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Videos

Nikken CNC Rotary Tables with Carbide Worm System

Monday, August 26, 2024

Nikken rotary tables are recognized worldwide for their wear-resistance, rigidity, and high-speed rotation. Nikken rotary tables are designed and built to provide high accuracy, increased production, and a trouble-free long life. Unique to Nikken rotary tables is the innovative and patented carbide worm system comprised of a carbide worm screw, ion nitrided worm wheel (HV930), and hardened steel bearing surface (HRC58-60). The V grade solid carbide worm screw helps to ensure high rigidity and virtually eliminates wear. Compared with traditional worm system combinations (consisting of phosphorus bronze and aluminum bronze), wear is reduced by up to 8 times, and overall accuracy is substantially increased. Additionally, the worm wheel has specially hardened, ion-nitrided treated teeth that eliminate sliding friction. Watch the video to see and learn more about Nikken’s carbide CNC rotary table.

Why Carbide Makes the Difference

Standard rotary tables typically utilize a hardened steel worm. While effective, steel eventually succumbs to the rigors of high-cycle production. Nikken’s solution replaces this with a specialized carbide worm gear, offering several critical advantages:

  • Extreme Hardness: Carbide is significantly harder than high-speed steel, meaning the gear teeth maintain their precision profile even after years of continuous use.

  • Reduced Friction and Heat: The carbide-on-bronze (or specialized alloy) interface generates less thermal expansion. This ensures that the backlash remains consistent throughout the entire work shift, regardless of the duty cycle.

  • Minimal Wear: By virtually eliminating wear at the contact point, the need for frequent backlash adjustments is removed, maximizing machine uptime.

Performance Benefits for 4th and 5th Axis Machining

  • Sustained Indexing Accuracy: Precision is only valuable if it lasts. The Carbide Worm System ensures that your rotary table maintains its factory-certified accuracy for a much longer lifespan than conventional systems.

  • Enhanced Rigidity: The robust construction allows for heavier cutting forces without compromising the positioning of the workpiece. This is essential for roughing operations in tough materials like titanium and Inconel.

  • Faster Cycle Times: With greater thermal stability and lower friction, the rotary table can achieve faster indexing speeds and higher duty cycles without the risk of mechanical failure.

Ideal Applications for High-Precision Rotary Solutions

  • Aerospace Components: Ideal for the complex geometries and tight tolerances required for turbine blades and structural airframe parts.

  • Medical Manufacturing: Providing the micro-precision needed for orthopedic implants and surgical instruments.

  • Automotive Tooling: Supporting the high-volume production of engine components where repeatability is critical.