cnc indexing rotary table free sample

Sherline has taken their accurate and reliable 4″ rotary table into the 21st century with the addition of Computer Numeric Control. Clock-makers or anyone with a need to cut gears or other complicated radially symmetrical patterns will find this accessory takes all the headaches out of repetitive indexing operations.

The rotary table comes with clamps and T-nuts for attaching it to the T-slots of a Sherline mill table. In addition, there are two options available for mounting the table in the vertical position or at other angles:

Right-Angle Attachment—This plate holds the table in the vertical position with a center height of 2.7″. A right-angle tailstock is also available to support long stock held on center in the rotary table.

Tilting-Angle Table—This table holds the rotary table and can be fixed at any angle from 0° to 90°. In the 90° position, the rotary table center is also at the 2.7″ height, which allows the right-angle tailstock to be used with it.

After entering the number of steps per revolution (or the number of degrees per step) on a simple numeric keypad, the table advances quickly and precisely to the next position at the touch of a single advance key. If an error is made, previous positions can be accurately recalled by hitting another button. Basic resolution is 28,800 steps per revolution, ±0.006° per step. This allows the accurate machining of items like gears with odd numbers of teeth. Computations are made internally to a high degree of accuracy to avoid cumulative errors.

CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies is proud to represent the TJR line of rotary tables, indexers and accessories. TJR originated as a rotary table sales and service agent and established itself as an OEM in 2009.

TJR tables feature an anti-wearing worm gear, durable, high-tensile brass shafts, and braking systems with a large clamping range. All new TJR tables come standard with a 3-year parts warranty.

Standard Rotary Tables. The AR Series is TJR’s standard 4th axis pneumatic brake rotary table. It is offered in both a Right hand motor mounting and Left hand motor mounting option. The HR Series is TJR’s standard hydraulic brake 4th axis rotary table.

CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies offers a wide range of TJR rotary tables. However, many are unclear about what rotary tables can do for their business, as well as how they work in CNC machining. First, let’s consider the basics about a rotary table and how it works in the machining and manufacturing processes.

In many cases, the work pieces created through CNC machining would be impossible without computer assistance. The code used to communicate between the CNC machine and computer software is specialized. Older machines, or manual machines, used hard wired controllers. However, new CNC machines rely on modern devices like CDs, USB drives, networks and so on.

A lathe or milling machine requires its own set of parts to work sufficiently. For example, an indexing head is needed to allow circular shaping. The indexing element allows the piece to be rotated at an angle or even divided into sections.

A rotary table can tilt and rotate. The table makes use of the indexing head in order to cut according to a specific technique. This makes it possible for the machine to create a workpiece with complete flexibility in rotation and angling.

A rotary table can help to create arcs and circles, an important process in part or tool fabrication. Tools can be specially made, such as car parts, machine parts, and many other objects.

The CNC process lets companies make straight cuts even with multiple angles and to cut small objects into even smaller parts. CNC rotary tables can also help in the processes of cutting gears, drilling or cutting holes.

The table can also be used along with a dividing head and index plate, to further concentrate the shaping. Tables are also used to hold certain parts for superior milling techniques.

Adding rotary tables will improve your capacity to produce the parts you want and increase profits. This brings us to the primary advantage of CNC rotary tables: less time and greater accuracy in cutting.

The benefits of using cnc rotary tables include consistency, faster production and increased capacity. Products and work pieces assembled through CNC systems are more reliable than products created manually or through other methods. The process is identical each and every time, so consistency can be guaranteed. This is critical for a company trying to ensure safety protocol.

The capacity of complexity of product is another benefit. Complex motions are made simpler by CNC rotary tables, making them more affordable to produce.

Naturally, such an intricate process cannot be unsupervised, since efficiency depends on optimal performance. A supervisor must oversee a rotary table operating with CNC controls to ensure the machine and software are configured correctly.

We offer a wide variety of rotary tables to meet all of your needs. This includes standard rotary tables with full rotating axis capabilities, and vertical and horizontal mounting positions.

We also offer large rotary tables with hydraulic brake systems, which allow higher clamping torques. You can also find assistance with smaller rear mount rotary tables or tilt rotary tables.

Horizontal rotary tables are specially made for horizontal mounting and carrying a much heavier weight. Horizontal index tables are available, whether in manual or CNC index tables style. Finally, there are face gear rotary tables and rotary table accessories, ideal for projects that need higher degrees of accuracy.

CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies can help you find the machine tool accessories you need to meet your production demands. This includes simple rotating feature, larger work pieces, vertical and horizontal applications, or even 4 or 5 axis work. With TJR rotary tables, you can improve your cycle and process time, reduce your down time and increase your profits.

The HHI-Series is TJR’s horizontal CNC index rotary table design. The HHI-series is available with table tops ranging from 320mm (12.59”) to 800mm (31.49”) square. TJR’s HHI-series can be used in various areas of manufacturing but are ideal for horizontal boring mill applications.

The HHI series is available in 1 degree or 5 degree indexing increments and employ a hydraulic braking system. HHI-series does not lift the working table during indexing to ensure positioning accuracy and they are designed for horizontal mounting only which offers high weight capacities for large workpieces. They are capable of being used as a full 4th axis that is integrated into the CNC machine control or as an indexer with the use of TJR’s SAC (Single Axis Controller).

A turbo among rotary tables – the new FIBRODYN DA direct driven rotary tables with torque motor are optimally suited for all handling and assembly applications that require the shortest indexing times and flexible positioning. Thanks to its measuring system directly in the rotary table axis, any position can be moved to with the highest precision. The slim design with its very space-saving, compact construction and its fitted boreholes makes it very easy to integrate the rotary tale into your system. FIBRODYN DA is also available as decentralized stand-alone solution with integrated control. In this version, it offers the ideal opportunity to save a separate external NC control to minimize the implementation and start-up costs and to realize small machines without complex peripherals. The rotary tables are lifetime lubricated and maintenance free.

A popular question that we hear is, “How do I size a motor for my application?” This post looks at an example Rotary Index Table application and provides the equations and considerations needed to make the appropriate motor selection.

First, consider your machine’s movement. In our sample case of a Rotary Index Table, an engineer will need to first define all relevant information that will be used later in the Torque calculation. Typical information we will need includes:

Since we want to define the required motor torque, we want to be sure that we are using values that pertain directly to the motor itself. If there is a gearbox in the system, we need to be sure to reflect the required values back to the motor. We will need to determine the acceleration torque, deceleration torque, constant torque, and any torque due to gravity on the system. For this exercise, we will assume the index table is in a horizontal position, so the torque due to gravity will be zero.

Once we know the angular acceleration of the motor, we need to calculate the inertia of the load connected to the motor. In this case, we can approximate the index table inertia using the formula for a solid cylinder.

The load on the index table must also be taken into account. If the load is distributed evenly over the indexed surface, we can add this load into table weight to calculate the inertia of the complete system. If the load is not distributed evenly, then a separate load inertia will need to be determined, Jload.

Depending on the design of the system, there may be a constant friction torque, Mfriction, which must also be accounted for in the motor sizing. The amount of this constant torque will be dependent on the friction coefficient of the system and the weight of the table and load. Again, if there is a speed reduction in the system we can reflect this back to the motor shaft.

Optimizing the motor sizing for an indexing application can be an iterative process. By calculating the peak requirements and rms torque of the application, the selection of the motor can be done with confidence to provide a reliable solution for the application (see Figure 7).

Explore cnc rotary indexing table with simple designs on Alibaba.com for efficient metal cutting and strong support for the workpiece while cutting or grinding. The devices are vital components to various grinding equipment, and they are typically easy to mount. Standard machines that apply cnc rotary indexing table as installable or built-in parts include milling machines, boring tools, and drill presses. Some device applications include gear cutting, devising milling cutter flutes, and making bolt hole circles.

The innovative indexing head features a sturdy head and footstock or indexing centers for steady and reliable operation. Alibaba.com delivers different types of cnc rotary indexing table, including plain, optical, spiral, and universal spiral machines to cater to unique project requirements. The device components may operate as a unit or with extra attachments for enhanced accuracy and precision levels. Explore various direct index heads for fluting taps, milling squares, octagons, and many more.

Shoppers can use cnc rotary indexing table to verify precision angles, proportions and measures up to seconds of a degree using optical lenses for sensitive projects. Universal designs are well-suited for all forms of head indexing since they are configurable at any angle. Make indexing work more comfortable and enjoyable by having these machines in the workshop.

Compare mind-blowing cnc rotary indexing table options and exclusive deals on machinery on Alibaba.com. The quality-assured products come with sustainable warranties and are easy to operate and maintain. Customization for orders and aftersales support is also available from trusted dealers and distributors.

This invention relates generally to rotary tables. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rotary indexing table utilizing an AC induction motor with a high-resolution positional feedback device.

