What are rotary table bearings?

What are Rotary Table Bearings?

Rotary table bearings are high-precision components designed to support combined loads, including axial, radial, and tilting moments. Often referred to as the "heart of the rotary table," they are essential for applications requiring high-precision rotation, such as CNC machine tools, medical equipment, and precision measurement instruments.

Features of Rotary Table Bearings

High Precision: Manufactured to meet P4 or P2 tolerance classes, ensuring minimal run-out and high machining accuracy.

High Load Capacity: The unique internal structure allows a single bearing to handle heavy axial and radial loads simultaneously.

High Rigidity: Exceptional stiffness ensures stability and prevents deformation under heavy workpieces or high cutting forces.

Low Starting Torque: Optimized internal geometry ensures smooth rotation and low friction even under heavy loads.

Types of Rotary Table Bearings

BRT Series (Standard): The most common type, consisting of three rows of rollers, ideal for high-precision indexing tables.

BRTS Series (High-Speed): Similar to YRT but optimized for higher rotational speeds with lower heat generation.

BLDF Series (Thrust Angular Contact Ball): Designed for extremely high speeds and dual-direction axial loads.

Crossed Roller Bearings (RB/RA/CRB): Features rollers arranged at 90-degree angles, offering a compact design while saving installation space.

Applications of Rotary Table Bearings

CNC Machine Tools: Used in high-precision CNC rotary tables, indexing heads, and multi-axis machining centers to ensure accuracy during milling, grinding, and boring.

Industrial Robotics: Essential for the base, joints, and "waist" of industrial robots, providing the high load capacity and smooth rotation needed for repetitive tasks.

Medical Equipment: Found in high-end medical devices like CT scanners, X-ray machines, and surgical robots where silent, stable, and precise rotation is critical.

Radar and Communication: Used in satellite antennas and radar systems to support large structures while maintaining high tracking and positioning accuracy.

Precision Measurement: Integrated into rotary encoders, spectrometers, and optical measuring instruments to provide friction-free, stable movement.

Aerospace and Defense: Applied in aircraft manufacturing equipment and guidance systems where extreme reliability and durability are required under high-stress conditions

How to Install Rotary Table Bearings

Preparation: Thoroughly clean the mounting seats and the shaft. Ensure there are no burrs or contaminants.

Alignment: Place the bearing into the housing. Align the mounting holes of the bearing with the holes in the machine base.

Seating: Use a hydraulic press or temperature assistance (heating/cooling) if necessary to ensure the bearing sits flush against the shoulder.

Tightening: Secure the bolts in a "star" or crisscross pattern. Tighten them in stages (e.g., 40%, 70%, 100% of target torque) using a calibrated torque wrench.

Validation: Use a dial indicator to check the radial and axial run-out after the installation is complete.

Price of Rotary Table Bearings

Prices vary significantly based on size (diameter), precision grade, and material.

Standard Industrial Grade: Generally ranges from $200 to $1,500 USD per unit.

Ultra-High Precision/Large Scale: Can cost between $2,000 and $10,000+ USD depending on specific custom requirements and tolerances.

Supplier of Rotary Table Bearings

Company Name: BYBearings (Luoyang Boying Bearing Co., Ltd)
BYBearings is a professional manufacturer specializing in high-precision crossed roller bearings and YRT rotary table bearings. Their products are widely used in industrial robot joints, CNC rotary tables, medical devices, and radar systems, known for their high reliability and technical expertise.