Transfer Machines

Like CNC multi-spindles, multi-station rotary transfer machines move parts installed on an indexing vertical or horizontal table from one machining station to another. Different operations are performed at each station until the part is completed. The number of stations depends on the machine model. If there are eight clamping positions on the table, the first position is used for loading and the other seven positions can each perform multiple operations on a part. As the table rotates incrementally, each part moves to another workstation where machining operations are performed on as many as three sides of the part. The combination of automated part feeding and simultaneous machining operations is why a rotary transfer machine can produce an abundance of parts quickly. The overall cycle time is determined by how long it takes to complete the slowest operation.