YD-1 External 4th/5th Axis Servo Control Package

YD-1 Matched Servo Control System for CNC Rotary Tables

YD-1 is a rotary table servo system: a matched axis-card controller, servo drive and servo motor for external indexed rotary-axis applications. It is not a general-purpose replacement for the machine's original linear-axis servo system.

YD-1 is Yidai's first-generation standalone external-axis solution for adding indexed rotary positioning to an existing 3-axis CNC machining center. It is designed for retrofit projects where a practical external control architecture is preferred over a complete OEM additional-axis upgrade.

For CNC rotary table manufacturers, YD-1 can be configured as a matched servo package around the table ratio, required torque and speed, inertia, encoder, brake or clamp method and target CNC interface.

What the YD-1 Control Package Includes

• Matched servo drive
• Matched servo motor
• YD-1 axis-card controller

The first-generation architecture keeps the servo drive and axis-card controller as separate components, but Yidai supplies them together as a matched control package. It is therefore not a controller-only product. The CNC rotary table, brake circuit, cables and machine-interface components are selected for the table size, workpiece load, required torque, control method and target machine.

Typical Applications

• Indexed 4th-axis machining (3+1)
• Indexed 5th-axis positioning (3+2)
• Multi-face milling, drilling and tapping
• Bolt-circle, radial-hole and fixed-angle machining
• Retrofits where native simultaneous interpolation is not required

Important: YD-1 is intended primarily for indexed positioning between cutting operations. It should not be described as a replacement for native simultaneous X/Y/Z/A or five-axis interpolation.

CNC System and Handwheel Compatibility

Machine-specific configurations can be evaluated for FANUC, Mitsubishi, Brother and Siemens CNC systems. Compatibility must be confirmed from the exact CNC model, software version, available communication interface and electrical-cabinet layout.

• FANUC and Mitsubishi: compatible configurations can retain the machine's original handwheel for rotary-axis setup and manual positioning.
• Brother and Siemens: an additional electronic handwheel is required for rotary-axis manual operation.

Communication and Machine Integration

The appropriate integration method may use Ethernet, RS232 or machine I/O, depending on the CNC system and machine-builder configuration. The retrofit sequence should coordinate the index request, rotary positioning, brake/clamp condition, position-complete feedback and alarm interlocks before the CNC resumes cutting.

Package Functions

• Rotary-axis angle programming and indexed positioning
• Manual setup and positioning through the applicable handwheel arrangement
• Position-complete, ready and alarm coordination with the CNC
• Travel-limit, brake and safety-interlock workflow for the matched system
• Support for 4th-axis and indexed 5th-axis retrofit configurations
• No fixed servo power limit: the servo drive and motor are selected for the rotary table, load, torque, speed, inertia and project requirements.

Power Selection FAQ

What servo power can YD-1 support?
YD-1 has no fixed servo power range. Its separate axis-card controller architecture allows the servo drive and motor to be selected for the rotary table, workpiece and fixture load, required torque, speed, inertia, braking method and project conditions.

Does “no fixed power range” mean any servo can be connected directly?
No. The servo system, feedback, command interface, brake logic, machine signals and safety interlocks must still be engineered and verified for each project.

Plan the rotary table retrofit around YD-1

Read the 4th-axis rotary table retrofit guide to review the mechanical table, servo matching and CNC handshake together. If cabinet space and a matched 400 W to 1 kW servo system suit your project, compare the CSD700 integrated rotary table servo controller drive. Use the servo sizing checklist before confirming either architecture.

Information Required Before Selection

• Machine brand, model and year
• Exact CNC control model and software version
• Electrical-cabinet and machine-table photos
• Available Ethernet, RS232, M-code or I/O information
• Workpiece dimensions, weight, fixture and required indexing angles
• Required rotary-table size and whether the process is 3+1 or 3+2

Read the external 4th/5th axis retrofit solution, review the OEM rotary table servo package, compare the external and native CNC axis approaches, or request a CNC retrofit compatibility assessment.