It is used for the synchronous transfer of small parts from station to station in a single work center. There is a circular table which rotates in discrete intermittent steps to advance parts between stations located along its perimeter. Since each part moves between stations at the same time, it is difficult to put buffers between stations. It is different from conveyors used as line-indexing machines, where linear transfers can take place between multiple work centers separated by long distances, since a rotary index table is restricted to circular transfers with a single compact work center.

Rotary indexing tables are used to index parts and components in defined, angular increments so that they can be machined, worked, or assembled in multiple operations. Rotary indexing tables have either fixed or adjustable indexing angles. During each revolution, the table stops for a specified period of time so that an operation can be performed at each station. Rotary indexing tables are powered by pneumatic and electric motors, hydraulic drives, and manual actuation. Drive mechanisms can be located above, below, behind, or to the side of the table surface.