Rotary Tables

Rotary tables are used for precision metalworking. They are made typically with a solid base which can be clamped on to another fixture. The table is a disc which rotates freely or by use of a worm (hand crank). Rotary tables are utilized in machining, automation and assembly applications. Rotary tables are also used in equipment positioning and assembly positioning.

Important specification considerations to consider when selecting rotary tables include worktable diameter, through-hole diameter, maximum axial load, maximum radial load, table rotation speed, and minimum indexing increments. The worktable diameter refers to the surface area of a rotary table. The through-hole diameter is the breadth of the hole in the center of the workstation.  The maximum axial load is the heaviest amount that a rotary table can support when a load is pushed against the face, while on its vertical or horizontal axis. The maximum radial load is the greatest weight that rotary tables can bear during concentric operations. Rotary tables are designed to reach a maximum table rotation speed that is set by the manufacturer. The minimum indexing increment is the smallest angle setting on rotary tables.

Mounting styles for rotary tables can be horizontal, vertical, or inverted.  With horizontal mounting the table surface is in a flat, upright, horizontal position. With vertical mounting, rotary tables are mounted so the rotary table surface runs up and down.  In inverted mounting, the rotary table can be upside down in the horizontal position.

The drive location of rotary tables may be dependent on the mount; drives can be placed behind, below, top mounted, or on the side. When they are mounted horizontally, top-mounted drives for rotary tables are located above the table surface. Side-mounted drives are located to the side of the table surface when rotary tables are mounted horizontally. The drive mechanism for rotary tables can be manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or no drive. For manual rotary tables, the table is loosened and manually turned with a crank.

Additional features available for rotary tables include 4-axis motion, 5-axis motion, brakes, collet spindles, position encoders, programmable CNC controlling, tilting table, indexing, T-slots in the faceplate, and multiple spindles.

• Getting the right angle
  Angle encoders differ from standard duty rotary encoders in terms of accuracy as well as mechanical complexity and the number of counts per revolution. Typically, an angle encoder is probably best if...
  (read more)
• Indexing
  Indexing is a type of application where a motor moves a load for a pre-defined distance, decelerates to rest, pauses for some defined interval, and repeats this motion cycle. Common applications for...
  (read more)
• Avoiding the runaround with direct-drive rotary motion
  Here's a look at the pros and cons of various direct-drive rotary systems. Manager Danaher Motion Wood Dale, Ill. Frameless DDR motors are best suited to high-performance applications where space is...
  (read more)

Pages: 1 - 3 of 157

Part Numbers for Rotary Tables