Tilting Rotary Table Enables Five-Axis Machining

Calmotion’s TR-7 tilting rotary table enables three-axis vertical machining centers to achieve five-axis machining of complex workpieces and reduce setup time, increasing productivity. The rotary table achieves a positioning accuracy of ±30 arcseconds on the tilting axis and ±15 arcseconds on the rotary axis. The table is equipped with a 360-degree clamping air brake to rigidly clamp the entire circumference of a workpiece. An air-driven hydraulic brake option is also available for heavy cutting use.

The table features dual-thrust bearing support on the main spindle to increase rigidity and maximize the amount of axial and radial forces that can be absorbed. The two thrust bearings are installed under tension to ensure that the gear does not drift due to thermal expansion and to avoid accuracy errors that can be introduced under varying temperatures. The rotary table incorporates Timken tapered roller bearings to further promote rigidity and accuracy.

The combination of an alloy steel worm and an aluminum bronze gear reduces friction and increases gear torque efficiency. The bronze material fills the alloy steel pores of the worm during break-in and enables the gear set to be set up tighter than with other materials. According to Calmotion, this contact between the worm and gear minimizes backlash and the use of dissimilar metals eliminates galling.

The table can be equipped with servomotors for compatibility with most CNCs. A stand-alone USB indexer from Calmotion can be used for indexing applications with the use of M codes. Additionally, the USB indexer can be used to position the fifth axis (4+1 control) for machines that are limited to four-axis simultaneous motion.