A Simple guide to rotary table selection

ROTARY TABLES EXPLAINED – The myths and the facts!

Selecting the correct rotary table can be a minefield, with so many products out there, do you just select on price, perceived quality or just faceplate size?

The first thing to understand is what rotary table is most likely to work with my machine control? The reality is, that any make or model of rotary table will work with your machine control subject to the machine itself being able to run an additional axis, the rotary table is simply a mechanical part, suitable electrics can be fitted to almost anything at all.

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What is an indexer? An indexer is a more simplistic device generally, operated by air, or hydraulics, or in conjunction with a servo motor can provide low cost or very high accuracy results but limited to the positions it can offer you. If you have an application but are not sure of the best way to attack it, contact us for completely free and impartial advice.

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If your machine is not capable of running an additional axis it is not the end of the World, as an independent control unit can be used.

This gives all the features of a fully integrated device, but programmed separately, linked to your control via an M signal command. This is a totally secure method of operation, with no more or no less chance of crashing than you have with a fitted additional axis.

A CNC rotary table will give the option to position to 360,000 individual positions, meaning a minimum move of 1,000th of a degree is possible. You can also do exactly the same with a control unit.

The control unit gives all the features of a fully integrated device, but programmed separately, linked to your control via an M signal command. This is a totally secure method of operation, with no more or no less chance of crashing than you have with a fitted additional axis.

Some are confused by thinking that a table with control unit should be called an indexer, it is in fact exactly the same as a rotary table, it will do all the same things in the same way, it is simply controlled from outside of the machine cabinet, but is connected to it by an interface cable.

We are happy to discuss exactly what can and cannot be done easily using these different methods of control, contact us for a no-obligation conversation.

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As we have already alluded to, there are a large number of manufacturers of these devices and it is not just as simple as pick a brand, a price or a size.

There are even different gearing systems that will have a different effect on speed and power generated when rotating, this can make a big difference to the quality of the finished component when contour milling different materials, so this should be your first consideration.

As an example, the different systems are, Direct Drive, Ball drive, Bearing drive, conventional worm and wheel and spiroid gearing. All will produce differing results during machining.

A call, email or message to our technical support department will help guide you through this minefield and point you in the right direction, with absolutely no obligation whatsoever.

Should you be looking to achieve simple moves, such as 90 or 60 degree positions, in some cases 15 degrees, 5 or even 1 degree positions, this is when the indexer comes into its own.

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