Rotary tables, such as rotary indexing tables, are well-known for the accurate positioning of work pieces at work stations for automated operations. Rotary indexing tables typically have a table and an indexer assembly that rotates the table through a predetermined angle for positioning work pieces for sequential automated operations.

Rotary indexing tables have been successfully employed in the field of automated assembly for work stations including pick and place devices, feeder bowls, visual inspections, label applicators, robot arms, adhesive applicators, laser machining and other automated assembly processes. Rotary indexing tables are further well-known in the fields of machining for the accurate positioning of work pieces to receive drilling, boring, tapping, CNC machining, facing, grinding, and other types of machining processes. Other uses for rotary indexing tables include the accurate positioning of work pieces for coating, sterilizing, cleaning, testing and calibrating.

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,503, rotary indexing tables have also been used in the decorating field for screen printing, hot stamping, pad printing, ink jet printing, impact marking, laser marking, spray painting and other decorative processes. For example, rotary indexing tables are currently employed for multi-color screen printing onto work pieces such as CD"s, credit cards, key fobs, etc. Typically, a rotary indexing table supports multiple, equidistantly positioned fixtures. The fixtures receive and support the work pieces during the printing operations. At a first work station, a work piece is automatically positioned onto the fixture. The table then rotates through a precise angle or distance to position the work piece under a first screen printing apparatus. After the printing is completed, the table rotates through the same angle again to position the work piece for receiving a second overlaying screen print image. The indexing process continues until the work piece has received all the required layers of screen printing and is removed from the fixture at a final work station.

With the need for very precise machining and close tolerances in manufacture, rotary indexing tables have had to be much more precise and provide more through-put in order for the industry to remain competitive. Rotary indexing tables, for example, may be required to move through a complex set of rotary profiles such as continuous rotation, indexing with a dwell time, oscillation, variable speed or reverse direction. It would be advantageous to have an assembly capable of all these motions while maintaining precision. In addition, with the advent of robotics these assemblies are required to place a work piece at various work angles relative to the work station to provide access from automated operational equipment.

Typically, prior art rotary indexing tables, also known as turntables, are centrally driven and work is performed at the periphery of the table. Alternately, when tables are driven on their outside diameter, the drive mechanism tends to be outside the periphery of the table and thus impedes use of the assembly in various angles and in operations where space is at a premium.

Most prior art rotary indexing tables are driven by cams or geneva mechanisms through a speed reducer and electric motor. Rotary indexing tables of this type suffer from various drawbacks including a fixed number of index positions, the inability to provide continuous rotation and the inability to be programmed.

Another prior art method of driving a rotary indexing table utilizes a ring gear and pinion arrangement powered with a speed reducer and electric motor. This method, however, also suffers from a variety of drawbacks. For instance, the use of a ring gear and pinion arrangement has a lower precision due to backlash. Also, such arrangements are very costly.

A third prior art method of driving a rotary indexing table is through the use of a servomotor configured to drive a cam or pinion gear. The use of a servomotor is costly and also requires a large number of mechanical components. Furthermore, servomotors usually require a load-to-motor inertia mismatch that is very low, such as 10 to 1. If the load-to-motor inertia mismatch exceeds this requirement, the result is instability and poor performance.

A final prior art method for driving a rotary indexing table is the use of a low speed direct drive permanent magnet motor. Such direct drive permanent magnet motors, however, are very expensive. Furthermore, the bearing loads of such motors limit the use of overhung loads on the tooling ring.

Accordingly, a need exists for a rotary indexing table with a drive mechanism that is of low cost while still providing high precision. A further need exists for a rotary indexing table with a simplified design including few moving parts so as to reduce backlash. A final need exits for a drive mechanism for a rotary indexing table that provides accurate positioning and smooth motion in the presence of very high inertial loads.

The present invention is a rotary indexing table driven by an induction motor. The rotary indexing table includes a rotatable work supporting platform, an AC induction motor including a motor shaft coupled to the rotatable work supporting platform; and a controller operatively coupled to the AC induction motor. The AC induction motor is equipped with a high resolution positional feedback device. The high-resolution positional feedback device may be an encoder or a resolver. The controller is configured to drive the AC induction motor in a direct drive manner. The high-resolution positional feedback device is operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to filter a signal provided by the high-resolution positional feedback device. The signal provided by the high-resolution positional feedback device may be a square wave or a sine wave.

