Selecting a servo system for a CNC rotary table is not a matter of matching table diameter to motor power. The mechanical reduction, required torque and speed, reflected inertia, encoder, brake or clamp method, duty cycle and CNC interface all affect the final motor, drive and controller configuration.
Why rotary table diameter alone is not enough
Two rotary tables with the same faceplate diameter can require different servo systems. Reduction ratio, load distribution, fixture inertia, acceleration target, cutting conditions and clamp design can change the torque and response required from the motor and drive.
Information required before servo selection
- Rotary table: model, faceplate size, reduction mechanism, reduction ratio and mounting direction.
- Load: workpiece and fixture weight, load center and estimated rotating inertia.
- Motion: required indexing angles, maximum speed, acceleration, positioning time and duty cycle.
- Mechanical limits: required torque, backlash, positioning accuracy and allowable overtravel.
- Feedback: motor encoder, optional table-side feedback, homing sensor and limit switches.
- Brake or clamp: electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic sequence and confirmation signals.
- CNC interface: exact CNC model, software version, I/O, Ethernet or serial resources and manual-operation method.
Choose the control architecture
YD-1: separate controller and servo drive
YD-1 uses a separate axis-card controller with a matched servo drive and motor. It has no fixed servo power range; the drive and motor are selected for the rotary table and project data.
CSD700: integrated controller and servo drive
CSD700 combines the axis-control and servo-drive functions in one device. It can be paired with matched servo motors from 400 W to 1 kW and is useful where compact installation and reduced wiring are priorities.
Confirm the machining requirement
YD-1 and CSD700 are primarily used for indexed 3+1 and 3+2 positioning. The rotary table moves to the requested angle, confirms position and clamp status, and then the original CNC axes continue cutting. If the rotary axis must move continuously with X, Y and Z during cutting, the project should be evaluated as a native simultaneous-axis application.
OEM checklist for rotary table manufacturers
- Freeze one representative table model and its mechanical specification.
- Define the target CNC systems and machine interface.
- Confirm the motor, encoder, brake or clamp and wiring responsibilities.
- Build one prototype and agree on a functional acceptance checklist.
- Record approved parameters and review every later mechanical or electrical change.
Start with an engineering review
For a complete table, motor, drive and controller package, compare the external 4th/5th axis control systems, review the OEM rotary table servo package, or submit the project for compatibility assessment.
