T-Slot dimensions
These rotary tables can be used for many kinds of heavy machining, and also for lighter duty applications such as laboratory, production part rotation, inspection, indexing to precise angles, laser marking, angular testing and measurements.
All 6, 8, 10, or 12 inch rotary tables are CNC ready-to-go systems, and include:
They can be used as a stand-alone unit with several modes to automate your rotation and indexing, or controlled by other CNC controllers for additional mult-axis sequences.
The Au86-118 motor has 400 half-steps per revolution, and the 450:1 gear ratio tables produce 180,000 steps per revolution. This gives a resoution of 0.002 degrees per half-step. Stepper motor top speed is over 10,000 half-steps/second, perhaps as high as 12,000 sps with lighter loads. With 450:1, this produces a table top speed of 3 rpm. If you need higher speed, then select the direct drive which is 90:1, and the table top speed is 15 rpm. Worm gear backlash is virtually zero and pre-set at Excitron factory, and non-adjustable. Usually backlash is +-.001", and even this can be compensated for electronically in CNC programs to reduce backlash to zero.
Our stepper motors/controllers will give you great speed and torque, and many people have purchased these for automating various motions. Choose direct drive or added 5:1 gear ratio, depending on your speed and resolution, which is +-.0020 to +-0.0100 degree/step.
Now this motorized rotary table includes our previous option for extra-precision, which gives you better rotating accuracy and tighter operation. The additional specifications, upgraded from our previous standard 6", 8", 10", or 12" rotary tables, are:
Faro Laser has purchased 10 of these extra-precision tables. They said it exceeds the accuracy and resolution they need for their laser pointing and measurements, which is one motor step makes the laser beam move at a distance of 250 feet.
Excitron offers you a very broad range of motor/controller sizes from 1 oz-in to 4,600 oz-in of torque to fit your applications. Our controllers save you money, space, and time; yet give you robust intelligent motion control. They run "right out of the box" by typing a \'w\' then \'G\'.
Each Excitron controller includes all the electronics and drivers for running the stepper motor and adding intelligent motion to almost any device. There are no other electronic boxes and no messy cables. RS232 Serial port communication are built-in, and USB or Wireless are optional. We also offer high-flex long-life data and signal shielded/jacketed cables for devices that rotate or translate. Contact us to hear more about our latest technologies.
You easily control how your stepper motor operates by using these modes, and the versatility of the input pins:
For further details, please see the Au_Controllercoder_Manual.pdf. You can combine many of these modes, with few restrictions. Hundreds of successful customers have created very ingenious motion using these simple "building blocks", some in as quickly as 10 minutes.
Most documents are available on our website. For communicating with any Excitron Controller, we can email you a Hyperterminal shortcut (Excitron.ht) that will run with all Hyperterminal parameters already set for you. Hyperterminal comes with MS Windows, and that is all you need to operate our controllers. No other software is needed. Please note that sometimes Hyperterminal will not communicate, so restarting it often helps. You can alos download Realterm from teh internet
You can easily setup the Excitron controller for standalone (Motion Profile) mode and Input Profile Mode so that it performs exactly as you wish upon power-up. In this case, your computer is not needed. The Excitron controller has many useful modes for inputs and for the one output, so that you can add intelligent repetitive motion to almost any device. Connection with PLCs or Labview work well.
Our new Au 100 amp controller for the Au86-118 is included.. It is not so much about its massive reserve power, but more about the reduced heat generated and the reduced electrical noise. Top speed is also increased by 50% over our already strong existing controllers, and the torque is 5-10% higher with this controller since it runs so smoothly.
Reliability is increased because the 100 amp controller is running at about 10% of design power. It can take a lot more abuse, too. If there were a contest out there, it would seem our new 100 amp controller would win it.
These integrated units are especially designed for industrial conditions, where dust, chips, and oil exist. The tables can work in the vertical position by using moly-lub or some other solid lubricant. We can make an angle piece available for upright mounting, if you wish.
Satisfied customer\'s statements:
Additional options for your project:
| Qty | Item | $ each | Category |
| 1 | AuSW4-2 --Switchbox for extra control and rotation | 79.00 | Accessories |
| 1 | PS-24-320W power supply | 129.00 | Power Supplies |
| 1 | PS-48-320W power supply | 139.00 | Power Supplies |
| 1 | Power strip, 6 outlets, protected | 7.95 | Power Supplies |
| 1 | USB-RS232 cable adaptor | 19.95 | Cables & Adaptors -- USB |
| 1 | Serial cable DB9 M-F 25\' | 9.95 | Cables & Adaptors |
Our 24 volt 80 watt power supply is small and fully encapsulated, so it can mount close to the motor/controller without a shield. It is also possible to drive the stepper motor with the 80 watt power supply at full rated torque and speed, and be able to over-drive it almost 2 times rated torque. Each Au Controller includes our new 100 amp power driver.
