index distances and moderate precision requirements. Lower cost and simpler integration make brushless DC appropriate for dedicated single-product lines.

Stepper motors provide open-loop positioning at the lowest cost. Applications with consistent loads and minimal position verification requirements can use stepper control effectively.

Our engineering team recommends the appropriate control approach based on your application requirements and budget.

Indexed positioning is only useful if parts maintain their orientation through transport. Acceleration, deceleration, and station stops create forces that shift unsecured parts, negating the precision of the conveyor itself.

Fixtures and nests secure parts by geometry, capturing edges, flanges, or cavities. Fixtures mount to the belt and travel with parts through all stations. Quick-change fixture systems enable product changeover without replacing the belt.

Dual belt configurations support parts on holders spanning two parallel belts. Holder width adjusts to accommodate different part sizes, enabling a single conveyor to handle product families without dedicated fixtures for each variant.

Vacuum holding secures flat or lightweight parts against the belt surface. Vacuum zones activate at loading positions and release at unloading stations. This approach suits thin materials, sheets, or parts without features for mechanical fixturing.

The holding method depends on part geometry, weight, and changeover requirements. Our engineering team evaluates your parts and recommends the appropriate approach.