dividing head Manufacturer

A dividing head, also known as an indexing head, is a crucial tool for precision machining, enabling accurate and repeatable workpiece rotation. This guide explores the applications, types, selection criteria, and maintenance of dividing heads, providing valuable insights for machinists and manufacturers seeking to enhance their capabilities.

Understanding the Dividing Head

The dividing head is an invaluable accessory for milling machines, grinders, and other machine tools. Its primary function is to precisely rotate a workpiece to specific angles or increments, allowing for machining operations such as gear cutting, fluting, and drilling equally spaced holes.

Applications of Dividing Heads

The versatility of a dividing head makes it essential in various machining applications, including:

• Gear Cutting: Creating gears with precise tooth spacing.
• Fluting: Cutting helical or straight flutes in drills, taps, and reamers.
• Slotting: Machining slots at precise intervals around a workpiece.
• Drilling Equally Spaced Holes: Drilling holes with uniform spacing on a circular surface.
• Engraving: Creating precise engravings on cylindrical parts.

Types of Dividing Heads

Several types of dividing head are available, each with unique features and capabilities:

Direct Indexing Heads

Direct indexing heads are the simplest type, featuring an index plate with a fixed number of divisions. The workpiece is directly locked into one of these divisions for simple indexing operations. These are often used for quickly indexing common angles, such as 90°, 60°, or 45°.

Simple Indexing Heads

Simple indexing heads use a worm gear and index plate to achieve a wide range of divisions. A crank handle is rotated a specific number of turns to advance the workpiece to the desired angle. This type is versatile and suitable for a variety of indexing tasks. With this type, machinists can create dividing head setups for various projects.

Universal Dividing Heads

Universal dividing heads combine the features of simple indexing heads with the ability to tilt the workpiece to different angles. This is particularly useful for machining complex shapes and helical features. These heads often come with additional accessories, such as chucks and faceplates, to accommodate diverse workpieces. Wayleading Tools offers a variety of chucks and faceplates designed to enhance the functionality of universal dividing heads. You can find more details on our website: www.wayleading.com.

Sine Dividing Heads

Sine dividing heads utilize a sine bar or sine plate to achieve extremely precise angular positioning. These are typically used in metrology and high-precision machining applications.

Selecting the Right Dividing Head

Choosing the appropriate dividing head depends on several factors:

Accuracy Requirements

Consider the required accuracy for your machining operations. Higher precision applications require a dividing head with minimal backlash and tight tolerances. Sine dividing heads offer the highest precision, while direct indexing heads are suitable for less demanding tasks.

Workpiece Size and Weight

Ensure that the dividing head has sufficient capacity to accommodate the size and weight of your workpieces. Check the maximum swing diameter and load capacity specifications.

Indexing Range

Determine the range of divisions required for your applications. Simple and universal dividing head offer a wide range of indexing options, while direct indexing heads are limited to the number of divisions on the index plate.

Machine Compatibility

Verify that the dividing head is compatible with your machine tool. Check the spindle taper and mounting options to ensure a proper fit.

Maintaining Your Dividing Head

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and accuracy of your dividing head. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the dividing head regularly to remove chips, dirt, and debris.
• Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Inspection: Inspect the dividing head for wear and damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts promptly.
• Calibration: Periodically calibrate the dividing head to ensure accuracy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper maintenance, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Backlash

Backlash, or play in the worm gear, can affect indexing accuracy. Adjust the worm gear engagement to minimize backlash. If the backlash is excessive, the worm gear may need to be replaced.

Inaccurate Indexing

Inaccurate indexing can be caused by a loose index plate, worn index pin, or incorrect gear ratio. Inspect and tighten the index plate, replace the index pin if necessary, and verify the gear ratio.

Sticking or Binding

Sticking or binding can be caused by dirt, debris, or lack of lubrication. Clean and lubricate the moving parts. If the problem persists, disassemble the dividing head and inspect for damaged parts.

Dividing Head Manufacturers

When sourcing a dividing head, consider established manufacturers known for quality and reliability. Some reputable brands include:

• Wayleading Tools
• Vertex
• Yuasa
• Troyke

Wayleading Tools is a leading dividing head Manufacturer. We produce high-quality dividing head to satisfy global customer requirement. Wayleading Tools have 10 years of experience of supplying premium dividing head, and have earned a solid reputation in the industry.

Dividing Head Setup and Operation

Setting up and operating a dividing head requires careful attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Mount the Dividing Head: Securely mount the dividing head to the machine table, ensuring proper alignment.
2. Mount the Workpiece: Use a chuck, faceplate, or other workholding device to securely mount the workpiece to the dividing head.
3. Calculate Indexing: Determine the correct number of turns and divisions on the index plate for the desired angle.
4. Index the Workpiece: Rotate the crank handle the calculated number of turns and divisions, and lock the index pin in place.
5. Machine the Workpiece: Perform the machining operation.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all desired features have been machined.

Advanced Techniques

Mastering the dividing head involves understanding advanced techniques:

Differential Indexing

Differential indexing allows for machining divisions that cannot be achieved with simple indexing. This technique involves using a train of gears to continuously adjust the position of the index plate while the crank handle is rotated.

Angular Machining

Angular machining involves tilting the dividing head to machine features at an angle. This requires careful calculation of angles and proper support for the workpiece.

By understanding the principles, techniques, and maintenance procedures outlined in this guide, machinists and manufacturers can harness the full potential of the dividing head to achieve exceptional precision and efficiency in their machining operations.