Motion Index Drives

What Motion Index Drives does

Motion Index Drives, Inc. is a privately held manufacturer of precision rotary indexing tables and complementary automation equipment, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan. The company designs and builds cam-driven rotary indexers (RT, RTX, TT, TSR series), flexible servo-driven programmable indexers (RTF, TMF series), trunnion index drives, and robotic welding positioners, all backed by a five-year warranty, 24/7 technical support, and ISO 9001:2015 certification. Its core engineering differentiator is a hardened barrel cam mechanical design that delivers zero-backlash operation, with cited field performance of 70+ million cycles without failure on legacy units and positioning accuracy as tight as 9 arc seconds (2-3 arc second repeatability) on its TMF product line.

The company operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct enterprise field sales (quote-based pricing, phone/email/website inquiries) with a channel partnership through SunSource, which distributes turnkey rotary index tables bundled with pre-configured VFD/servo solutions. A wholly-owned division, LazerArc, addresses the linear indexing segment with custom tool tray transfer systems. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales of capital equipment, with no disclosed recurring or software-based monetization. Customers span automotive (Ford Motor Co.), aerospace, medical device manufacturing, defense (F-35 component assembly), renewable energy, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, with named enterprise references including Ford, Art Technologies, Body and White, Dresser Pipeline Solutions, and SLAMA/MOFA Global. The company claims worldwide reach but operates from a single Michigan facility with 11-50 employees, and no external funding or institutional investors are disclosed.

Name

Motion Index Drives

Legal name

Motion Index Drives, Inc.

Website

https://motionindexdrives.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Motion Index Drives is a privately held Troy, Michigan-based manufacturer of cam-driven and servo-driven rotary indexing tables, trunnion systems, and robotic welding positioners serving automotive, aerospace, medical, defense, and industrial manufacturers worldwide since 1970.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Rotary Indexing Equipment

NAICS

Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro primary industry

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Motion Control Controllers & CNC/Robot Drives (Motion Controllers, Multi-axis) (IMAGACAH), Linear Motion & Actuation (Linear Motors, Electric Cylinders, Actuators) (IMAGACAG)

Keywords

• Rotary indexing tables
• Cam-driven indexers
• Industrial automation equipment
• Precision link conveyors
• Robotic welding positioners

Headquarters

HQ city

Troy

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing and Sales: Motion Index Drives manufactures and sells precision rotary indexing tables, linear transfer systems, robotic welding positioners, and complementary automation components. Products are sold directly to manufacturers with custom engineering capabilities, five-year warranties, and 24/7 technical support. The company fabricates and supplies customized manufacturing automation solutions worldwide.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Motion Index Drives manufactures and sells precision rotary indexing tables, linear transfer systems, and robotic welding positioners for industrial automation. The portfolio spans cam-driven fixed indexers, flexible servo-driven indexers, trunnion systems, right-angle and parallel index drives, precision link conveyors, robot transfer units, tool tray transfer systems, and complementary components such as slip rings, machine bases, and tooling frames. Products are sold with custom engineering, five-year warranties, and 24/7 technical support to manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, defense, and industrial sectors worldwide.

Product overview

Motion Index Drives is a precision automation equipment manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of cam-driven and servo-driven rotary index tables, linear transfer systems, and robotic welding positioners. The core product line centers on the RT Series (fixed cam indexers), RTX, TT, and TSR fixed rotary tables, RTF and TMF flexible/programmable indexers, and trunnion systems (VTMF, RTF, RTX/RT). Complementary product lines include LFA Precision Link Conveyors and Robot Transfer Units for linear automation, single and multi-axis weld positioners (including the DR-TR 3-axis dual trunnion system), and support components including slip rings, machine bases, tooling frames, and dial plates. A specialized division, LazerArc, handles custom tool tray transfer systems. All products are ISO 9001:2015 certified, backed by five-year warranties and 24/7 technical support, with a focus on customization for specific manufacturing applications across automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LazerArc: A division of Motion Index Drives, Inc. specializing in custom engineered indexing solutions providing a precision linear form of indexing, including Tool Tray Transfer Systems.

