When selecting a CNC rotary table, buyers often compare a long list of technical specifications.
Table diameter, through hole, load capacity, indexing accuracy, repeatability and maximum speed can all affect whether a rotary table is suitable for a particular machining application.
Understanding these specifications can make it easier to compare different models and select a suitable configuration for your CNC machine.
Read the Specification Together with Its Conditions
Before comparing two models, record the installation orientation, included equipment and measurement conditions for each value. A specification without its conditions may describe a different setup from yours.
| Specification | Selection check |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | Add the workpiece, chuck, fixture and attached components. Confirm the rated orientation, load offset and applicable machining conditions. |
| Drive torque and clamping torque | Keep these separate: the capacity to move an axis and the capacity to hold it for cutting answer different questions. |
| Indexing accuracy and repeatability | Check units, test conditions and whether the value applies to the rotary or tilting axis. |
| Maximum speed | Confirm the permitted load, drive configuration and required duty; the maximum figure alone does not define a machining cycle. |
| Center bore and through hole | Check the dimension drawing for the usable passage, bore depths and mounting interfaces. |
Angular Accuracy Is Not a Finished-Part Tolerance
An arcsecond is an angular unit: 1° = 60 arcminutes = 3,600 arcseconds. It is not a time measurement. Keep angular units separate from millimetres when comparing specifications.
As a geometric illustration, an angular deviation of 20 arcseconds at a radius of 100 mm corresponds to about 0.0097 mm of tangential displacement (radius × angle in radians). This calculation is not a model specification or a prediction of finished-part accuracy. Machine geometry, workholding, cutting conditions and the rest of the setup also affect the result.
For rotary-and-tilting equipment, confirm the rotary and tilting axes separately. The TRNC comparison table helps identify model-specific values to check.
What Specifications Should You Check?
The most important CNC rotary table specifications usually include:
- Table diameter
- Table height
- Center height
- Through hole
- Load capacity
- Indexing accuracy
- Repeatability
- Maximum speed
- Reduction ratio
- Clamping or braking capability
- Motor and control configuration
Not every specification has the same importance for every application.
The correct selection depends on your CNC machine, workpiece and machining requirements.
1. Table Diameter
Table diameter refers to the diameter of the rotary table’s working surface.
It affects the size of the workpiece and workholding system that can be installed.
When selecting table diameter, consider:
- Workpiece dimensions
- Chuck diameter
- Fixture dimensions
- Available machine space
- Required machining access
A larger table is not automatically better.
The table should be large enough for the application while remaining compatible with the machining center.
2. Table Height and Center Height
Table height and center height can affect the available machining space.
This is particularly important when the rotary table is installed on a CNC machining center.
You should check:
- Distance between the machine table and spindle
- Rotary table height
- Center height
- Chuck height
- Workpiece height
- Required tool clearance
The complete setup should be checked rather than considering the rotary table by itself.
3. Through Hole
The through hole is the opening through the center of a rotary table.
Depending on the application, a through hole can provide additional flexibility for workholding and workpiece setup.
It can be useful when working with:
- Long components
- Bar-type workpieces
- Special fixtures
- Through-mounted workpieces
- Custom workholding arrangements
If a through hole is important for your application, confirm its diameter before selecting a model.
4. Load Capacity
Load capacity refers to the amount of load the rotary table is designed to support according to its specifications.
The complete load may include:
- Workpiece
- Chuck
- Fixture
- Clamping components
- Other accessories
For this reason, do not calculate the required capacity using only the workpiece weight.
For heavy machining applications, also consider the machining forces and the required clamping or braking capability.
Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the selected model.
5. Indexing Accuracy
Indexing accuracy describes how accurately the rotary table reaches a commanded angular position.
For example, if a machining operation requires the workpiece to move to several defined angular positions, indexing accuracy becomes an important specification.
It can be particularly relevant to:
- Precision indexing
- Multi-sided machining
- Angular drilling
- Repeated machining operations
- 4-axis machining
When comparing models, use the published accuracy specification rather than relying on general terms such as “high precision.”
6. Repeatability
Repeatability describes how consistently the rotary table can return to the same position.
Accuracy and repeatability are related but are not the same thing.
A rotary table may need both:
- Accurate positioning
- Consistent positioning from one operation to another
Repeatability can be particularly important for production machining where the same positioning sequence is repeated many times.
7. Maximum Speed
Maximum speed indicates the highest specified rotary speed of the table.
The required speed depends on the machining application.
Consider:
- Positioning requirements
- Continuous rotation
- Workpiece size
- Workpiece weight
- Machining process
- CNC control configuration
A higher maximum speed is not necessarily required for every application.
For many indexing applications, positioning accuracy and stability may be more important than maximum speed.
8. Reduction Ratio
The reduction ratio describes the relationship between the motor movement and rotary-table movement.
Different rotary table designs use different reduction ratios.
