Product category:
Positioning stages - linear, rotary, multi-axis
News Release from: Aerotech | Subject: ALS1000 direct-drive linear motor stage
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 January 2004
Linear motor stage offers precise
positioning
A direct-drive linear motor stage offers all of the accuracies associated with direct-drive architecture in combination with a compact and sealed design and impressive performance.
Aerotech's new direct-drive linear motor stage, the ALS1000, offers all of the accuracies associated with direct-drive architecture in combination with a compact and sealed design, internal cable management and impressive performance It promises Aerotech's quality guarantee but without the cost implications of its most precise stages
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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With its small cross section and load a capability of 50Kg, the ALS1000 offers a cost-effective solution for precision markets such as laser machining and medical device manufacturing.
Indeed, it is ideal for all applications that demand a small footprint and environmental protection in combination with outstanding contour accuracy and smooth velocity profiling.
Aerotech's high-power, cog-free BLMC Series linear motor provides the power.
Further reading
Sealed gantry handling system avoids dirt ingress
A sealed version of a linear motor driven, X-Y gantry system is particularly suited to applications such as high throughput laser machining and welding.
Open frame air bearing stage has long life
An open frame air bearing stage provides the specification for through-aperture step and scan positioning and uses preloaded air bearings, direct-drive linear motors and high resolution encoders.
Low profile rotary stage offers high speed
A low profile, high speed, compact rotary stage provides a solution for compact positioning spindle applications and operates at up to 15,000 deg/s.
Its ironless forcer coil offers high force with no attractive force and zero cogging for super-smooth velocity and position control.
And, as with all of Aerotech's ALS Series linear motor stages, it has zero backlash, no windup, zero friction and outstanding system response.
Using sealed, high-preload LMG-type bearings, a motion system with a higher system bandwidth is created and pitch, roll and yaw errors are minimised.
A particularly clever element of the design is that the motor's magnetic field is totally self-contained within the U-channel.
Some high-performance applications cannot tolerate stray magnetic fields.
Both the metal way cover and tabletop are treated with a Teflon-impregnated 62 Rockwell hardcoat that is scratch-resistant and provides outstanding protection - even in the harshest environment.
Other stage finishes are available as options, including electroless nickel plating.
Users also have the option of an air-purge fitting that can be used to create a positive internal pressure - preventing particulate ingress in heavy applications.
Extensive R and D has resulted in an optimised cable management system (CMS) that is designed for millions of cycles of maintenance-free operation.
In single and two-axis systems, the CMS is completely internal.
An external CMS is available for three-axis systems and custom configurations are readily available.
Non-contact linear encoders with sub micron-level resolutions are standard on all ALS1000 series stages.
Either a line-driver output or amplified sine wave output encoder is available to allow signal multiplication for higher resolutions.
Motor power and feedback signals terminate at the stage's endplate, creating a simple, clean interface.
The optional HALAR factory calibration further increases the standard accuracy and repeatability.
Aerotech also manufactures a wide range of matching drives and controls to provide a fully integrated and optimised motion solution.
Like the majority of Aerotech's motion solutions, the ALS1000 is offered with simple plug-and-play installation - it is optimised for use with complimentary controllers, amplifiers and cables.
When ordered with the complimentary hardware, Aerotech provides all drawings, cables, parameter files and comprehensive system documentation - creating a complete, out-of-the-box solution saving users valuable time on set up and installation.
The system is then backed up by comprehensive local technical support throughout its life, no matter where it ends up.
Aerotech is a World leader in the design and manufacture of advanced motion components.
It is unique in its ability to supply complete systems in which each component is matched precisely - not only to the application but also to each other.
This product synergy ensures quality, reliability, accuracy and the most effective cost of ownership. Request a free brochure from Aerotech ...
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