When you’re designing a system for manufacturing or assembly, space matters. A lot. Whether you’re working in a small shop or a big factory, the room you have to fit machines can change everything—from speed to safety.
One big choice you might face is between rotary indexers and straight belt accumulators. Both help move parts through a system. But which one takes up less floor space?
In this article, we’ll go over indexing turntables, what each machine does, why space is important, and how to pick the right setup for your shop.
What Are Rotary Indexers?
A rotary indexer is a machine that moves items in a circle. It stops at set points to do a job, like drilling, labeling, or checking. This action is called indexing.
Think of it as a turning table that moves parts from station to station. These machines often include:
- A rotary indexing table, which holds the parts.
- A rotary indexing mechanism, which controls the movement.
- A motor and control system that keeps it all working in time.
Some people call it a turntable, index table, or even an indexing turntable. Whatever the name, it’s all about positioning parts accurately in a small circle.
Rotary indexers are compact and easy to place in tight spots. This helps when every inch of floor space counts.
They also work fast and repeat the same movement over and over, making them great for high-volume tasks.
What Are Straight Belt Accumulators?
A straight belt accumulator is a long conveyor belt that holds or moves products in a straight line. It keeps items moving forward—or holds them in place—until the next machine is ready.
Here’s how it works:
- The belt keeps running, but items can stay in place without bumping into each other.
- When the line ahead is full, the accumulator gently stores parts without damaging them.
- When space opens up, the parts move forward again.
Straight belt accumulators are great when you need to handle different product sizes or need a buffer between machines.
But they take up more space. Because they work in a straight line, you need a long, clear path for them to fit. That’s something to keep in mind when planning your floor layout.
Why Floor Space Matters in System Design
Floor space is more than sole room to walk around. It affects how well your system runs.
Here’s why:
1. Better Workflow
More open space means easier movement for people and materials. That helps prevent slowdowns and accidents.
2. Lower Costs
Smaller systems can save money. You might need less building space, fewer permits, and smaller heating or cooling systems.
3. Flexibility
Tight layouts make it hard to change things later. If your process changes, it’s easier to adjust if you planned for space.
4. Safety
Crowded workspaces can be dangerous. Leaving space around machines helps workers stay safe.
That’s why choosing between a rotary indexing table machine and a long belt system can make a big difference. The turntable positioning design of a rotary indexer often wins when space is tight.
Which System Saves More Floor Space?
Now let’s get to the big question: Which system actually takes up less room on your shop floor?
To find out, we’ll look at the layout, shape, and movement of each system. We’ll also talk about how they fit into real workspaces.
Rotary Indexers: Small Footprint, Big Output
A rotary indexing table is built to work in a circle. The parts sit on a turntable and move from station to station with exact timing. This kind of turntable positioning makes the most of a small area.
Here’s why rotary indexers save space:
- The design is compact. All stations are placed around the center.
- The parts rotate instead of moving down a long path.
- Everything happens close together, which means less walking and wiring.
- Some rotary indexing table machines are even built with multiple levels to add more stations without adding more floor space.
For example, a rotary indexing mechanism might be used to move a part just a few feet, in a perfect circle, stopping exactly where it’s needed. An indexing turntable often fits into spaces where a conveyor just won’t work.
This is a great fit if your job needs repeat actions in the same spot, like drilling, labeling, or checking parts. And when space is limited, the index table shines.
Straight Belt Accumulators: Room to Move
Now let’s look at straight belt accumulators.
These machines move in a straight line. They’re designed to hold and control the flow of products between machines. That means they need extra length to function properly.
Here’s what that looks like:
- The belt stretches out in one direction. This takes up more floor space.
- It may need extra clearance on the sides for safety or access.
- You may need to add buffer zones, guides, or gates, which increase the total area required.
So while straight belts are great for some products—especially when you need a buffer—they usually don’t win in tight spaces.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rotary Indexer | Straight Belt Accumulator |
| Movement Style | Circular (turntable) | Straight line |
| Floor Space Needed | Small, compact footprint | Long and linear layout |
| Good for Small Spaces? | Yes | Not usually |
| Common Use Cases | Fast, repeat tasks in one small area | Buffering or flow control |
| Position Accuracy | High (turntable positioning is exact) | Moderate |
The Verdict
If saving floor space is your top concern, the rotary indexer is the better choice.
It uses a circular design that fits neatly into tight work zones. The rotary indexing table works well in compact cells where each station surrounds the turntable. Plus, the rotary indexing mechanism helps move parts quickly and accurately between tasks.
On the other hand, straight belt accumulators work best when you have more room to spread out. They’re great for buffering and handling variable flow, but they need more space to function.
So, for saving space, it’s hard to beat the indexing turntable.
Conclusion
So, which one saves more floor space?
Most of the time, the rotary indexer is the clear winner. Its indexing turntable style design lets it do a lot in a small area. That makes it perfect for tight workspaces or growing operations where space is a top concern.
But every system is different. Your choice should depend on your product, your process, and your future plans.
Need help finding the right setup?
Durant Tool Company can help you choose the best solution for your space and needs. Get in touch today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a rotary indexer do?
It moves parts in a circle to different stations for tasks like assembly or inspection.
2. Can straight belt accumulators handle large products?
Yes, they’re great for larger or varied product sizes that need spacing.
3. Is a rotary indexing table fast?
Yes, it’s quick and ideal for repetitive, high-speed tasks.
4. Do I need a lot of space for a turntable indexer?
No, rotary indexers are compact and good for tight areas.
5. Which is easier to maintain?
Rotary indexers usually have fewer moving parts, so they may need less maintenance over time.