Development of Machining Center Rotary Table with a Modified Worm Drive

The issues of creating a rotary table design project with a modified worm drive for a multi-operational machine tool based on a set of three-dimensional models are discussed in this article. Based on CAD Creo, new system functionalities were used in constructing 3D models of the table, aimed at ordering the assembly process. For complex housing parts, the method of constructing internal surfaces of high curvature of their casting has been improved. The features of using the three-dimensional operation “Surface Free Form” when constructing spatial curves of the working profile of the worm gear teeth for the rotary table drive are considered. A variant of the drive design with a non-clearance worm gear due to the worm’s movement in sliding supports is proposed. A modified worm design that combines the features of involute and convolute worms has been developed. An analytical apparatus for the geometric description of the working profile and the calculation of the main geometric characteristics has been formed. Contact engagement lines for a modified worm gear have been constructed, based on which the stress state in the contact zone can be assessed. An experimental calculation of the main geometric characteristics of a modified worm gear design with a new type of ruler-type worm for driving a rotary table of a multi-operational machine tool was carried out.