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1.1 Introduction

Overview

Haas rotary tables and indexers are fully automatic programmable positioning devices that can be moved to several different machines allowing versatile shop configurations.

Rotary/indexers are made up of two interfaced parts: the mechanical head that holds the workpiece and the control that can be the Haas Brushless Rotary Control (Servo Control) and/or the CNC machine.

The interface method can be:

  • True 4th and 5th axes simultaneous control of the rotary/indexer as described in the Haas Mill Operator’s Manual. No Servo Control unit is used.
  • Semi 4th and 5th axes control using the CNC Interface Cable and the Servo Control described in this manual.
  • Semi 4th and 5th axes control using the RS-232 port and the Servo Control described in this manual. 

Semi 4th and 5th Axes Control

The system of rotary/indexer and Servo Control unit is defined as a semi-fourth axis. This means that the table cannot do simultaneous interpolation with other axes. Linear moves or spirals are generated by having an axis of the mill move at the same time the rotary table moves. Refer to “Simultaneous Rotation and Milling” on page 31 for details. This method requires a host machine capable of closing a relay (or switch). Most CNC machine tools are equipped with spare M codes, which can be used to close a relay. Indexing commands are stored only in the Servo Control program memory. Each pulse of the host machine relay triggers the Servo Control to index to its next programmed position. After finishing the index, the Servo Control signals that it has finished and is ready for the next pulse.This method can be used with machine tools that have no controls.

4th and 5th Axes Control Using the RS-232 Port

This method requires use of a Haas Servo Control unit and a host machine capable of sending data via an RS-232 cable. It also requires macro function capability, an external M-code controlled relay, and an M-FIN connection. Programming is still done at the CNC control.