Automation Rotary Indexing Tables
Last Updated: February 12, 2025
Description
Automation rotary indexing tables are mechanical devices that consist of a circular steel plate, one or more spindles, a drive system, encoders, sensors, controllers, and slots or mounting holes used to hold components in place. These tables are designed to rotate a workpiece to multiple locations in a circular path, stopping at precise intervals to allow operations to be performed at each station. The tables can have either fixed or adjustable indexing angles, and the bearings used determine their load capacity and accuracy.
Working Principle
Rotary indexing tables operate by rotating a workpiece to predetermined positions using a drive system, which can include direct-drive servo motors. These motors allow the load inertia to be directly coupled to the motor's rotor, eliminating the need for mechanical components like couplings and gearheads, which can introduce compliance issues and reduce mechanical stiffness. The tables stop at each station for a specified period, allowing operations to be performed. This precise control of movement makes them useful for applications requiring high accuracy and repeatability.
Applications
Rotary indexing tables are used in various automation, inspection, and machining applications. Specific examples include their use in industrial presses, screwdrivers, riveters, dispensers, pick-and-place units, and ultrasonic or resistance welders. They are also employed in assembly and equipment positioning tasks, where parts can be loaded and unloaded manually or automatically.
Advantages over other Rotary Indexing Tables
One advantage of using direct-drive servo motor technology in rotary indexing tables is the elimination of limitations associated with mechanical components such as couplings and gearheads. This design allows for higher mechanical stiffness and the potential for increased servo system gains. Additionally, cam index drives, a type of index drive used in rotary tables, offer high-speed indexing capabilities, allowing for more than 1,000 indexes per minute, which is beneficial for high torque and high load applications.
Limitations
Cam index drives, while offering high-speed capabilities, are not suitable for applications requiring a large number of stations, as they are typically feasible for one to eight stations. Additionally, the choice of bearings, such as angular contact bearings, can impact the cost and performance of the rotary indexing table, with more expensive options providing better load capacity and axial stiffness.
Considerations
When selecting a rotary indexing table, several factors should be considered, including initial costs, operating expenses, durability, accuracy, and replacement and maintenance costs. The choice of bearings, such as angular contact or cross-roller bearings, can significantly affect the table's load capacity and accuracy, impacting both performance and cost. Additionally, the use of direct-drive servo motors can reduce maintenance requirements by eliminating mechanical components that may wear over time.
from Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC)
The SDChassis is a World-class, high-speed assembly platform with extremely flexible tooling options and table arrangements. It combines accurate and smooth tooling motions from its large CAM, along with the flexibility and programmability of a servo driven indexing table. The servo driven indexing... [See More]
- Application: Automation
- Mounting Capability: Horizontal
- Table Diameter: 36
- Drive Mechanism: Electric; Servo Driven
from Haas Automation, Inc.
5C Collet Super-High-Speed 725 deg/sec indexing with manual collet closer. Requires Haas mill with 4th-axis drive for full 4th-axis operation, or a rotary control box for stand-alone operation. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Center Height: 4
- Indexing Accuracy: 30
- Number of Spindles: 1
from Centricity
AccuRing Rotary Tables represent the ultimate in rotational flexibility. Each AccuRing is custom designed to meet your exacting specifications, and there are virtually no limits to the creativity of these products. Drive systems can vary from electric to pneumatic to hydraulic. Center-driven to very... [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 30
- Min. Indexing Increment: 0.0360
- Table Diameter: 600
from Velmex, Inc.
To attach to the slider of an A40 or A60 Series UniSlide Assemblies, use the A6000TX adapter plate. Plate is 6" x 6" x 0.25" Plate is colored for illustration only. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection
- Indexing Accuracy: 100
- Min. Indexing Increment: 0.0100
- Indexing time: 0.0100
from GIMATIC S.r.l.
Pneumatic indexing tables (series ITSC). • Available in two sizes with 4, 6 or 8 positions. • Available clockwise or counter clockwise (ending A). • High torque. • Suitable for heavy loads. • Through hole for cables and hoses. • Reduced weight and overall dimensions. [See More]
- Application: Automation
- Thru Hole Diameter: 0.2165 to 0.5906
- Number of Spindles: 1
- Drive Mechanism: Pneumatic
from Haas Automation, Inc.
5C Collet Tilting 2-Axis Rotary. Requires Haas mill with 4th-and 5th-axis drives for true 4th- and 5th-axis operation, or a dual-axis rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 15
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 6
from Centricity
The MS Series indexer is a high precision, highly flexible servo indexer designed to work directly with today's PLC or PC control systems. Available in five standard models and dozens of sizes, the simple to install MS Series can handle loads from grams up to tens of thousands of pounds, with dial... [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection
- Indexing Accuracy: 10
- Min. Indexing Increment: 0.0360
- Table Diameter: 12
from Velmex, Inc.
To attach to the slider of an A40 or A60 Series UniSlide Assemblies, use the A6000TX adapter plate. Plate is 6" x 6" x 0.25" Plate is colored for illustration only. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection
- Indexing Accuracy: 100
- Min. Indexing Increment: 0.0100
- Indexing time: 0.0100
from Haas Automation, Inc.
5C Collet Servo Rotary Head with Manual Collet Closer. Requires Haas mill with 4th-axis drive for full 4th-axis operation, or a rotary control box for stand-alone operation. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 30
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 4
from Velmex, Inc.
B4800 is a Series of three Rotary Tables that use a worm and gear drive design with a heavy duty central rotating ball bearing. The tables accept NEMA size 23 stepper motors or instrument case-type motors (Bodine Type K). [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection
- Indexing Accuracy: 100
- Min. Indexing Increment: 0.0100
- Indexing time: 0.0100
from Haas Automation, Inc.
The Haas TRT100 dual-axis trunnion table provides high-speed, accurate performance for 3+2 and full 5-axis machining of small parts. Its small size and high-speed make it the perfect 5-axis solution for small footprint machining centers. Indexing speeds of 1000°/sec ensure short cycle times, and... [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Maximum Axial Load: 5 to 15
- Number of Spindles: 1
- Mounting Capability: Horizontal
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Dual-Spindle 5C Collet Tilting 2-Axis Rotary. Requires Haas mill with 4th-and 5th-axis drives for true 4th- and 5th-axis operation, or a dual-axis rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 15
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 6
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Dual-Spindle Servo 5C System. Requires Haas mill with 4th-axis drive for full 4th-axis operation, or a rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 60
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 5.88
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Dual-Spindle Servo 5C System mounted on plate with pneumatic tailstocks. Requires Haas mill with 4th-axis drive for full 4th-axis operation, or a rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 60
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 5.88
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Quad-Spindle 5C Collet Tilting 2-Axis Rotary. Requires Haas mill with 4th-and 5th-axis drives for true 4th- and 5th-axis operation, or a dual-axis rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 15
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 6
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Quad-Spindle Servo 5C Heads. Requires Haas mill with 4th axis drive for full 4th-axis operation, or a rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 60
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 5.88
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Triple-Spindle 5C Collet Tilting 2-Axis Rotary. Requires Haas mill with 4th-and 5th-axis drives for true 4th- and 5th-axis operation, or a dual-axis rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 15
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 6
from Haas Automation, Inc.
Triple-Spindle Servo 5C Heads with heavy-duty motor. Requires Haas mill with 4th-axis drive for full 4th-axis operation, or a rotary control box for stand-alone operation. This unit has no collet closing capability as standard. [See More]
- Application: Assembly; Automation; EqipPositioning; Inspection; Machining
- Indexing Accuracy: 60
- Min. Indexing Increment: 1.00E-3
- Center Height: 5.88