Rotary Tables and Rotary Stages
Rotary tables and rotary stages are one of the most important pieces of equipment for any machinist. They allow for a part to be rotated 360 degrees around an axis, or moved to any given angular orientation. Rotary tables are then attached to the part in order to hold it securely during rotation, while rotary stages allow for fully three-dimensional control over a piece.
This post will teach you how these simple tools can help your production line with accurate machining and higher quality work performance.
In order to understand how they function we will start with a basic explanation of linear motion. Linear motion is the type of motion that can be described by an object moving in a straight line. In manufacturing, linear motion is often used for machining threaded holes like those of pipe fittings and ball bearings. The position where the thread meets the surface is called the "topdead center", or TDC. Since this point occurs at 0 degrees from "up" on your dial, we measure it as 0 degrees on our spindle.
Before your parts are cut, the machine must be at the TDC position. This is because the objective of machining is to remove material from your parts. In order to cut at the desired location, the spindle must be set to that location.
All known machine tools (except vertical lathes) use linear motion. Before setting your part, the machine tool must be positioned at TDC by moving it straight up with a lead screw, linear motor or servo motor. Once the spindle has reached its desired location, it can then be rotated to any position on the spindle's circle.[/ARTICLE START]
Rotary stages are used in conjunction with rotary tables in order to obtain more than one axis of rotation. This allows for a machinist to program the machine so that it can be rotated in any direction, or predetermined angles. In this way, any combination of rotary tables and stages can accomplish the necessary tasks needed for manufacturing a product.
Rotary tables have the same purpose as linear tables, only horizontally instead of vertically. Linear tables are used for making cuts through material at different positions. They are usually operated by an electric motor connected to a lead screw or rack and pinion system. But since rotary motion works strongest on parts that move in circles, rotary tables have to have greater force in order to achieve the same amount of linear travel. In order to do this, the table must be larger, and it must have ball bearings rather than a linear screw. For this reason, rotary tables are much larger than their linear counterparts.
Rotary stages are similar to linear stages in that they allow for one axis of rotation, but they also allow for additional axes of rotation. Unlike the other types of machines which only have one axis to move around, rotary tables have an additional axis to move around when using a rotary stage. This is called "multi-axis" motion because it allows motion in two planes simultaneously.[/ARTICLE END]
Rotary Stages are used in conjunction with Rotary Tables so as to obtain more than one axis of rotation. This allows for a machinist to program the machine so that it can be rotated in any direction, or predetermined angles. In this way, any combination of Rotary Stages and Rotary Tables can accomplish the necessary tasks needed for manufacturing a product.
Rotary Tables have the same purpose as linear tables, only horizontally rather than vertically. Linear tables are used for making cuts through material at different positions. They are usually operated by an electric motor connected to a lead screw or rack and pinion system. But since rotary motion works strongest on parts that move in circles, rotary tables have to have greater force in order to achieve the same amount of linear travel. In order to do this, the table must be larger, and it must have ball bearings instead of a linear screw. For this reason, rotary tables are much larger than their linear counterparts.
Rotary stages are similar to linear stages in that they allow for one axis of rotation. Unlike the other types of machines which only have one axis to move around, rotary tables have an additional axis to move around when using a rotary stage. This is called "multi-axis" motion because it allows motion in two planes simultaneously.[/ARTICLE END]
The kind of material you're machining will determine the type of machine you use. For example: polypropylene versus cast iron.
The simplest example of linear motion is a lathe. It rotates the workpiece around its longitudinal axis (the axis which goes from front to back). The main components used on a basic lathe are the headstock, tailstock, carriage, cross-slide and toolpost. Although the headstock and carriage move linearly with respect to each other; they both move in a circular path relative to the machine's bed.
Linear shafting is most commonly used to control tool movement for machining center applications. These applications are generally characterized by high production requirements and accuracy requirements that justify more complex drive systems than those required for conventional manual or automated machines.
In addition to linear shafting, some machines have a rotational drive system in which the spindle can either rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Most applications of such drives are "dual-axis", in which the machine is capable of performing both straight-line and rotary motions on the same axis. Examples of this type of drive system are a manual milling machine or a drill press.
The spindle on most lathes is removable, so that other tools and accessories can be mounted on it. For example, the tailstock provides external access to the workpiece while the headstock provides internal access to the tool post. Dual-purpose tools such as turntables and chuck adapters can be mounted on the spindle. The spindle is also used to adjust the cutting tool on the machine, such as by means of a tailstock indexer.
The headstock of a lathe is held in place by clamps that attach it to the mill's bed and headstock slide bar. The bed can be removed for maintenance or replacement, allowing both headstock and bed to be removed from the machine entirely.
Some lathes have are also equipped with collets that hold tools for turning. This allows them to perform "turning operations" (such as turning round forms) without using hand tools.
Conclusion
At the end of this guide, we can say that a lathe is not just something used to cut things. It's also used to make different shapes. In addition, it uses linear motions, which can be either turning or milling. Also, it has different dimensions and speeds that need to be considered before starting using it.
If you are still confused about what this unique machine is for and for how many uses a lathe is used for, then read the next guide on how to use one in simple terms.