With direct drive, where the motor is directly coupled to the worm gear stem without a belt drive, the gear ratio is 90:1. This unit produces the highest speed and lowest torque. Each half-step of the stepper motor rotates the table 0.01 degrees, and it takes 36,000 half-steps for a full table rotation. The motor/controller is extended outwards, and is attached to the worm gear drive, see picture on Rotary Tables webpage.
Rotary tables that are not direct drive use precision gears. Use the highest ratio for best resolution and torque, or lower ratios for higher rotational speeds.
Half-stepping improves resolution by a factor of two vs. full-stepping, and runs smoother. Some backlash exists, and is adjustable to less then .001". Repeatability is excellent due to the ground and polished worm gears.
When changing directions, the mechanical gears and the belt drive have a slight amount of backlash. Rotating in a vertical position is not a problem because we pack the rotary table with molylube. Axial and radial runout of the table top, and flatness, is less than +.0006".
Key specifications related to the main body of the rotary table:
| Size | 6" | 8" | 8" (H/V) | 10" | 12" |
| Table Diameter | 6.30 | 7.88 | 7.91 | 9.85 | 12.60 |
| # of Slots | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Slot Width | 0.394 | 0.466 | .466 | 0.466 | 0.55 |
| T-Width | 0.672 | 0.851 | .812 | 0.817 | 1.013 |
| T-Depth | 0.394 | 0.370 | .370 | 0.375 | 0.458 |
| Square Nut Size | .312-16 | .312-16 | .312-16 | .312-16 | .500-13 |
| Center Hole Diameter | 0.688 | 0.930 | 1.160 | 0.930 | 1.575 |
| Length | 10.35 | 11.43 | 11.20 | 12.70 | 16.14 |
| Width | 7.75 | 9.30 | 9.55 | 11.27 | 14.17 |
| Thickness | 2.97 | 3.19 | 3.95 | 3.60 | 4.33 |
| Weight, lbs | 42 | 54 | 59 | 82 | 156 |
The RS232 serial port gives you easy access for changing parameters such as acceleration, SPS, and torque. Once setup for running in Input Profile MOde, Motion Profile standalone mode, or Driver mode (step/dir), the RS232 adaptor is no longer needed, if you prefer. As an example, it\'s easy to setup the controller to rotate to any angle you want, at the push of a button, and repeat up to 2,500 times, then delay an amount of time. With our new connector system, you can easily solder input wires for more control.
Do you need power supplies? We have approved units under "Power supplies". They are world-wide universal, and work fine at 110 or 230 Vac, and all come with a 6\' AC power cord except the 320 watt supplies. Our power strip has a convenient switch for ON/OFF, a 6\' power cord, and a power ON light. NEVER run any other cables, especially the AC cables, next to the STEP/DIR cable. At least 6 inches must separate them, even if they are shielded. Closer then 6 inches can cause voltage spikes of more then 10 volts to appear on any data cable, and that can cause burnout of any electronics.
All of our electronic parts are ROHS certified, and we only use ROHS certified printed circuit boards. The stepper motors and controllers are exempt from ROHS certification because machinery is exempt.
All Au controllers have +-30Kv static protection on all inputs.
These instructions are for assembling the motor/controller to the pre-assembled belt drive, plates, indicator wheel, and to the heavy rotary table.
Decide which angle you wish to mount the motor/controller, usually with the pointing to 9:00 position so that the cables do not interfere with rotating table parts. Note that the motor, plates, and timing belt parts protrude above and below the planes of the rotary table. If you have large diameter parts to mount to your rotary table, then you will want the motor parts on the right of the worm gear stem, so that the motor parts are further from the table rotation center. Also note that the 0.38" thick aluminum plate can be set for any angle, around the worm gear stem. Loosen the 10-32 cap screw securing this plate, rotate, and then tighten this screw, noting that belt parts do not rub.
Begin by inserting the motor shaft/pulley into the belt, then holding fairly flat against the motor plate. The motor pivots on one screw for easier belt adjustment, and is secured by the others
Take the 6-32 screw with thin washer through the top right motor hole, then place a thick washer on the screw in between the motor and mounting plate and turn the screw a few times to hold the motor in place. Next find each 10-32 x 1" cap head screw and place a thick washer on each. Insert these screws through the top and bottom left motor holes. With the screw part way through, place thick washers on the screws between the motor and the mounting plate. Then use a thick washer between the mounting plate and the 10-32 locknut on the backside of the mounting plate. Tighten all hardware so that the motor can still rotate CCW to the 6-32 hardware.
Push the motor CCW so that the belt becomes tight. Make sure the belt is aligned properly and not cocked on the motor pulley. When satisfied with the tension of the belt, tighten the 6-32 screw and then the 10-32 hardware. The belt should be tight but not rigid. About .06" of belt movement, halfway between the pulleys when pushing with 2-3 pounds, is satisfactory. Check belt tension after running the motor.
