Index drives are used to start and stop a table, conveyor, or other piece of equipment at precise intervals. Index drives are designed using the mathematical laws of motion to create smooth, jerk free movements from one position to another along a production line. As a result, index drives allow a line to accelerate or decelerate in a controlled motion from one station to another in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Standard index drive designs allow for a predetermined number of stations, from a minimum of two up to 36. Index drive stations are generally set at 20, 40, 60, 120, 180 degrees, and so on. Index drives are used in assembly, packaging, finishing, and other manufacturing procedures.