Function
The universal dividing head is a machine tool accessory mounted on a milling machine to divide workpieces into arbitrary equal segments. Using the indexing scale ring and vernier, locating pins and indexing plate, along with interchangeable gears, it divides workpieces clamped between centers or chucks into arbitrary angles. It can equally divide a circle into any number of segments, assisting machine tools in machining various grooves, spur gears, helical gears, Archimedean spiral cams, and more using diverse cutting tools.
Structure:
The base of the dividing head houses a rotating body. The dividing head spindle can rotate with the rotating body within a vertical plane, covering a range of 90° upward and 10° downward. The front end of the spindle is typically equipped with a three-jaw chuck or a center pin. During indexing, the locating pin is withdrawn. Turning the handle drives the worm gear via a spur gear pair with a 1:1 gear ratio, which in turn drives the worm wheel with a 1:40 gear ratio to rotate the spindle for indexing. When the indexing head handle completes one full rotation, the worm wheel drives the spindle only 1/40 of a revolution. The required number of revolutions n for the indexing handle is then: 1:40 = 1/z:n, where n = 40/z.
Indexing Categories:
Direct Indexing:
Utilizes the 360° scale on the spindle to index or divide workpieces, with an indexing value of 1.
Precision Indexing:
Utilizes indexing plates (3 plates) with an elastic handle to equally divide the workpiece (from 2 to 210 divisions). This method is the most widely used. The number of turns n of the positioning handle can be determined according to different requirements.
Functions of the Universal Indexing Head:
1. Enables workpiece indexing (equal or unequal division) around its own axis. Examples include hexagonal, gear, spline, and other divided parts.
2. Tilt the workpiece axis relative to the milling machine table surface to the desired angle (horizontal, vertical, or inclined). This enables machining of inclined surfaces at various angles.
3. During milling of helical grooves or cams, it can coordinate with table movement to achieve continuous workpiece rotation.
Direct indexing plate enables rapid division into 2/3/4/6/8/12/24 equal segments.
1. Capable of dividing workpiece circumferences into arbitrary equal segments or linear displacement indexing.
2. Allows workpiece clamping at required angles (vertical, horizontal, or inclined).
Reduction ratio 1:40 ensures simple operation.
Can be fitted with a three-jaw chuck for shaft core machining. Compatible with milling machine accessories and gears for coordinated machining.
