Using Better Manufacturing Practices

As a small manufacturer or metal craftsperson, the right rotary table can simplify your workflow. There are many options to consider when shopping for a table, so knowing what to look for can simplify the process.

1. Material Considerations

The materials you commonly work with on a rotary table impact what type of gear system to choose for your new table. Soft metals, like aluminum, can be used on tables featuring harmonic gears. These tables won't be strong enough to work with harder metals like steel or iron, though. For these materials, a worm gear-driven table with a hydraulic braking system is best. For those working with both soft and hard metals, opt for the worm gear table as it is suitable for most metal materials. 

2. Sizing Needs

There are two considerations when it comes to sizing — the space you have available for the rotary table and the size of the items you will be working on with the table. For the former, the table must be able to fit into the available space while still providing room to load the table and access it during operation. The work surface should be sized slightly larger than the material you usually work with so that there is room to maneuver it around if need be. A too-small table isn't just challenging to work with, it can also pose a safety hazard. 

3. Machine Loads

For those that work with heavy materials, the total load limitations of the rotary table must be verified. The table will not operate correctly and it may malfunction if you overload it. When shopping for tables, look for one that is rated to hold the maximum weight that you ever work with. A table made to handle heavy weight loads can still work with lightweight materials, but a too-weak rotary table cannot be used for the occasional heavy job. The manufacturer should provide weight-load limitations to allow for easy comparison. 

4. Additional Features

Specific features needed for your unique purposes must be considered. These can include rotation speed, cutting axis, and indexing capabilities. There are single and dual-cutting axis options, which are necessary if you need to cut metal on anything other than the horizontal plane. Indexing capabilities allow you to rotate the piece being worked upon into a variety of different angles for more precision when cutting, while also allowing more cutting capabilities.

For more information, contact a company like Koma Precision.