What is a 4th Axis Rotary Table?
A 4th Axis Rotary Table is an advanced CNC positioning device used for machining centers. It is mounted on a milling machine table and is synchronised with the CNC controller to automatically position and rotate to the dimensions the workpiece needs to be cut, allowing multiple operations in a single setup.
Unlike a traditional 3-axis CNC machine, which has X, Y and Z axes, a 4th Axis Rotary Table has an additional axis (A-axis). The A axis is for rotational movement of a 3-axis CNC machine. This helps in machining multiple sides and shapes. The rotary table enables continuous operations such as indexing and contouring for precise rotation and complex geometries. A 4th Axis Rotary Table can machine a wide range of materials, such as nonferrous metals, steel, and other materials. It has various industrial requirements that can be used in sectors such as automotive, gear manufacturing, oil and gas, die and molding, and medical equipment.
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What are the benefits of a 4th Axis Rotary Table?
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Request a Quote The 4th Axis Rotary Table does not require manual reclamping. It automatically rotates towards the part that needs to be machined in a single setup. This reduces manual errors and human interventions.
Since the operations are uninterrupted and continuous with minimal interventions and errors, the device delivers consistency and accuracy in the machining of parts. Since the same process is done, it delivers reliable repeatability.
With the presence of an additional A axis, the machining of parts such as gears, shafts and spiral columns with complex geometries can be machined with ease in a single setup.
Shorter cutting tools have less tool deflection due to their increased structural rigidity. This reflects on its dimensionality accuracy and overall surface finish.
With fewer manual errors or interventions, there is less mismatch that can happen with the tools or parts. This means there are fewer costs involved for repair and no compromise in the quality of the product.
A 4th Axis Rotary Table is a cost-effective device that is applicable to a wide range of industrial applications and offers various benefits in a single setup.
Since there can be multiple loads at once, there is an efficient use of the device. This has a strong impact on overall production.
The 4th Axis Rotary Table by itself is a cost-effective solution, with the added advantage of lower labour costs, repair charges and operating costs.
Why choose SPT Engineering?
SPT Engineering, the distributor of TJR Precision Technology, is known for its high precision 4th axis rotary tables for CNC machining applications. With deep expertise in precision engineering and a commitment to customer success, we deliver complete solutions, including product selection, installation support, training, and after-sales technical services.
Our products are used in the aerospace industry, high-tech electronics industry, automobile parts manufacturing, multi-faceted spiral manufacturing, and other mechanical industries.
Our partnership with TJR, a globally recognised leader in rotary table manufacturing, enables us to offer Indian manufacturers access to world-class precision positioning systems and also supports us locally.
What are the applications of a 4th Axis Rotary Table?
The 4th axis rotary table is known for machining components with complex geometries, allowing consistency, accuracy and an excellent surface finish. Some of the industrial applications include:
Automotive
Since the automotive industry requires a complex multi-sided machining process, such as gears and transmission components in a single setup, the 4th Axis Rotary Table is used for machining operations.
Oil and Gas
For oil and gas applications, large thru-holes with heavy clamping, high torque, maximum rigidity, and minimum tool deflection contribute to high-precision machining.
General Engineering and Gear Manufacturing
Since the components have complex geometries and precise angular indexing, a 4th Axis Rotary Table is used for accurate and precise machining.
Medical devices
Some of the metals, such as titanium, that are used in medical devices are hard to machine. Therefore, a 4th Axis Rotary Table is used to machine medical devices with high precision and accuracy, providing an excellent surface finish.
Die and Mold Making
A die and mold making sector requires accessing different angles. With a 4th Axis Rotary Table, there is no requirement for manual repositioning due to automatic rotation. It can be used in precise angular walls and for deep contours.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 4th Axis Rotary Table is a precision positioning device that is used in metalworking. It is mounted on a milling machine table and is synchronised with the CNC controller to automatically position and rotate the workpiece, allowing multiple machining operations in a single setup.
4th Axis Rotary Tables provide an additional axis (A-axis). This enables rotational movement for machining multiple angles and shapes. The 4th Axis Rotary Table can operate in indexing machining at fixed angles or in contouring for simultaneous 4th-axis machining. This depends on the CNC controller and applications.
4th Axis Rotary Table is consistent and accurate due to fewer manual errors and human intervention; machines complex geometries with ease in a single setup and are cost-effective.
Most of the vertical machining centers ( VMC) and horizontal machining centers ( HMC) can be fitted with a 4th Axis Rotary Table, provided the CNC controller supports the 4th rotary axis and the machine supports the hardware, software and the interface for integration
Choosing the right 4th Axis Rotary Table depends upon workpiece size, weight, accuracy, spindle compatibility, rotational speed and CNC controller.
Some industrial machining applications require high precision and involve complex geometries. A 4th axis rotary table is used in industries such as automotive, oil and gas, die and molding and for medical devices, providing high precision, accuracy, consistency and excellent surface finish for machined products.
Yes. It depends upon the model and CNC controller, performing precise indexing operations as well as continuous simultaneous 4-axis machining.
The gear cam and worm cam technologies contribute to positional accuracy of ± 16 arc seconds, depending upon the rotary table model and specifications.
SPT Engineering delivers high precision 4th axis rotary tables for CNC machining applications. We deliver complete solutions and support for machining requirements according to your industrial requirements.
A 4th axis rotary table can machine a wide range of materials, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, steel and advanced materials. Although it depends upon factors such as machine rigidity, spindle power and cutting tools.
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