The present invention is further directed to a rotary indexing table for supporting workpieces and moving the workpieces through a plurality of positions. The rotary indexing table comprises a rotatable, substantially planar, circular work supporting platform; a directly driven AC induction motor including a motor shaft coupled to the rotatable work supporting platform and a high resolution positional feedback device; and a controller operatively coupled to the AC induction motor and high-resolution positional feedback device. The controller is configured to filter a signal provided by the high-resolution positional feedback device.

The present invention is further directed to a method of precisely driving and positioning a rotary indexing table. The method includes the steps of providing a rotary indexing table including a rotatable work supporting platform; an AC induction motor including a motor shaft coupled to the rotatable work supporting platform and a high-resolution positional feedback device; and a controller operatively coupled to the AC induction motor. Next, the rotatable work supporting platform is driven using the AC induction motor and the high-resolution positional feedback device. Then a feedback signal is provided by the high-resolution positional feedback device, and the controller filters the feedback signal to produce a filtered signal. Finally, the AC induction motor is controlled to position the rotatable work supporting platform based on the filtered signal.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a rotary indexing table driven by an AC induction motor with a high-resolution positional feedback device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the rotary indexing table driven by an AC induction motor with a high-resolution positional feedback device in accordance with the present invention;

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a rotary indexing table 1 includes a rotatable work supporting platform 3. Rotatable work supporting platform 3 is used to support work pieces, tooling, fixtures and the like for positioning as is known in the art. Rotatable work supporting platform 3 is rotationally mounted to a drive hub 5, which is in turn coupled to a drive end 7 of a motor shaft of an AC induction motor 9. Rotary indexing table 1 is also configured to include a bearing 11 secured by a flange mount bearing plate 13. Bearing 11 allows for smooth rotation of work supporting platform 3.

The use of AC induction motor 9 is advantageous because construction costs are relatively low compared with other types of motors, and AC induction motors are very reliable. In general, an AC induction motor includes a stator and a rotor. In operation, a rotating magnetic field is generated in the stator, which induces a magnetic field in the rotor. The two fields interact and cause the rotor to turn. To obtain maximum interaction between the fields, a very small air gap is provided between the rotor and stator. The speed of the rotor depends upon the torque requirements of the load. The bigger the load, the stronger the turning force needed to rotate the rotor. The turning force can increase only if a rotor-induced electromagnetic field increases. This electromagnetic field can increase only if the magnetic field cuts through the rotor at a faster rate. To increase the relative speed between the field and rotor, the rotor must slow down. Therefore, for heavier loads the induction motor turns slower than for lighter loads. Furthermore, AC induction motor 9 may be directly driven. This is advantageous because the use of a directly driven induction motor eliminates the need for gearing or belting thereby simplifying the design and reducing backlash. Furthermore, the elimination of gearing and belting also allows the motor to provide stable performance even in the presence of large inertial loads.

Rotary indexing table 1 further includes a high-resolution feedback device 15 coupled to the opposite end 16 of the motor shaft using a mounting plate 17 and an adapter shaft 19. High-resolution positional feedback device 15 may be an encoder, a resolver or the like. The resolution of high-resolution positional feedback device 15 is desirably between 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 counts per revolution allowing the device to more accurately represent the actual speed of AC induction motor 9. A controller 21 is operatively coupled to AC induction motor 9 and high-resolution positional feedback device 15. Controller 21 may be coupled to AC induction motor 9 and high-resolution positional feedback device 15 by an electrical connection, a wireless connection or any other suitable connection means. Controller 21 is configured to include feedback signal filtering capabilities.

The combination of high-resolution positional feedback device 15 with the process of filtering the high-resolution positional feedback signal with controller 21 allows rotary indexing table 1 to run smoothly with a very high degree of accuracy. First, the use of high-resolution positional feedback device 15 is critical to the operation of rotary indexing table 1. It provides the required accuracy and fine resolution feedback required to properly move and position rotary indexing table 1. A high-resolution feedback signal reduces speed feedback ripple by allowing controller 21 to more accurately reflect the actual speed of AC induction motor 9. The high-resolution feedback signal may be a square-wave, a sine wave or the like. Next, it is important that controller 21 is configured to include filtering capabilities. By filtering the high-resolution feedback signal, an even smoother feedback signal is created, which minimizes or eliminates erratic motion, improves stability and allows very high load-to-motor inertia mismatches.

