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Haas Automation began producing rotary tables in 1983 and a few years later moved into machine tool manufacturing. The company quickly became one of the most successful producers of vertical machining centers, lathes and other types of CNC machines. True to its roots, however, Haas never stopped producing rotary tables and related equipment, a product line that has continued to develop and broaden over the years.

In fact, the line features a brand new look at IMTS 2010. "The changes are primarily cosmetic, but they will improve the durability of our rotary tables and indexers, keeping them looking better longer," says Scott Rathburn, Haas marketing product manager. The changes include nickel-plated enclosures, anodized aluminum end plates with radiused edges, and die-cast junction boxes with a tumbled finish.

Of course, add-on rotary devices often complement the capabilities of the company's machine tools. One example on display at the show is a TR160Y trunnion-style rotary table mounted in a VF-5 vertical machining center. Because this rotary table can be oriented front to back rather than side to side lengthwise, it takes up significantly less space, thus freeing the rest of the worktable for another setup, as shown in the photo above on the right. In this case, the machine vise (left) clamps a workpiece for first operations. Second operations are completed on the rotary table. This setup enables a part to be completed in each machining cycle.