{"title":"External 4th Axis Controllers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eExternal 4th Axis Controllers for CNC Rotary Table Retrofits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn external axis controller operates a CNC rotary table independently from the machine's original X, Y and Z axes. It is a practical option for upgrading an existing 3-axis machining center when the process needs fixed-angle indexing, side machining, circular hole patterns or multi-side machining but does not require continuous simultaneous 4-axis interpolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/products\/yd-1\"\u003eYD-1 external 4th\/5th axis controller\u003c\/a\u003e is designed for rotary table retrofit projects. Depending on the CNC control and machine interface, the system can coordinate rotary positioning through Ethernet, serial communication or machine signals while helping reduce major changes to the original CNC parameters and PLC program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhen Is an External Controller a Good Fit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe existing 3-axis machine is mechanically reliable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe workpiece needs indexed machining at programmed angles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn OEM additional-axis package is too expensive or unavailable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe project needs a matched rotary table, servo motor, drive and controller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull simultaneous X\/Y\/Z\/A machining is not required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eController selection depends on the CNC system model, available communication interface, rotary table size, servo power and required safety interlocks. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/external-4th-axis-retrofit-solution-for-3-axis-cnc-machines\"\u003eexternal 4th axis retrofit solution\u003c\/a\u003e or see the guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/cnc-resources\/add-4th-axis-to-3-axis-cnc-external-controller\"\u003eadding a 4th axis to a 3-axis CNC machine\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor control-brand and electrical-cabinet evaluation, see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/cnc-resources\/fanuc-mitsubishi-brother-external-4th-axis-retrofit-compatibility\"\u003eFANUC, Mitsubishi and Brother compatibility guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yidai-controller-assessment-cta\" style=\"margin-top:28px;padding-top:24px;border-top:1px solid #dbe3ef;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 16px;color:#526174;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eSend your CNC model, control system, rotary table size and intended process for a practical controller recommendation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cnc-retrofit-assessment\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:12px 20px;background:#2864d4;border:1px solid #245dc8;border-radius:6px;color:#fff;font-size:15px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.25;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eRequest Controller Compatibility Review\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"yd-1","title":"YD-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation \u0026amp; Compatibility：\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.Easy Installation: No modification of NC parameters or machine tool PLC programs required, saving time and reducing skill requirements.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e2.Broad Compatibility: Compatible with major CNC systems (e.g., Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Brother, Siemens). The same axis card supports multiple systems, allowing for flexible use across different machine tools in your workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.Flexible Connection: One axis card supports flexible connection with multiple CNC systems, simplifying machine relocation and reducing cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cpre\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yidaicncparts.myshopify.com\/pages\/external-4th-axis-retrofit-solution-for-3-axis-cnc-machines\"\u003e\u003ccode\u003eLearn more about our external 4th axis retrofit solution for 3-axis CNC machines.\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/pre\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication \u0026amp; Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1.Ethernet Communication: Utilizes an Ethernet-based communication protocol with the CNC for high-speed, safe, stable, and reliable real-time axis positioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.4th\/5th Axis Control: Supports control of additional rotary axes without enabling the CNC's native additional axis functions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOperation \u0026amp; Usability\u003cbr\u003e1.Manual Handwheel Operation: Allows direct operation via the machine's handwheel, maintaining original operation habits for easy setup and adjustment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.Integrated Machine Panel Control: Fully controlled via the standard CNC machine panel, offering the same operation experience as the original XYZ axes. Simple and convenient for installation and debugging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCore Functions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1.Standard Feed Axis Functions: Includes backlash compensation, pitch error compensation, axis travel limits, brake current limitation, and bidirectional alarm monitoring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.Alarm \u0026amp; Fault Display: Axis rotation stops upon an alarm, with fault codes displayed directly on the CNC system interface (no external display required).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.Speed\/Position Mode Switching: Free switching between speed and position modes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.Automatic Brake Setting: No PLC program modification needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.Smart Credit System: Supports a one-code-per-product license with usage time counted in hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.Comprehensive Drive \u0026amp; Motor Support: Offers a wide range of driver and motor power specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.Encoder Protocol Support: Supports protocols such as Biss-C and Tamagawa.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Resources and Compatible Components\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse these guides to evaluate whether YD-1 fits your machining process and machine interface:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/cnc-resources\/add-4th-axis-to-3-axis-cnc-external-controller\"\u003eHow to add a 4th axis to a 3-axis CNC machine\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/cnc-resources\/external-vs-native-cnc-4th-axis-upgrade\"\u003eExternal 4th axis controller vs native CNC 4th axis\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/4th-cnc-axis-rotary-table\"\u003e4th axis CNC rotary tables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/5th-cnc-axis-rotary-table\"\u003e5th axis CNC rotary tables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor compatibility evaluation, send the CNC control model, machine model, electrical cabinet photos, workpiece dimensions and required indexing angles through our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003econtact page\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"YidaiCNCParts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53452945785204,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/7320\/5876\/files\/YD1-1.png?v=1758764248"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.yidaicncparts.com\/collections\/rotary-table-single-axis-controller.oembed","provider":"YidaiCNCParts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}