In many applications, the inertial load of rotary indexing table 1 may be in excess of 100 times the motor inertia. In order to achieve accurate positioning and smooth motion given such high inertial loads, controller 21 must operate with very high gain. In other words, controller 21 must be capable of providing large corrections in position, speed and torque for small differences between a commanded and actual position, speed and torque. If these large corrections are not provided, stability problems arise.

While the previous embodiment has been described in terms of a directly driven rotary table, the present invention may also be driven through the use of gearing, belting or any other suitable means. With reference to FIGS. 4aand 4b, a second embodiment of a rotary indexing table 40 with an open center driven by an AC induction motor 41 and a gear-to-gear drive 42. Rotary indexing table 40 further includes a rotatable work supporting platform 43 used to support work pieces, tooling, fixtures and the like for positioning as is known in the art. Gear-to-gear drive 42 includes pinion gear 44 and a main gear 45. Pinion gear 44 is coupled to a drive end of a motor shaft of AC induction motor 41. A drive force is provided by AC induction motor 41 to pinion gear 44 thereby causing main gear 45 to rotate. The rotation of main gear 45 provides rotation to rotatable work support platform 43.

Rotary indexing table 40 further includes a high-resolution positional feedback device 46 coupled to the opposite end of the motor shaft of AC induction motor 41 using a mounting plate 47. A controller 48 is operatively coupled to AC induction motor 41 and high-resolution positional feedback device 46. Controller 48 may be coupled to AC induction motor 41 and high-resolution positional feedback device 46 by an electrical connection, a wireless connection or any other suitable connection means. As discussed above, controller 48 is configured to include feedback signal filtering capabilities.

The combination of high-resolution positional feedback device 46 with the process of filtering the high-resolution positional feedback signal with controller 48 allows rotary indexing table 40 to run smoothly with a very high degree of accuracy as discussed in detail above reference to FIGS. 1-3.

With reference to FIGS. 5aand 5b, a third embodiment of a rotary indexing table 50 with an open center is driven by an AC induction motor 51 and a belt drive 52. Rotary indexing table 50 further includes a rotatable work supporting platform 53 used to support work pieces, tooling, fixtures and the like for positioning as is known in the art. Belt drive 52 includes a toothed pulley 54, a belt 55 and a main pulley 56. Toothed pulley 54 is coupled to a drive end of a motor shaft of AC induction motor 51. A drive force is provided by AC induction motor 51 to toothed pulley 54 thereby causing force to be exerted on belt 55 causing main pulley 56 to rotate. The rotation of main pulley 56 provides rotation to rotatable work support platform 53.

Rotary indexing table 50 further includes a high-resolution positional feedback device 57 coupled to the opposite end of the motor shaft of AC induction motor 51 using a mounting plate 58. A controller 59 is operatively coupled to AC induction motor 51 and high-resolution positional feedback device 57. Controller 59 may be coupled to AC induction motor 51 and high-resolution positional feedback device 57 by an electrical connection, a wireless connection or any other suitable connection means. As discussed above, controller 59 is configured to include feedback signal filtering capabilities.

The combination of high-resolution positional feedback device 57 with the process of filtering the high-resolution positional feedback signal with controller 59 allows rotary indexing table 50 to run smoothly with a very high degree of accuracy as discussed in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

With reference to FIGS. 6aand 6b, a final embodiment of a rotary indexing table 60 is driven by an AC induction motor 61 and a gearhead 62. Rotary indexing table 60 further includes a rotatable work supporting platform 63 used to support work pieces, tooling, fixtures and the like for positioning as is known in the art. Gearhead 62 is coupled at a first end to rotatable work supporting platform 63 and at a second end to a drive end of a motor shaft of AC induction motor 61. A drive force is provided by AC induction motor 61 to gearhead 62 thereby causing force to be exerted on rotatable work support platform 63 causing it to rotate.

Rotary indexing table 60 further includes a high-resolution positional feedback device 64 coupled to the opposite end of the motor shaft of AC induction motor 61 using a mounting plate 65. A controller 66 is operatively coupled to AC induction motor 61 and high-resolution positional feedback device 64. Controller 66 may be coupled to AC induction motor 61 and high-resolution positional feedback device 64 by an electrical connection, a wireless connection or any other suitable connection means. As discussed above, controller 66 is configured to include feedback signal filtering capabilities.

The combination of high-resolution positional feedback device 64 with the process of filtering the high-resolution positional feedback signal with controller 66 allows rotary indexing table 60 to run smoothly with a very high degree of accuracy as discussed in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

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.