The oil reservoir in the rotary table is filled by moly-lube by Excitron. If you do not want this moly-lube, then use about a liter of one of these; you will need to purchase locally:
These instructions are for assembling the belt drive, plates, and indicator wheel, to the rotary table. After this assembly, see the instructions for assembling the motor/controller to the pre-assembled belt drive, plates, indicator wheel, and rotary table.
You will need to assemble the motor/belt assembly to the rotary table stem. First, for protection, we ship the table worm gear away from engaging the table gear. Notice the eccentric (2 inch diameter shiny steel) collar, from which the worm gear stem protrudes. At the end of this stem is a metric 12mm screw thread. Locate the polished/ground worm gear eccentric stem and its little swivel lock on top. We left it parked in the free wheeling position, so that the precision internal worm gears are not damaged during shipping. Loosen the little swivel lock (turn CCW) on the top, then CCW rotate the belt/plate/indicator assembly until the internal worm gears are firmly seated. Now lock the little swivel arm CW. After the table top is assembled, you will adjust this gear using the little locking arm, which clamps the eccentric gear stem holder.
You first need to rotate the small lever above the eccentric collar CCW, and that unlocks the eccentric collar. Then rotate the eccentric collar CCW, which can be a little hard to turn, and then relock the little lever. NEVER RUN THE TABLE WITH THIS GEAR PARTIALLY ENGAGED, IT MUST BE FULLY ENGAGED. You can tell it is fully engaged when it stops solidly while rotating the eccentric collar.
Handle the motor assembly carefully so that the encoder wires do not bend or move--they are fragile. Carefully insert the motor assembly onto the eccentric collar gear stem and simultaneously onto the eccentric collar. Some wiggling is necessary. Do not disassemble any part of the motor, belt, dial, etc., this is already aligned and adjusted at Excitron. The motor assembly is secured mainly by the #10-32 cap screw located on the .38" thick aluminum motor plate, and secondly by the 12mm nut. Tighten the #10-32 cap screw securely. Notice that you can rotate the entire motor assembly to any angle you wish, prior to tightening the screw. Tighten the 12mm nut just slightly more than finger tight--any more will bind of the rotation. The belt should be a little flexible, and not absolutely tight.
The oil reservoir in the rotary table is filled by moly-lube by Excitron. If you do not want this moly-lube, then use about a liter of one of these; you will need to purchase locally:
NEVER RUN THE STEPPER MOTOR IF THE TABLE ROTATION LOCKS ARE LOCKED!! The table rotation locks are the two long stem levers on the table-top side. The table-top locks are provided for locking the table top solidly, but only for some reason when you need a firm lock but not rotating the motor.
Any long length of power wire, of more then 12 inches, introduces a resistance drop, and inductance and capacitance that significantly and adversely affect the power supply\'s ability to regulate. The inductance and capacitance fools the power supply into measuring that the voltage is different then it actually is, because it introduces phase angle changes. This can cause wild oscillations; unfortunately the switching power supply usually makes the voltage go higher. This can destroy any electronics hooked up to it.
Wire resistance for 18 AWG stranded is .0065 ohms/foot, so with an 8-foot length, which is 16 feet including the ground wire, the resistance is .104 ohms. Any resistance over .02 ohms can cause huge problems. So even 16 AWG can be insufficient. Running multiple electronic devices off the same power supply just makes it worse. Lowing the Controller\'s "T", which lowers the amperage, is always a good idea to reduce electrical noise.
An additional problem of regulated power supplies is that they cannot tolerate a rapid change of current. This amount of current change is around 20% of the typical output, far below what is expected and specified by the power supply manufacturer. For instance, a 10 amp 24 volt power supply may oscillate with +-10 volt swings when only a 2 amp change occurs in 20 microseconds. One aggravating problem is that an over-voltage power supply protection circuit will actually cause the power supply to shut down. Almost all power supplies will shut down in 2-3 seconds, and then build the output current and voltage back up to 24 volts. Meanwhile, the load still exists, and hammers the power supply with even greater voltage fluctuations, with possible destruction of whatever is hooked to it.
A built-in wonderful self-protection comes from the automatic current limit of 5.5 amps, and thus no fuse is necessary. Adding a fuse increases resistance, which is not good. We purposely build our controllers so robust that they never burn out due to short circuit issues, but only when used with this marvelous 5.5 amp self-protection. The supplies are virtually burn-out proof, having only lost 2 out of 500 units, and that was only after hundreds of times of shorting the output because we use them for testing our motors.
Power supply manufacturers over-rate their units, and understate the regulation issues, so that they can sell against the competition. All of them are doing the same thing. I mentioned in 1979 I had severe noise and stepping problems until I physically moved the power supply to 4 feet from 8 feet, and used double wires of 14 AWG, and the steel chassis as ground. Had I known better, I never would have used a single supply.Over the last 4 years since we have been shipping this series of controllers, we have helped over 1,500 designers with power supply and motor selection. Some of these ended in dismal failure, and there is always a reason for failure. The largest failure is the power supply selection and long wires.
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