jackymechanical

Looking At Rotary Table Control Options
The rotary table is an extremely important piece of equipment in the manufacturing industry. It allows pieces of metal that are to be shaped into components to be securely clamped in place so that the shaping tools can be manoeuvred around them during the shaping process. A rotary table, as its name suggests, can also rotate the piece of metal being shaped in order to allow the tools to approach it from a different angle. This allows for a more detailed shaping of complex components. Here we look at the different control options that are available in various models and the benefits that each provides.

Manual control

The most basic form of rotary table is operated manually by hand. Through the use of handwheels and levers the operator is able to secure and then position the piece in the desired place, before shaping it with the appropriate tool. Manual control rotary tables offer a great option for hobby machinists to carry out precise machining of materials without having to spend a fortune. They are not practical for a mass-manufacturing environment as to manually adjust the piece can be quite time consuming which increase production time drastically.

Computer Numerical Control

Almost every rotary table that is used in the manufacturing industry will now use Computer Numerical Control (CNC). This is the automation of machining tools, with pre-programmed commands being encoded on a storage device of some kind. This approach ensures better accuracy and removes human error, which both serve to increase the quality and consistency of products. CNC also serves to greatly improve the speed in which items can be produced and removes the need for as much man-power; thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Direct control and independent control

CNC systems in tables can be split into two different categories. The first involves a direct control method whereby the rotary table is plugged straight into the machine to which it is being used in conjunction with. In the event that the machine does not have the capacity to operate a rotary table then the second option is to have an independent control system which can usually be bought at the same time as you invest in your rotary table. Whilst this method can take a little longer to set up than if you are using a direct control system; the overall accuracy and quality of the two CNC control options tends to be the same.