Rotary indexing tables, also known as rotary indexing tables, rotary tables or rotary tables, are rigid linking devices for synchronous and clocked transfer of components with fixed mounted workpiece fixtures on a circular path. They are used as a component for setting up rotary transfer machines and are designed either as a rotary transfer table with a circular rotating plate or as a ring transfer table with a circular rotating ring and a large central opening. They require little space and allow short cycle times. Rotary indexing tables are either freely positionable or have a fixed pitch that mechanically stops the table in predefined positions.

Rotary indexing tables offer high cycle speeds and enable exact positioning in the machining stations with direct force application.
Rotary indexing tables with fixed pitch have electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic drives. In the case of electric drives, the clocked rotary movement is generated, for example, by cam stepping gears, Maltese cross and spur gears, disc cam gears, rack and pinion gears or a gear train in conjunction with an NC control. In the case of pneumatic or hydraulic drives, indexing is carried out by pawl indexing units. The circular pitch is mechanically predefined and, depending on the design, can also be changed by retooling. In addition, the table can have a mechanical locking device in the machining position, whereby locking and unlocking is achieved by raising or lowering the table, depending on the design.
Freely positionable rotary tables have servo-electric drives or direct drives. The direction, path and speed of the rotary movement can be freely programmed via the control and are monitored via position encoders.