Basics of Coordinate Metrology
Unit 7:  Structure of Coordinate Measuring Machines - Rotary Table

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A removable or built-in rotary table can substantially widen the range of application of coordinate measuring machines. Especially measurements on round and symmetrical parts, such as camshafts, screw compressors and toothed gears, are made easier and quicker.

The use of a rotary table also offers a series of advantages when measuring prismatic parts:

The rotation of the form element to be measured into a favorable position often makes it possible to use simple stylus trees or saves stylus changes.
Measuring elements on complex parts can be rotated into a favorable position, relative to the machine axes, thus improving the accessibility of the intended probing points even in the absence of an articulating probe.
Rotating the part into a favorable position allows the required traversing range of translation movements to be substantially reduced, allowing the machine size to be reduced with the same range of machining jobs.

Note: Many coordinate measuring machines with integrated rotary table acquire the measurement data directly in a cylindrical coordinate system.
Crankshaft on the rotary table from Primar, Mahr
 

Rotary table from UPMC, Zeiss