Product category:
Robots and robotic systems
News Release from: Aerotech | Subject: AGS1000 range
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 October 2004
Linear motor driven gantry is lower cost
solution
Aerotech has released a new range of gantry style, X-Y positioning systems to provide a cost effective, single-source solution for high-accuracy/high-throughput production and inspection systems.
Aerotech has released a new range of gantry style, X-Y positioning systems based on linear brushless servomotors and linear-motion-guide bearing technologies to provide a cost effective, single-source solution for high-accuracy/high-throughput production and inspection systems The new AGS1000 range is ideal for OEM's and system integrators building high-speed pick-and-place machines, vision inspection equipment, dispensing stations and high-performance automated machinery
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Aerotech motion systems described for automation
Motion systems for automatic laser working, medical and life sciences manufacturing systems are described in Aerotech's Automation Solutions brochure, also available in German.
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.
The range covers four basic configurations with X-Y travel from 200mm x 200mm to 500mm x 500mm and with a complete positioning solution in mind, is offered with a large number of options and accessories including Z axis and rotary stages, interfacing plates for automated parts handling equipment, baseplates and machine bases with integral cabinets to house all electrical and control systems.
Additionally, Aerotech supply a wide range of servo drives, motion control and automation systems and are able to supply complete turnkey solutions based on the AGS1000 gantry.
Aerotech have calculated that customers purchasing complete systems can gain overall cost savings of over 30% when compared to multi-sourcing and assembling positioning systems, drives, motion controls, mechanical interfacing components, machine base and cabinet assemblies.
Further reading
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.
Rotary motion simulators test instruments
Rotary stage and control system for simulating rotary motion provides highly accurate angular rates, acceleration and position profiles for inertial component test systems and instruments.
To maintain the high accuracy and high performance requirements for demanding high-throughput applications, the AGS1000's drive system features synchronised dual linear servomotors for the lower axis and a single, linear servo for the upper axis.
Combining the high stiffness and smooth performance characteristics of Aerotech's BLMC series brushless 'cog-free' linear servomotors with rugged non-contact optical encoder feedback, the gantry boasts a maximum speed capability of 2 m/s, acceleration performance to 2g and positioning resolutions from 20 nm to 1.0 ìm depending upon encoder multiplication.
Linear motion guide bearings with wiper seals and grease fittings provide optimum stiffness and allow the AGS1000 to support a 15kg central load with overall accuracy of +/- 5 ìm and repeatability to within +/- 2 ìm.
The basic table components are manufactured in black anodised aluminium with the table top benefiting from a TeflonR hard coating for increased durability.
An optional electroless-nickel surface finish can be supplied for medical applications or as a protective coating for ESD machines.
The cable management system (CMS) employed on the AGS1000 gantry has been developed and field proven to provide high reliability and long maintenance-free life.
The e-chain system has a large bend radius and high-flex cables are used for all motor power and encoders; in addition customers own cabling and pneumatics services are routed through the CMS with interfacing g connectors provided, greatly simplifying machine design and commissioning time.
When compared to ball-screw-driven gantry systems, the simple and compact design of the AGS1000 benefits from reduced maintenance, improved performance and a smaller mounting footprint; an important requirement for manufacturing production applications where space is at a premium such as clean rooms and temperature controlled manufacturing areas.
The AGS1000 has many of the advanced features used on the longer travel-range AGS10000 gantry systems which have been used extensively in high-throughput manufacturing and test applications for several years.
By applying this application experience in combination with advances in design engineering, manufacturing procedures and linear motor technology, Aerotech have designed the AGS1000 with a specification and price/performance ratio which will be of significant interest to automated production machine designers seeking 'lower cost of ownership' solutions.
Complementing all of their mechanical positioning systems, Aerotech manufactures a wide range of servo amplifiers and advanced motion controllers including the A3200 Digital Automation Platform.
This breakthrough, software based machine control system combines motion, HMI, PLC and vision control modules with an industry standard FirewireR high performance communication network for up to 32 axes of high speed motion; additionally a 10/100 Base T Ethernet interface may be used to add third party I/O and PLC's.
Complete systems include all motor power and encoder cables plus performance and calibration related documents and a CD containing interconnection drawings to help integrators with their own system documentation; all motor parameter set-up data for system configuration is included, making commissioning straightforward.
These features are standard for every Aerotech product and with full product training and comprehensive on-line technical support, the true cost of ownership is extremely competitive. Request a free brochure from Aerotech ...
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