“Wire forming is our business,” automotive supplier JR Manufacturing writes on its Web site. As proof, the company points to the fact that it currently makes more than 100 wire seat components for major automakers, including Acura, Chrysler, Honda, Lexus, Mitsubishi and Toyota.

Not surprisingly, the No. 1 concern at JR Manufacturing’s factory in Fort Recovery, OH, is ensuring that all wires meet their customers’ specifications.

Recently, the company had trouble automating the wire forming of an automotive seat component. The process required that parts be lifted up and over process equipment, accurately indexed to position, and lowered back to the process point.

JR Manufacturing turned to Centricity Corp., a manufacturer of programmable precision automation products, for help. JR Manufacturing chose Centricity’s elevating rotary indexing table to form the component.

The table features a MS4000 servo indexer attached to an aluminum dial plate, which is 48 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. The table also features a 30- by 30-inch base and an integrated four-post guided rod assembly. Table elevation is adjustable up to 3 inches.

When the indexing table is actuated, the indexer and dial plate are lifted pneumatically as a single unit, accurately indexed, and lowered back down the guided rods. Lifting the combined servo indexer and dial plate assembly maintains the indexing relationship and ensures required positional repeatability throughout the indexing cycle.

Designed to work directly with PLC or PC control systems, the MS4000 is an open-center servo indexer. It provides near zero backlash gearing with a through-bore ranging from 0.98 to 4.7 inches in diameter for passage of fluids, wiring or both. The MS4000 comes in six models having an output torque range from 1,700 to 55,500 in-lbs. and a load capacity from 1,250 to 6,500 pounds.

The MS4000 comes with a flexible drive and control package that includes a servomotor, digital AC servo controller with multiple fieldbus capabilities, absolute position feedback, touch-screen pendant that requires no programming, and GEN-2 software. This software controls fault recovery routines, spin, teach mode setup, motion smoothers, move and dwell torques, configurable user output and other functions.

JR Manufacturing has been so impressed with the rotary indexing table that the company has since installed several other tables at its Ohio facility.
For more information on servo indexers, call 330-545-5624 or visit www.centricity.net.