Trunnion Table Machining: 4+1 Axis Productivity in One Cycle
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When a part needs machining on multiple faces, every extra setup adds time, handling, and risk. The more often a part is removed, rotated, re-clamped, and re-qualified, the more opportunities there are for tolerance stack-up, alignment issues, and wasted production time.
Micro Dynamics trunnion-table machining centers are built to solve that problem.
The MEGA 30VT, TERA 50VT, and TERA 50VT/50 are vertical trunnion machines designed for 4+1 axis machining, multi-side access, and complete process machining in fewer setups. With hydraulic brakes, flexible workholding, through-table utility routing, and an available upgrade to true five-axis simultaneous machining, these machines give manufacturers a practical path from indexed multi-face production to more advanced five-axis capability.
What a Trunnion Table Changes in CNC Machining
A trunnion table gives the machine the ability to tilt and rotate the workpiece instead of forcing the operator to manually reposition the part between operations.
That makes a major difference for parts with angled holes, side features, complex faces, and multi-operation workflows. Instead of treating the workpiece as a fixed block, the trunnion platform gives the spindle better access to more sides of the part in one setup.
On Micro Dynamics trunnion machines, the platform is built for real production use. The trunnion table supports three vises for multi-stage machining, or it can be converted into a larger work table using a face plate. This gives shops the flexibility to run multiple smaller parts, staged operations, or larger fixtures depending on the application.
The rotary table also includes a through hole, allowing hydraulics, pneumatics, or other devices to be routed through the center of the table. This is especially useful for automated clamping, custom fixtures, and more advanced production setups.
Why 4+1 Axis Machining Is Practical for Production
Full simultaneous five-axis machining is powerful, but not every part requires continuous five-axis motion.
For many shops, 4+1 axis machining is the more practical solution. The rotary axes position the part at the required angle, then the machine performs cutting in a fixed orientation. This makes multi-side machining easier to program, easier to verify, and easier to integrate into existing production workflows.
That is why Micro Dynamics positions these machines as 4+1 axis vertical trunnion machining centers, while also offering true five-axis simultaneous machining as an optional upgrade.
In practical terms, this gives manufacturers the best of both worlds:
Indexed machining for efficient multi-face production, with the option to move into simultaneous five-axis machining when the application requires more complex tool motion.
Complete Process in One Cycle
One of the biggest advantages of a trunnion-table platform is the ability to complete more of the machining process in a single cycle.
Micro Dynamics demonstrates this with a six-face machining workflow using three vises:
The left vise is used for rough dove-tail cutting.
The center vise is used for 5-side machining.
The right vise is used for finishing.
This allows the machine to process the part through multiple stages without relying on repeated manual setup changes. The result is less handling, fewer opportunities for error, and better consistency from operation to operation.
For production shops, this is where a trunnion table becomes more than a machine feature. It becomes a process improvement.
Fewer setups mean shorter lead times.
Less re-clamping means better accuracy.
More complete machining in one cycle means higher spindle utilization.
MEGA 30VT: Compact 4+1 Axis Trunnion Machining
The MEGA 30VT is the compact trunnion-table solution in the Micro Dynamics range. It is designed for precision parts that need multi-side access without requiring a larger machine footprint.
Key specifications include:
Specification | Details |
X/Y/Z travel | 780 / 510 / 441 mm |
A-axis tilt range | 40° to -120° |
C-axis rotation | 360° |
Work table | 500 × 300 mm |
Face plate | Ø220 mm |
Maximum table load | 150 kg from 0°–45°, 85 kg from 45°–90° |
Spindle | 40 taper dual-contact |
Spindle speed | 15,000 rpm (20,000 and 24,000 rpm optional) |
Power | 31 kW |
Torque | 141 Nm |
Tool magazine | 40 tools (60 and 90 tools optional) |
Optional Ø300 mm and Ø350 mm face plates are also available, giving the MEGA 30VT added flexibility for different fixture and part requirements.
For shops moving from three-axis machining into indexed multi-side machining, the MEGA 30VT offers a compact and capable entry point.
TERA 50VT: Larger Capacity for Multi-Side Machining
The TERA 50VT expands the same trunnion concept into a larger machining envelope.
It is built for shops that need more travel, more table capacity, and a larger workholding platform while still benefiting from 4+1 axis machining and trunnion flexibility.
Key specifications include:
Specification | Details |
X/Y/Z travel | 970 / 710 / 500 mm |
A-axis tilt range | 40° to -120° |
C-axis rotation | 360° |
Work table | 720 × 400 mm |
Face plate | Ø320 mm |
Maximum table load | 250 kg from 0°–45°, 150 kg from 45°–90° |
Spindle | 40 taper dual-contact |
Spindle speed | 15,000 rpm (20,000 and 24,000 rpm optional) |
Power | 31 kW |
Torque | 141 Nm |
Tool magazine | 40 tools (60 and 90 tools optional) |
Optional Ø500 mm and Ø630 mm face plates are also available for larger workholding needs.
The TERA 50VT is the right fit when the application requires a larger trunnion platform but still benefits from a high-speed 40 taper spindle.
