Product Overview
A tilting rotary table is a precision machining accessory that provides simultaneous rotational and tilting movement to a workpiece mounted on a CNC milling machine or machining center. This device enables complex multi-axis machining operations by allowing the workpiece to be positioned at various angles while rotating, effectively converting a standard three-axis machine into a four-axis or five-axis system. Tilting rotary tables are indispensable in aerospace, automotive, and mold-making industries where complex contoured surfaces and angled features must be machined with high accuracy and repeatability.
Types and Features
Tilting rotary tables are available in several configurations including manual tilt with CNC rotation, full CNC-controlled tilt and rotation, and trunnion-type tables that mount between the machine columns. Manual tilt tables use a hand wheel or worm gear mechanism for angle adjustment and are suitable for simpler angled drilling and milling operations. Fully CNC-controlled tilting rotary tables integrate servo motors on both the tilt and rotation axes, enabling simultaneous five-axis interpolation for machining complex sculptured surfaces. Trunnion tables offer superior rigidity and load capacity by distributing the workpiece weight across two bearing supports.
How to Choose
Selecting the appropriate tilting rotary table depends on factors such as table diameter, tilt angle range, load capacity, and compatibility with your CNC machine controller. The table diameter should accommodate your largest workpiece while leaving adequate clearance for tool paths and fixturing hardware. Consider the required tilt range, as some applications demand a full plus-or-minus ninety-degree tilt while others only need smaller angular adjustments. The braking system is another critical consideration, with hydraulic clamping providing the highest holding force for heavy cutting and pneumatic brakes offering faster engagement for lighter duty indexing tasks.
Replacement and Installation
Installing or replacing a tilting rotary table requires careful alignment to ensure the rotational axis is precisely positioned relative to the machine spindle. Begin by cleaning the machine table surface thoroughly and checking for any burrs or debris that could affect seating accuracy. Use a precision dial indicator to align the rotary table center with the machine spindle axis, making fine adjustments
