Dividing Head

Dividing Head Details

Dividing Head, also known as an Indexing Head, is a specialized tool used in machining, particularly in milling operations, to divide a workpiece into precise, angular increments. It allows for accurate and repeatable rotation of the workpiece for operations such as gear cutting, drilling holes in a circular pattern, and creating complex angles and shapes. By mounting the dividing head on a milling machine or other machine tools, machinists can carry out complex machining tasks that require precise angular control.

Key Components

Headstock: The headstock holds the workpiece or the tool and rotates it by set angles. It is equipped with a spindle to clamp the workpiece.

Indexing Plate: The indexing plate has a series of holes that allow precise, pre-determined angles of rotation. The machinist uses a pin to lock the spindle into a specific angular position.

Worm Gear: A worm gear system is often used to divide the head’s rotation into small, accurate increments, allowing for high precision.

Chuck or Faceplate: The dividing head is typically equipped with a chuck or faceplate to secure the workpiece. It can also accommodate different attachments, depending on the shape and size of the workpiece.

Tailstock: Often used with longer workpieces, the tailstock supports the end of the workpiece to maintain alignment and stability during rotation and machining.

Sector Arms: Used to select specific segments of the indexing plate to control the number of rotations and the angular divisions.

Advantages

High Precision: Dividing heads allow for extremely precise angular positioning of the workpiece, which is critical for gear cutting, drilling, and other machining operations that require exact spacing and alignment.

Versatility: Dividing heads can be used for a variety of applications, from gear cutting to drilling and milling. Universal dividing heads are particularly versatile, as they allow for machining at various angles.

Repeatability: Once the dividing head is set up, the operator can achieve consistent, repeatable results, making it ideal for production runs of parts that require uniform angular divisions.

Support for Complex Machining: With the addition of features like tilt and worm gear systems, universal dividing heads make it possible to machine complex shapes and angles that would be difficult or impossible with a standard milling machine alone.