Structure and Drive Mechanisms of Rotating Stages

The central area of ​​a rotating stage is unable to bear weight; the load is primarily distributed among the wheels located along its periphery. These wheels may be mounted directly onto the rotating structure or supported by ground-level guide rails. As of 2022, the most common drive mechanism utilizes a cycloidal pin-wheel reducer coupled with friction wheels, a configuration characterized by low noise levels. Other drive methods - including wire-rope traction, rotor drives, and gear drives - exist but are employed less frequently.