Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Turbine Metrology design its own table?
After years of rebuilding other manufacturers tables, we knew we could build a better table and deliver it at a far lower cost.
2. What is an "air bearing" table?
Rotary tables have two bearings - the radial bearing to control rotation of the table and the thrust bearing to support the weight of the fixturing and the part being tested. Rotary inspection tables for large, heavy parts usually use air a thin air film to support the thrust load . While mechanical thrust bearings can be sufficiently accurate for machining operations where very large forces are applied to the table, air thrust bearings introduce far less vibration and noise into the system, making them ideal for inspection work.
3. Is the radial bearing an air bearing as well?
On large tables a mechanical radial bearing is usually used due to the potential for large off-centered loads. For smaller tables where the part weight and diameter is small compared to the table, air can be used as a radial bearing as well.
4. In what sizes are NT tables available?
NT tables are currently available in sizes from 150mm (~6") to 1500mm (about 60") with capacities up to 10,000 KG (22,000 pounds.) Other sizes can be built using the basic NT design.
5. Do NT tables allow for part centering and leveling?
NT tables are available with and without a centering platen. Due to the large weights of most turbine parts, leveling is accomplished via a system of high capacity precision jacks. (See photos.)
6. What sort of maintenance do NT table require?
Unlike most inspection tables, NT tables were designed to work in shop floor environments. They require a clean source of dry air and a stable supply of power. NT tables do not use sensitive failure-prone electronic motor drive systems, nor do they have mechanical components that require frequent periodic replacement. NT tables have now been running for more than 5 years in harsh enviornments with ZERO maintenance .
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