How a 4th Axis Rotary Table Works
An advanced CNC accessory called a 4th Axis Rotary Table turns a typical three-axis machining center into a more powerful, multidimensional device. This precision rotary table allows the workpiece to rotate during machining by adding a rotational axis, sometimes known as the A-axis. This allows for intricate cuts, multi-face operations, and increased productivity that aren't achievable with just X, Y, and Z movement. 1. Introduction to the 4th Axis Concept Tools travel in straight lines along the X (horizontal), Y (front-to-back), and Z (vertical) axes in conventional 3-axis machining. By rotating the workpiece around one of those axes, usually the X or A axis, a 4th Axis Rotary Table adds a fourth degree of freedom, enabling makers to access various faces and curves without the need for human repositioning. Cylindrical, conical, and complicated surfaces can be machined in a single setup thanks to this increased capability. 2. Mechanical Rotation and Precision Con...