The rotating table provided our client with the capability of building much larger cores than previously. With their existing core tables rotated by an overhead crane, with the capacity of the crane dictating the maximum size of core they could manufacture, the crane also limited the manufacturing space available. The new table provided the opportunity to expand the manufacturing capacity within the existing factory space without the need for a large capacity overhead crane.

The final table design was capable of taking core weights up to 225 tonnes with the capability to handle cores with 2, 3, 4 or 5 legs, ranging from 3 metres up to 9 metres long, from 3 metres up to 5 metres high, with core diameters between 650mm up to 1450mm. The variety in core weights and dimensions generated a large array of negative and positive forces which changed during rotation. In addition, the table had to be flat with a tolerance of ±1.0 mm with deflection limited under load to 6mm across the table under maximum load to prevent the core distorting and minimising core tolerances. The tolerances had to be tight in order to maintain a high level of efficiency within the core.

Weighing in at just under 70 tonnes and measuring 10 metres long by 6 metres wide, the table was supported on two end rockers nominally 5.5 metres diameter, which rotated on equalised rollers. The table was constructed in two sections 3 metres wide for transporting to site. The first section was a stiffened box beam 850mm deep supporting the second cantilevered section. The high level of specified tolerances were achieved by a combination of the design, good fabrication practices and the use of jigs. The table featured a central 22kw motor and gearbox which powered two reduction planetary gearboxes driving 2.5 inch triplex chains fitted to the circumference of both supporting end rockers. With the potential of loads switching between positive to negative, and vice versa, the chain drive system maintained constant support during rotation unaffected by the switching of forces.