horizontal CNC rotary table

A horizontal CNC rotary table is a precision device used in CNC machining that allows a workpiece to be rotated around a horizontal axis. It is typically mounted on the bed of a CNC milling machine or machining center and is controlled by the machine’s CNC system.

This type of rotary table is commonly used when machining requires the rotation of the part for operations like drilling, milling, contouring, engraving, or multi-face machining — without needing to reposition the workpiece manually.

Key Features of a Horizontal CNC Rotary Table

  1. Horizontal Axis Orientation

    • The rotary table’s rotation axis is parallel to the machine bed.
    • Suitable for workpieces that need to be machined on their sides or require features along the circumference.
  2. CNC-Controlled

    • Integrated with the CNC machine controller.
    • Allows automated indexing and continuous rotation with high precision.
  3. High Precision & Repeatability

    • Equipped with high-resolution encoders and worm gear drives.
    • Achieves positioning accuracy down to a few arcseconds.
  4. Multiple Sizes & Capacities

    • Available in small benchtop models and heavy-duty large tables.
    • Load capacities range from a few kilograms to several tons.

Applications

Horizontal CNC rotary tables are commonly used for 4-axis or 5-axis machining, enabling more complex and precise part geometries.

  • Indexing → Rotate the workpiece to precise angles for drilling or milling holes around a part.
  • Multi-face Machining → Machine multiple sides of a workpiece without re-clamping.
  • Circular Milling → Cut arcs, slots, and contours.
  • Gear Cutting → Used in manufacturing gears and splines.
  • Complex Surface Machining → When combined with a tilting head, enables simultaneous multi-axis contouring.

Horizontal vs. Vertical CNC Rotary Tables

Feature Horizontal CNC Rotary Table Vertical CNC Rotary Table
Axis Orientation Axis parallel to the machine bed Axis perpendicular to the machine bed
Best For Machining cylindrical surfaces, multi-face machining Face milling, drilling, engraving
Workpiece Support Usually supported by a tailstock for long parts Typically self-supported
Applications Shafts, pipes, gears, turbine rotors Plates, molds, flat components

Example

Imagine you need to machine six equally spaced holes around the circumference of a cylindrical shaft.

  • Without a rotary table, you’d have to unclamp, rotate, and re-clamp the part manually for each hole.
  • With a horizontal CNC rotary table, you program the CNC to automatically index the shaft by 60° each time, ensuring speed, precision, and repeatability.
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