Products and services

• RT Series Fixed Rotary Index Tables Fixed cam-driven rotary index tables with steel housing construction and hardened barrel cams for high cycle rate indexing in automated manufacturing applications.
• RTX Fixed Rotary Index Table Compact fixed rotary indexer designed for precision positioning with zero backlash operation.
• TT Series Rotary Indexer Cam-driven rotary indexer series for precision indexing applications with customizable cam profiles.
• TSR Rotary Indexing Ring Table Ring-style rotary indexing table for applications requiring large open centers.
• RTF Series Servo Rotary Index Table Flexible servo-driven rotary index table programmable for variable speeds, dwell times, and stop positions.
• TMF Series Programmable Rotary Index Table Completely flexible servo-driven indexing solution with 4+ oversized cam followers engaged at all times, providing high accuracy under 10 arc seconds. Accepts AC motor with encoder or servo motor control.
• VTMF Servo Trunnion Vertically-mounted servo trunnion indexer for rollover applications in welding and assembly operations.
• RTF Servo Trunnion Servo-driven trunnion indexer for dual-axis positioning in automation cells.
• RTX/RT Fixed Trunnion Fixed cam-driven trunnion for horizontal axis rotation with high torque capacity.
• TG Series Right Angle Index Drive Right angle drive line with steel housing for applications requiring perpendicular power transmission.
• Parallel Index Drives Parallel cam indexers for applications requiring specific dimensions, continuous operation, short indexes, and long mechanical strokes.
• Pick and Place Units Automated pick and place indexing units for material handling and assembly operations.
• Lift and Rotate Two-axis positioning systems combining rotary and linear motion for complex automation requirements, available in fixed or freely programmable configurations.
• LFA Precision Link Conveyors High-accuracy precision indexing conveyors with aluminum links achieving positioning accuracy up to ±0.002 inch (6 arc seconds) and indexing speeds up to 250 cycles per minute, with sealed mechanical components for maintenance-free operation.
• Robot Transfer Unit (RTU) 7th axis linear transfer systems using helical rack and pinions to extend robot reach, supporting unlimited travel lengths and multiple robotic arms on a single slide.
• Tool Tray Transfer Systems Programmable linear position shuttles using precision guide rails and rack and pinion systems for tooling or parts transfer with DIN 6 accuracy.
• Lift & Carry Systems Precision lift and carry automation systems for material handling applications.
• Walking Beam Transfer Units Material handling transfer units using walking beam technology for sequential part movement.
• Single Axis Weld Positioner Vertically-mounted rotary index tables for welding automation, creating a plane of rotation perpendicular to the floor.
• Multi-Axis Weld Positioner Complete 3, 4, or 5-axis positioning systems including DR-TR dual trunnion with TMF rotary turntable achieving 9 arc seconds accuracy and 2-3 arc seconds repeatability.
• Headstock/Tailstock Trunnion Set TR Series infinitely programmable headstock/tailstock combination with large through hole for utilities, featuring less than 1 arc minute rotation accuracy.
• Slip Rings/Rotary Unions Standard and custom rotary slip rings supporting communication (Ethernet, Device Net, Profinet), power, and air requirements, with MX series available up to IP67 rating.
• Machine Bases Custom engineered base plates and mounting structures for rotary index drive installation.
• Tooling Frames Custom mechanical frames and weldments for supporting fixtures and tooling on rotary index tables.
• Rotary Index Drive Dial Plates Custom top dials and adapter plates for rotary index drives, including custom configurations for pre-existing applications.
• Multidex Indexer Multi-station indexing solution for complex assembly operations requiring multiple work positions.
• LazerArc Tool Tray Transfer Systems Custom engineered indexing solutions via a division of Motion Index Drives providing precision linear form of indexing, including tool tray transfer systems using precision guide rails and closed-loop motor control.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70+ million cycles with zero failures since 2010
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments13 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• SunSourcecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSunSource serves as a channel partner for Motion Index Drives, distributing turnkey programmable rotary index tables with pre-configured VFD/Servo solutions. This partnership enables broader market reach for standardized product offerings in industrial automation.
• LazerArccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLazerArc is a division of Motion Index Drives specializing in custom engineered indexing solutions providing precision linear transfer systems and tool tray transfer systems. While technically an internal division, it operates as a specialized entity offering custom linear indexing solutions.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bihler: Bihler builds precision linear transfer systems and stamping/assembly automation lines, directly overlapping Motion Index Drives' LFA Precision Link Conveyors and Tool Tray Transfer offerings.
• Koike Aronson: Koike Aronson (formerly Ransome) is a leading manufacturer of welding positioners and turntables, directly comparable to Motion Index Drives' trunnion and multi-axis weld positioner product lines.
• Destaco: Destaco (part of Stabilus) supplies indexing tables, clamping devices, and robotic tooling for industrial automation, competing directly with Motion Index Drives in assembly-line positioning equipment.
• Schunk: Schunk designs clamping technology, rotary indexing modules, and automation components for precision manufacturing, serving overlapping automotive and industrial automation customers.
• Sankyo (Nidec): Nidec's Sankyo division manufactures cam-driven rotary indexers and intermittent motion components with overlapping product portfolios and direct head-to-head competition in OEM automation lines.

Broad incumbents

• Parker Hannifin: Parker Hannifin's motion and control technologies — including electromechanical and indexing components — provide alternative automation solutions for the same industrial customer base.
• Festo: Festo is a global industrial automation incumbent offering a broad motion control, pneumatic, and servo-driven indexing portfolio that competes across Motion Index Drives' end markets.
• Bosch Rexroth: Bosch Rexroth is a major industrial automation and drive technology supplier whose motion control and assembly solutions overlap with Motion Index Drives' servo-driven indexing offerings.
• SMC Corporation: SMC is a global pneumatics and motion control leader with rotary actuator and positioning products serving automotive and factory automation customers comparable to Motion Index Drives' end markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/motion-index-drives-inc
• Xx.com/MotionIndex
• Facebookfacebook.com/Motion-Index-Drives-Inc-220667226640

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Motion Index Drives