Product category:
Actuators, motion systems, etc
News Release from: Aerotech | Subject: Linear actuator
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 May 2007
Linear actuators for high-throughput
machines
Aerotech has announced the LMA/LMAC positioning actuators which provide the speed and precision for high-throughput production and test applications.
With a travel range up to 1.5 metres, speeds up to 5 m/s, 5 g acceleration and micron level positioning accuracy, Aerotech's LMA and LMAC series linear actuators provide the enabling technology for high-throughput/high precision pick and place machines, automated test stations and assembly equipment Available in two module sizes with high performance linear brushless servomotors and integral feedback encoders, LMA/LMAC actuators include dual sealed linear motion guide bearings and robust chain type cable management for a complete positioning solution
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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LMA and LMAC actuators can be used as fixed or moving carriage positioners and may be applied to single axis positioning, X-Y mounting, dual parallel axis, Z axis and gantry style positioning systems.
The LMA version has a section of 140 mm x 120 mm (h x w) and a payload of 40 kg central loading with an offset load capability of 20 kg.
The smaller LMAC model has an 84 mm x 90 mm section (h x w) with a 20 kg central and 10 kg offset loading.
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.
The actuators may be directly fixed without the need of adapter plates for a compact assembly.
Both models are available in travel ranges from 100 mm to 1500 mm (in 100 mm increments) and have a positioning accuracy of +/-1 um/25 mm as standard or a calibrated accuracy of +/-5 um over the entire travel length when used with an Aerotech controller.
Repeatability is within +/- 0.5 um.
The LMA and LMAC actuator range suits high speed and high throughput precision applications with the non-contact linear brushless servomotor and integral linear encoder providing maximum life and minimum maintenance.
When compared to ball screw driven actuators, much higher speed and acceleration is possible whilst comparisons with belt driven actuators reveal a far superior accuracy combined with higher precision positioning with much faster settling times.
The actuators provide extremely smooth velocity control for interpolated multi axis applications such as scanning or dispensing.
The robust design, based around dual linear motion guide precision bearings mounted on a sturdy base-plate, is both compact and adaptable for a wide range of positioning applications.
A range of standard "off the shelf" models are available, fully tested and complete with cable management and all connectors for quick and easy commissioning.
The range also lends itself to custom designs with modifications such as increased bearing width for higher offset loading, integral multi-axis rather than individual cable management, counterbalances for vertical Z axis mounting and adapters for air supply or for customers own fixtures.
Fully complementing the performance capability of the LMA, LMAC range, Aerotech manufactures a wide range of servo amplifiers and advanced motion controllers for complete positioning solutions across manufacturing, test and research applications.
The software based A3200 Digital Automation Platform can control up to 32 axes of Firewire interfaced high performance motion and machine control with optional HMI, and vision control modules.
It is programmable in a choice of languages including Aerotech's own AEROBasic, RS274 G-code, C, C++, VisualBasic, Delphi and LabviewTM.
The Firewire distributed control architecture delivers fully deterministic position, velocity and time based motion updates to Aerotech's Ndrive servo drives which are available in power ratings to 150 A in both PWM or Linear amplifier technologies.
Updates are processed and converted to position, velocity and current loops at closure rates of up to 20 KHz.
The Ndrive also features an Ethernet 10/100 Base T interface which may be used to add third party I/O and PLC's.
For distributed control applications directly based on Ethernet networking, LMA/LMAC actuators may be used with the new Ensemble CP/MP/CL intelligent panel mount drives.
With Aerotech's AeroNet deterministic high-speed serial networking for up to ten axes, the new motion control and integrated drive seamlessly combines linear and PWM amplifier technology for brushed and brushless servos, and stepper motors to provide tightly synchronised precision motion control with a generous complement of on-board I/O.
Each Aerotech system is delivered fully tested with all performance and calibration related documents.
Everything required for quick and straightforward commissioning is covered including all motor parameter set-up data based on actual loading conditions.
Full product training and comprehensive on-line technical support is also included making the true cost of ownership of Aerotech positioning systems extremely competitive. Request a free brochure from Aerotech ...
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