The reduction ratio can affect characteristics such as:
- Rotary speed
- Torque transmission
- Positioning behaviour
- Motor requirements
When comparing products, use the manufacturer’s published reduction ratio and consider it together with maximum speed and torque specifications.
9. Clamping and Braking Capability
Clamping or braking capability helps maintain the rotary table position during machining.
This can be important when cutting forces act on the workpiece.
The required capability depends on:
- Workpiece size
- Workpiece weight
- Cutting forces
- Workholding system
- Machining application
For demanding applications, confirm the relevant specifications with the supplier before ordering.
10. Motor and Control Configuration
A CNC rotary table may require a suitable servo motor and control configuration.
Before requesting a quotation, provide:
- CNC machine model
- CNC control system
- Required rotary axis
- Motor requirements, if known
- Installation orientation
This information can help confirm whether the rotary table configuration is suitable for your machining center.
How to Compare CNC Rotary Table Specifications
When comparing two or more models, avoid looking at a single specification in isolation.
For example, a larger table diameter does not necessarily mean the model is more suitable for your application.
Instead, compare the complete specification set:
| Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Table diameter | Workpiece and chuck size |
| Table height | Machine working space |
| Center height | Workpiece positioning |
| Through hole | Workholding flexibility |
| Load capacity | Workpiece and fixture weight |
| Indexing accuracy | Angular positioning |
| Repeatability | Consistent positioning |
| Maximum speed | Rotary movement requirements |
| Reduction ratio | Speed and torque characteristics |
| Clamping / braking | Position stability |
| Motor / control | CNC compatibility |
Example of a Rotary Table Selection Process
Suppose a buyer wants to install a rotary table on a CNC machining center.
The buyer should first identify:
Step 1 — Machine
What is the CNC machine model?
Step 2 — Workpiece
What are the workpiece dimensions and weight?
Step 3 — Workholding
Will the application use a chuck, fixture or another workholding system?
Step 4 — Movement
Does the application require indexing, continuous rotary movement or both?
Step 5 — Accuracy
What positioning accuracy and repeatability are required?
Step 6 — Installation
What table size, height and through hole are required?
Step 7 — Control
What CNC control system will operate the rotary axis?
This information provides a practical starting point for model selection.
Why Product Specifications Should Be Checked Carefully
Different manufacturers may use different terminology or specification formats.
For example, product names such as:
- CNC rotary table
- CNC index table
- CNC dividing head
- CNC rotary axis
may describe products with overlapping functions.
The actual technical specifications and intended application should therefore be checked before purchasing.
For B2B buyers, it is also useful to request available technical drawings, installation dimensions and control information when necessary.
CNC Rotary Table Specifications Checklist
Before requesting a quotation, prepare:
- CNC machine model
- CNC control system
- Required table diameter
- Required table height
- Required center height
- Required through hole
- Workpiece dimensions
- Workpiece weight
- Chuck or fixture dimensions
- Required indexing accuracy
- Required repeatability
- Required rotary speed
- Required clamping or braking capability
- Required quantity
The more complete the information, the easier it is to evaluate suitable configurations.
How ROTIVEX Helps
ROTIVEX helps global buyers compare CNC rotary table specifications based on their actual machining requirements.
We can help review:
- Machine configuration
- Workpiece dimensions
- Workpiece weight
- Table size
- Through-hole requirements
- Accuracy requirements
- Speed requirements
- Workholding configuration
- CNC control compatibility
We coordinate with our supply partners to identify suitable product options and provide available technical information for quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important CNC rotary table specification?
There is no single specification that is most important for every application. Table size, load capacity, accuracy, through hole, speed and control compatibility should be evaluated according to the machining requirements.
What does rotary table through hole mean?
The through hole is the opening through the center of the rotary table. Its size can affect workpiece and workholding options.
What is the difference between indexing accuracy and repeatability?
Indexing accuracy describes how accurately the table reaches a commanded position. Repeatability describes how consistently it can return to that position.
How do I choose the correct table diameter?
Consider the workpiece dimensions, chuck or fixture size, available machine space and required machining access.
Should I consider load capacity together with the workpiece weight?
Yes. The total setup may include the workpiece, chuck, fixture and other components. Machining forces and clamping requirements should also be considered.
Do CNC rotary table specifications vary between manufacturers?
Yes. Terminology, measurement methods and available configurations can vary. Always compare the actual specifications of the individual model.
Need Help Comparing CNC Rotary Tables?
If you are unsure which specifications are suitable for your application, send us your:
CNC machine model + workpiece dimensions + workpiece weight + application requirements.
ROTIVEX can help identify suitable product options and coordinate available technical information and quotation with our supply partners.
Continue Your Selection
Use the rotary table vs index table guide to compare machining modes, the 5-axis selection guide for tilting applications, and the workholding selection page for fixture considerations. Then review available rotary table models with your machine and application requirements.