From Trunnions to Turnkey: The Evolution of Martin Trunnion Tables into a Full CNC 4-Axis Integrator

For years, Martin Trunnion Tables has been known for one thing: giving vertical machining centers real 4-axis capability with rigid, reliable trunnion systems.

Today we’re taking the next step in that mission with the launch of our Turnkey Division—built to deliver complete 4-axis machining systems that go from concept to chips without the customer having to piece anything together.

This wasn’t a sudden decision. It was the natural result of listening to shops, solving real production problems, and steadily expanding our role from hardware manufacturer to integration partner.

How We Got Here

In the early days, most customers wanted a straightforward solution:

“I just need to run more sides in fewer setups.”

A trunnion and a rotary solved that problem beautifully. But as shops evolved, the questions changed:

• “Can you design fixtures for this part?”

• “Can you integrate this system on our new machine?”

• “Can you help program it?”

• “Can you get it cutting and prove it out?”

Bit by bit, our team became the group that stood there during the install, wrote the programs, built the fixtures, and stayed until the first part came off to print.

At some point, it stopped being about trunnions and started being about capability.

What Turnkey Means at Martin Trunnion Tables

When we say “turnkey,” we mean that a shop can hand us:

• A part (or several parts)

• A machine make/model

• A production goal

…and we deliver a system that’s cutting chips on day one.

Our turnkey solutions include:

Workholding Engineering

Custom fixtures built around real part geometry, datum structure, tool clearance, rigidity requirements, and clamping strategy.

Hardware & Rotary Integration

We integrate the trunnion and rotary system mechanically and electronically with the machine—regardless of brand or control.

CAM Programming

Complete 4-axis toolpaths created with real production considerations in mind: cycle time, finish quality, tool life, repeatability, and operator friendliness.

On-Machine Installation & Prove-Out

Our team doesn’t leave until:

• The rotary and trunnion are aligned correctly

• Programs are verified and loaded

• First-article parts are cutting

• Operators have documentation and confidence

It’s a single handoff, not a pile of components.

The First Wave of Turnkey Projects

Our early turnkey builds made the mission crystal clear: shops weren’t asking for “more hardware”—they were asking for less friction.

Common goals included:

• Launching new part families into production

• Reducing setups and manual handling

• Improving consistency and repeatability across shifts

• Freeing internal engineers for other priorities

• Moving to 4-axis without months of trial and error

In every case, the customer didn’t want to chase fixtures, programs, tooling, and installation across five vendors. They wanted one accountable partner that would stand in front of the machine and deliver a running process.

That’s the gap our Turnkey Division fills.

Why Turnkey Matters Right Now

Adding a 4th axis used to be a hardware decision.

Today, it’s about capability and throughput. Shops need:

Faster Time to Production

Skip the months of trial-and-error engineering.

Less Internal Burden

Your team doesn’t get pulled off other revenue-producing work.

Lower Technical Risk

The process is designed as a single ecosystem instead of disconnected purchases.

Repeatable Results

Documented setups and proven programs make it trainable—even for newer operators.

For many shops, turnkey isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s how they stay competitive.

Built for Any Machine, Any Control

Our turnkey systems support all major vertical machining platforms, including (but not limited to):

• Japanese, European, and U.S. machine tool builders

• New installs and retrofits

• CAT40, CAT50, BT, and HSK environments

• Standard and high-speed controls

If the machine accepts a rotary, we can build a turnkey 4-axis process around it.

Where We’re Headed

The Turnkey Division is built for:

• New machine purchases

• 4-axis retrofits

• Casting & billet production

• Aerospace, defense, energy, and job shops

• Low-volume / high-mix environments

• High-volume production needing consistency

The common thread? Shops that don’t want to spend six months figuring out how to make a complex part run profitably on a VMC.

Want to Explore a Turnkey 4-Axis Solution?

If you’re thinking about adding 4-axis capability—or you’re staring at a new machine and need it making chips—we’re here to help.

We can handle:

• Trunnion and fixture design

• Rotary integration

• Hydraulic/pneumatic clamping solutions

• CAM programming

• On-machine installation, runoff, and documentation

Hand us the parts and the goals. We’ll deliver the process.

If you’re ready to explore turnkey 4-axis production, let’s talk.