A rotary table is a rotating platform or device that is used to rotate or swivel objects around a fixed axis. The rotary table can have different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific application and requirements.
Rotary tables are used in various industries and sectors, including mechanical engineering, manufacturing, automation, photography, catering and many others. They allow objects to be precisely positioned, rotated or swiveled to perform various tasks.
In manufacturing, for example, rotary tables are often used in conjunction with processing machines. They enable workpieces to be brought into the correct position in order to carry out machining operations such as milling, drilling, grinding or assembly. Rotary tables can also be used in assembly to place components at certain angles or positions.
In photography and videography, rotary tables are used to precisely position and pan objects or cameras. This allows 360-degree shots or product photos to be taken from different angles, for example.
Depending on the application, rotary tables can be operated manually or motorized. Motorized rotary tables can be controlled via controllers to enable the desired rotation speed, direction and positioning.
Overall, a rotary table enables the precise rotation or swivel movement of objects and is used in a variety of areas where accurate positioning and movement is required.
Frequently asked questions about rotary tables
What is a rotary table in mechanical engineering?
A rotary table in mechanical engineering is a rotating machine element that turns workpieces, assemblies or tools around a defined axis and fixes them precisely in any position. It consists of a turntable, a bearing as the load bearing rotary element and a drive. Rotary tables are used in machining, assembly, testing and automation.
What is the difference between a rotary table and an indexing table?
The terms are often used synonymously. In the narrower sense, an indexing table is a variant with fixed indexing for cycled processes (rotary indexing table), while a rotary table can be positioned freely and is often CNC controlled. In practice, rotary table has become the generic term for all rotating table systems.
What types of drives are there for rotary tables?
There are three common drive concepts: worm gear drive (low backlash, cost effective, suitable for medium speeds), direct drive with torque motor (backlash free, highly dynamic, for maximum precision) and belt or gear drive (compact, moderate in precision and price). Franke offers rotary tables with worm gear (types LTA and LTB) as well as direct drives (type LTD).
Which bearings are used in rotary tables?
Rotary tables are designed with rolling bearings or hydrostatic bearings. Rotary tables with rolling bearings are low maintenance and compact. Hydrostatic rotary tables offer maximum load capacity and damping but are more complex to operate. Franke rotary tables use integrated ball raceway rings made of hardened chrome silicon steel as raceways for the rolling elements.
What are rotary tables used for?
Rotary tables are used wherever components or tools have to be rotated and positioned precisely. Typical applications are machining centres (milling, turning, grinding from several sides), robot cells, assembly and test stations and welding systems. In automation, rotary tables transfer workpieces between processing stations.
Franke also manufactures bearings individually to your specifications: Individual bearing program