Product photography turntables are efficient in capturing 360-degree images for eCommerce applications. Beyond eCommerce, these turntables are versatile tools with multiple uses, including 3D scanning, photogrammetry (structure from motion), panoramic imaging, and engineering testing. This article explores the engineering challenges involved in developing a world-class product photography turntable and how our engineering teams at Pictomic successfully addressed them.
Let’s walk through the essential features that make a photography turntable truly top-tier, and how the Pictomic Platinum Photography Turntable series has been engineered to meet these standards:
1. Start and Stop Control:
A critical function of any photography turntable is the ability to stop precisely when needed, such as when a photograph is captured. The precision of this control depends on the motor used. Instead of relying on more complex AC/DC motors, which require encoders and intricate feedback systems, we chose to implement a stepper motor design. Stepper motors allow for simplified control while ensuring accuracy and reliability, offering precise start-stop functionality that eliminates guesswork.
2. Speed Control:
Although photography turntables don’t need to rotate at high speeds, having flexible speed control is essential, especially for heavier objects where sudden starts or stops could cause whiplash. Our stepper motor design, paired with digital stepping drivers, provides a wide range of speed control. Through micro-stepping technology, the motor’s 200 full steps per revolution can be subdivided into 2000 or more micro-steps, offering precise speed adjustment. Additionally, torque multiplication through belts and worm-gear mechanisms helps manage heavier loads without sacrificing smooth performance. The ability to adjust speeds up to 2RPM ensures that the turntable rotates at a pace optimal for capturing clear, sharp product images.
3. Direction Control:
Changing the direction of the turntable is another crucial feature for flexible shooting. Stepper motors naturally offer bidirectional control, allowing the turntable to smoothly rotate in either direction with minimal setup. This ensures ease of use, especially when you need to capture products from multiple angles efficiently.
4. Angle Resolution:
High-resolution control of stop positions is essential for applications like photogrammetry, where precision is key. The Pictomic Platinum series offers industry-leading angle resolution, thanks to the combination of high torque ratios and micro-stepping technology. With starting resolutions of over 10,000 steps per revolution (and the ability to go as high as 40,000), users can achieve extremely fine adjustments for capturing intricate product details from every angle.
5. Angle Accuracy:
Angle accuracy refers to how closely the turntable reaches the commanded stop position. This is critical for maintaining consistency, particularly when photographing multiple products in a series. In our belt-driven Platinum Large photography turntables, the steel belt mechanism ensures there is no noticeable play, meaning the turntable stops exactly where it should, every time. (For the extra-large turntable, which uses a worm-gear or planetary gearbox design there is a small play, due to gearboxes. This play is not noticed if the turntable rotates in one direction.)
6. Minimizing Vibrations:
Vibration control is essential for capturing sharp images, particularly with stepper motors, which can introduce rotational vibrations. To address this, our Platinum series turntables use high-end stepping drivers that reduce vibrations, while torque multiplication (ratios up to 1:56) further dampens any rotational jitter. This ensures that even during slow rotations, the turntable operates smoothly, producing professional-grade images without the blur caused by vibration.
7. Turntable Software Development Kit (SDK):
For users looking to integrate the turntable into custom-developed software solutions, we provide a robust and freely available C++ SDK. This SDK allows third-party developers to create custom interfaces and automate turntable control, making it easier for businesses to integrate our turntables into their unique workflows. Our own Visere Captura product photography software is built on this same SDK, ensuring consistency and ease of use across all platforms.
8. Hanging Object Support:
Certain products, such as jewelry or items needing bottomless or topless views, require the ability to suspend objects for optimal photography. All Pictomic Platinum series turntables support hanging objects, making them ideal for photographing delicate or intricate items like necklaces or for use in 3D scanning and photogrammetry. This feature ensures versatility across a wide range of product categories.
9. Loading Capacity & Quality Materials:
A world-class turntable must be built to handle varying weights while maintaining durability over time. The Pictomic Platinum series turntables are constructed with high-quality materials designed for long-lasting performance. Our medium turntable can support up to 75 pounds, the large up to 300 pounds, and the extra-large model can handle up to 500 pounds, making them suitable for both light and heavy-duty product photography needs.
10. Aesthetic Design:
Beyond functionality, a top-tier turntable should also be aesthetically pleasing, complementing a photographer’s studio. The Platinum series is designed with beauty in mind, featuring sleek aluminum cylinders, roller bearings, and pulleys that not only perform exceptionally but also add a sense of elegance to the workspace. The minimalist, clean design reflects the turntable’s professional-grade performance.
11. Additional Features:
Our Platinum turntables also come with a range of additional features that enhance usability, including the ability to extend the platforms with larger surfaces, and the option to add risers for shadow-free photography. The setup process is quick and efficient, allowing users to focus on their creative work rather than complex adjustments.
In conclusion, we’ve outlined the key features that make a world-class photography turntable and how our engineering team at Pictomic has meticulously addressed each of these features in the design of our Platinum series turntables. With precision engineering, high-quality materials, and attention to detail, the Platinum series offers unparalleled performance for professional photographers and businesses alike.
