In 2019, Japanese manufacturer Kitagawa introduced the first in a new range of compact, general purpose rotary tables, the MK series, for adding a rigid fourth CNC axis to a three-axis vertical machining centre. Now, the MK200 has been joined by a second model, the MK250, with significantly uprated performance. Availability in the UK and Ireland is through sole sales agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

The most notable improvement on the MK250 is the 1000 Nm, pneumatically actuated clamping torque, making it more than 80% stronger than the first model. As with all Kitagawa tables, this torque is determined by the point at which the force on the worm wheel causes it to displace by 30 µm. In contrast, some manufacturers quote the slipping torque as a maximum, which can cause inaccuracy or even failure.
If a Kitagawa TSR181A tail spindle with integral clamp, also available through 1st MTA, is added for securing a component or tooling column horizontally between centres, the clamping torque increases to 1600 Nm. The result is even faster, heavier duty, more productive machining. As the table has a small footprint, loss of bed area and working volume in a machining centre is minimised.
Kitagawa has both stronger and more compact rotary tables of similar capacity available in its product ranges, such as the GT250 and CK250, but Kitagawa asserts that the MK250 meets 90% of all customer requirements. The unit on its own can support a load of 250 kg horizontally, while it may alternatively be used to hold a component or column weighing up to 125 kg in the vertical orientation. Maximum positioning speed is 33.3 rpm.
The type of the faceplate is specified by the customer, either with T-slots or pre-drilled holes.
For further information www.1mta.com