How to Decide Whether a Rotary Table Machine Suits Your Product

Vertical rotary table machines are available with two stations or with three up to eight stations — one upper mold working with two to eight lower molds. While the clamp molds one station, the operator loads inserts at another, and a robot can be added for part removal, raising efficiency considerably. Each lower mold can even produce a different part.

A double sliding table machine can achieve a similar effect, but usually needs two operators; with one person it is hard work. A rotary machine can be run by a single operator, which saves labor cost.

Five questions to ask

• Does loading inserts take a long time?
• Will several operators work on one machine?
• Does the part have cables attached, and can they be handled on a rotary table?
• What is the overall cycle time of the part?
• What output does production require?