EZ Series vs. MS Series Indexers For the Right Rotary Indexing Solution

Choosing the Right Rotary Indexing Table for Precision and Efficiency

Efficient production depends on precise, reliable motion at every station of your assembly line. Without accurate indexing, parts may be misaligned, cycles can slow down, and downtime can quickly accumulate. Selecting the right rotary indexer is critical to maintaining throughput, ensuring quality, and keeping your manufacturing process running smooth.

Centricity Automation offers two primary options for rotary indexing: the EZ Series and the MS Series. Each is engineered for specific needs, and understanding their capabilities will help you make an informed decision for your production line needs.

Understanding the Challenges of Industrial Indexing

Traditional indexers are either rigid, difficult to integrate, or require extensive setup and tuning. These limitations can lead to misaligned parts, inconsistent station transitions, and reduced efficiency. High-inertia applications, heavy loads, or tightly timed production lines often amplify these issues, creating bottlenecks that cost you time and money.

Manufacturers frequently encounter challenges when integrating indexers with conveyors or automated assembly equipment, and the wrong choice can compromise the reliability of an entire production line.

Our EZ and MS Series precision servo rotary indexing tables are designed to overcome these common challenges, offering reliability and flexibility for a wide range of industrial applications.

EZ Series Indexers

Compact, Precise, and Seamlessly Integrated

The EZ Series indexer is built for manufacturers who need a high-precision solution that works directly with existing PLC control systems. Its compact design allows it to fit in tight spaces, while the i-Series Control Package provides intuitive programming and effortless operation. This makes it ideal for assembly lines where accurate part placement, repeatable cycles, and minimal downtime are critical.

EZ Series indexers handle loads ranging from a few grams to hundreds of pounds, making them versatile across many applications. Near-zero backlash gearing maintains precise motion even under high-inertia conditions, while the dual-bearing system provides stability and reduces vibration. Operators can easily configure continuous or reciprocating motion, stop indexing, variable move time, dwell and move torque, and clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. All functions are accessible without tuning, which minimizes setup time.

Customization is another key strength of the EZ Series. You can add brake motors, secondary gear sets, custom dial plates, and machine bases to match your production requirements. The result is a rotary indexing system that integrates seamlessly, maintains precision, and adapts to evolving workflows without compromising efficiency.

MS Series Indexers

Independent, Flexible, and Built for Heavy Loads

For applications that demand independent operation or higher load capacity, the MS Series indexer is the solution. Unlike the EZ Series, MS Series indexers do not rely on an external PLC. Instead, they offer a complete Drive/Control Package that includes a touch screen pendant and M-Series software, enabling operators to set up and adjust indexing cycles directly.

MS Series indexers are capable of handling loads from a few grams up to tens of thousands of pounds. Advanced servo control provides smooth, precise motion at high cycle rates, making them suitable for conveyor systems, heavy-duty assembly lines, and complex workflows. M-Series software allows for dynamic home adjustment, teach mode setup, dwell torque configuration, basic rotation, fault recovery, and user-configurable outputs.

Like the EZ Series, MS Series indexers can also be customized with brake motors, secondary gear sets, custom dial plates, and machine bases. This flexibility allows you to meet specific production demands, whether you’re moving lightweight components or supporting large assemblies under high-speed conditions.

Comparing the EZ and MS Series

While both are designed to deliver precision, reliability, and long-term performance, they serve different needs. The EZ Series excels in PLC-integrated environments, providing precise, repeatable motion in compact layouts with minimal setup. The MS Series is designed for independent operation, offering flexibility for high-load or high-cycle applications without relying on a PLC.

When deciding between the two, consider your production line’s requirements. If you need synchronized operation with other automated equipment, small form factor, and easy reprogramming, the EZ Series is the ideal choice. If your application involves heavier loads, independent cycles, or more complex indexing sequences, the MS Series will provide the control and adaptability you’re looking for.

Integrating Rotary Indexers with Conveyors

Both EZ and MS Series indexers can work seamlessly with conveyor systems to feed, stage, and position parts. The EZ Series coordinates directly with PLC-controlled conveyors, ensuring synchronized motion and consistent spacing. The MS Series can match conveyor cycles independently, using the touch screen interface to adjust timing and motion for each application.

Custom dial plates and tooling options allow either indexer to integrate smoothly with virtually any production line, keeping parts moving efficiently from station to station.

Why Choose Centricity Automation

With over 30 years of experience as a rotary indexing table manufacturer, Centricity Automation has helped manufacturers across industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing solve complex automation challenges. Our team works directly with clients to deliver custom solutions tailored to specific production needs.

We have partnered with leading organizations, including Northrop Grumman, Harley Davidson, Swagelok, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and The Hoover Company, providing solutions for challenging applications including welding, painting, dispensing, assembly, stamping, and waterjet cutting.

Centricity Automation is not just a manufacturer of precision servo rotary indexing solutions. We are a trusted partner, providing systems that increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain high-quality standards across production lines.

The Solution You’ve Been Looking For

Selecting the right rotary indexer is essential for maintaining precision, speed, and reliability in your manufacturing process. The EZ Series provides compact, PLC-integrated solutions for high-precision placement, while the MS Series offers independent operation, high load capacity, and flexible programming for complex or heavy-duty applications. Both can be integrated with conveyors and customized to fit your specific production needs. Contact us today to discuss your production requirements and find the perfect rotary indexing table for your operation.

EZ vs. MS Series Rotary Indexers

Choosing the right precision servo rotary indexing solution depends on your workflow, load requirements, control environment, and space constraints.