CUSTOMER MAGAZINE
imotion
01/2016
WHAT IS A ROTARY TRANSFER MACHINE?
A rotary transfer machine is a machine
tool that is usually used for metal
cutting. It consists of a large rotary
indexing table and the machining
stations that are arranged around it.
The machine was developed in Switzerland in the late 1950s specifically for the
highly precise and productive large-scale
production of small, complex parts. The
idea was to perform all of the machining
steps required for the production of such
parts at a single multi-station machine
with a rotary indexing table.
With a rotary transfer machine, even
complex parts can be produced in their
entirety from raw material. Each station at
the rotary table completes a defined
machining step, so that each individual
workpiece goes through the entire
machining process without having to
be unclamped from time to time.
This ensures a maximum degree of
precision and repeatability. In addition,
this process allows short cycle times and
high production volumes because many
workpieces can be processed at the same
time – one at each station. Modern rotary
transfer machines can be equipped with
30 or more workstations. To achieve an
­optimal output, the cycle start and end as
well as the speed of each workstation can
be programmed individually. Furthermore,
the entire machining process takes place
in an oil flow. While standard units are
usually designed for 4’000 to 24’000 rpm,
speeds of up to 60’000 rpm or even
80’000 rpm are possible with a CNC unit.
Operation
When using a rotary transfer machine,
workpieces are clamped into pallet-like
clamping devices on a rotary indexing
table. During each cycle, successive
machining processes are performed
simultaneously at the workpieces.
The rotation of the vertically or horizontally
arranged rotary table can be continuous or
intermittent. After being machined at one
station, the workpiece is transferred to the
next station every time the rotary table
turns. The combination of the automated
parts feed and simultaneous processes
enables the quick production of parts.
imotion customer magazine | imoberdorf AG | 01 2016
Applications
Rotary transfer machines are generally
used for the mass production of metal
parts for the automotive, watch and
electronics industries, in medical
technology as well as for pneumatic and
hydraulic fittings. Depending on the design
(or special design), the machine tool can
produce simple or complex parts for a
particular individual component or a parts
family. The configuration at a rotary table
allows for a compact design that does not
take up much space. The annual output of
a single rotary transfer machine can be
between 100’000 and millions of units.
Advantages
In industrial production, the latest gene­
ration rotary transfer machines will play an
increasingly large role compared to CNC
centres and normal transfer machines.
The following features and advantages
make rotary transfer machines an intelligent solution for customers:
•
•
•
•
High degree of system integration
Good use of space
Low labour costs
Great repeatability thanks to a single
clamping process
• Customer-specific design
• Fully automated production is possible
• Economically sound investment
precise, automated rotary transfer
­systems. Taking into account the demands
of the market and our customers, we
constantly aim to continue developing our
rotary transfer machines and optimising
them.
In order to expand the possibilities of the
machining processes, we integrate a series
of new solutions in our machines, such as
tool changers, rotational clamping devices,
revolvers and grinding units. While
maintaining the system’s advantages, we
reduced its dimensions in order to create
«This ensures a maximum
degree of precision and
repeatability.»
more space for products and machining
processes. At the same time, we improve
internal processes in order to be able to
deliver our products to our customers even
more quickly.
Continuous improvement is a given for
Imoberdorf AG.
We would be happy to welcome you as a
customer!
Disadvantages
Naturally, even rotary transfer machines have
limits. That is why many manufacturers are
developing technological improvements in
order to maximise the potential of rotary
transfer machines. The focus is on the
following weaknesses:
• The size of the products has an
upper limit
• High specific requirements and
low flexibility
• Long delivery time
Technology from Imoberdorf
Imoberdorf AG, which has been
family-owned and operated business for
more than 70 years, specialises in highly
Author:
Zhang Xuanfengchen
Sales China
imotion customer magazine | imoberdorf AG | 01 2016