TERA 50VT/50: 50 Taper Power for Heavy-Duty Trunnion Machining
The TERA 50VT/50 takes the larger TERA trunnion platform and adds the cutting power of a 50 taper spindle.
This machine is designed for heavier-duty applications where spindle torque, tool size, and rigidity become more important. It is especially suitable for deep drilling, large cutter engagement, heavy milling, and demanding materials.
Key specifications include:
Specification | Details |
Spindle | 50 taper dual-contact |
Spindle speed | 12,000 rpm |
Power | 34 kW |
Torque | 570 Nm |
Tool magazine | 32 tools |
Maximum tool weight | 15 kg |
Compared with the TERA 50VT, the TERA 50VT/50 provides a larger spindle taper and significantly more torque. For shops machining larger parts or using heavier cutting tools, this makes the TERA 50VT/50 the strongest trunnion-table option in the range.
Roller Gear Cam Mechanism for Rigidity and Repeatability
A trunnion table is only valuable if it can position accurately and hold firmly under cutting load.
That is why Micro Dynamics uses a roller gear cam mechanism instead of a traditional worm-gear approach. This design improves rigidity, repeatability, and zero-backlash performance.
For precision machining, backlash is a major concern. Any unwanted movement in the rotary axes can affect positioning accuracy, surface finish, and long-term consistency. The roller gear cam mechanism is designed to maintain stable positioning while supporting the demands of indexed multi-face machining.
This is especially important for 4+1 axis work, where the machine repeatedly indexes to different angles and must hold each position securely during cutting.
Hydraulic Brakes for Stable Indexed Machining
The Micro Dynamics trunnion-table platform also uses hydraulic brakes to lock the rotary axes during machining.
This is a key part of the 4+1 axis concept. The trunnion positions the workpiece, the hydraulic brake secures the axis, and the machine performs cutting with a stable fixed orientation.
For manufacturers, this means the machine can handle angled features and multi-side work while maintaining the rigidity needed for accurate cutting.
Built for Flexible Workholding
Different jobs require different workholding strategies.
That is why Micro Dynamics trunnion machines are designed to support both three-vise setups and face plate configurations.
Three vises are ideal for staged operations, multiple parts, and complete-process machining workflows. A face plate gives the machine a broader workholding surface for larger fixtures or single-part setups.
The through-hole rotary table adds another layer of flexibility by allowing utilities to pass through the table for hydraulic or pneumatic clamping. This makes the platform suitable not only for manual operation, but also for shops planning more automated or repeatable production systems.
Choosing the Right Micro Dynamics Trunnion Machine
The best trunnion-table machine depends on part size, workholding requirements, spindle needs, and cutting load.
The MEGA 30VT is ideal for compact precision work, smaller multi-face parts, and shops that want 4+1 axis capability in a smaller platform.
The TERA 50VT is the better choice when the job requires a larger table, more travel, higher load capacity, or larger face plate options while keeping a high-speed 40 taper spindle.
The TERA 50VT/50 is the heavy-duty option for shops that need 50 taper strength, high torque, larger tooling, deep drilling capability, and more aggressive material removal.
A Smarter Path to Multi-Side Machining
A trunnion table is not just about adding rotary axes to a machine. It changes the way parts move through production.
With the right trunnion-table platform, shops can reduce setups, improve feature-to-feature accuracy, shorten handling time, and complete more machining in one cycle.
Micro Dynamics builds the MEGA 30VT, TERA 50VT, and TERA 50VT/50 around that production goal. From compact 4+1 axis machining to larger workholding and 50 taper heavy-duty cutting, the trunnion-table lineup gives manufacturers a practical way to increase capability without overcomplicating the process.
For shops looking to machine more faces, reduce setup time, and create a clear path toward advanced five-axis machining, Micro Dynamics trunnion machines offer a strong and flexible solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trunnion table in CNC machining?
A trunnion table is a tilting and rotating workholding platform that allows the machine to access more sides of the part without manually re-clamping it. This is useful for multi-side machining, angled features, and complete-process production.
What does 4+1 axis machining mean?
4+1 axis machining uses rotary positioning to set the part at a required angle, then performs machining in a fixed orientation. It is different from full simultaneous five-axis machining, where all axes can move together continuously during cutting.
Do Micro Dynamics trunnion machines support true five-axis machining?
Yes. The MEGA 30VT, TERA 50VT, and TERA 50VT/50 are designed as 4+1 axis machines, with true five-axis simultaneous machining available as an optional upgrade.
Which Micro Dynamics trunnion machine should I choose?
Choose the MEGA 30VT for compact precision work, the TERA 50VT for larger 40 taper multi-side machining, and the TERA 50VT/50 for heavier-duty 50 taper cutting, deep drilling, and larger tooling.
Why does the roller gear cam mechanism matter?
The roller gear cam mechanism improves rigidity, repeatability, and zero-backlash performance compared with traditional worm-gear designs. This helps the trunnion table hold accurate positions during indexed machining.
Can the trunnion table support automation?
Yes. The through-hole rotary table allows hydraulics, pneumatics, or other devices to be routed through the center of the table, making it suitable for automated clamping and advanced fixture designs.