Aerotech offers ANT130-L linear-positioning stage

Aerotech has added a further ANT series linear-positioning stage series to its ultra-high precision Nano Motion Technology (NMT) range.

The new ANT130-L brings higher load capacity and increased travel of up to 160mm but maintains the NMT characteristics of precision, rapid acceleration, high speed and one-nanometre resolution - all prerequisites for today's high-throughput alignment and measurement applications involving large-area nanometre-level structures.

The ANT130-L employs a similar advanced design to other ANT (Aerotech Nanotranslation) series linear stages benefiting from anti-creep cross roller bearings, a centre-driven brushless/non-cogging linear servomotor and 40MHz linear-encoder processing.

With zero-backlash and no hysterisis, this friction-free drive method is combined with real-time axis calibration using a choice of Aerotech's motion controllers to provide dynamic performance advantages and improved precision over traditional lead screw and ceramic motor driven stages.

The ANT130-L has a nominal width of 130mm and is available in four travel ranges of 35, 60, 110 and 160mm - each with a choice of two certified accuracy grades between +/-2 micron and +/-250nm to suit high- or ultra-high precision performance.

In-position stability is measured at just 3nm; positioning resolution is 1nm and repeatability to 50nm.

In terms of speed and acceleration the ANT130-L returns up to 350mm/sec and 1G.

All other stage characteristics, including straightness, flatness, pitch, roll and yaw fully complement the uncompromising specifications for the range, which are comprehensively documented on Aerotech's website or available in detailed data sheets from Aerotech's sales offices.

The robust aluminium two-piece stage includes a durable black hardcoat finish to provide high stability with a load-carrying capacity of up to 12kg across the range.

Exceptionally long working life with minimum maintenance is assured, with non-contacting linear servomotors and encoders plus a unique moving magnet track design that eliminates the need for cable management - leading to an impressive 30,000 hour MTBF life specification.

The ANT130-L can be supplied as a single-axis solution or with other Aerotech ANT series high-precision stages for complete multi-axis systems along with goniometric, rotary and vertical translation stages.

To achieve such high-performance specifications for the ANT range, Aerotech recommends the supply of positioning mechanics complete with a choice motion controls and servo drives to suit application requirements.

Options include the A3200 Automation Platform with Npaq drives or the Ensemble series for multi-axis positioning systems and the Soloist series for single-axis applications.

A choice of servo-drive technologies includes PWM amplifier stages for highest dynamic performance, but for best in-position stability and ultimate overall performance Aerotech has developed its own wide-bandwidth linear servo amplifier technology for exceptionally low jitter, zero crossover distortion and ultra-quiet EMC characteristics.

Aerotech's PC-based A3200 Automation Platform is a software-only multi-axis controller with machine-control modules for HMI, Vision and PLC for up to 32 axes.

The fully deterministic, high-speed architecture is based on the IEEE-1394 Firewire protocol network, delivering distributed and tightly synchronised motion and I/O control in combination with Aerotech's Ndrive digital servo amplifiers.

For a fully integrated desktop or 19in rack-mounted motion-control solution, Aerotech's Ensemble combines up to nine axes of motion and machine controls with Ethernet and USB.

Soloist is a single-axis panel-mount integrated motion-control and servo amplifier that may be networked for multi-axis applications with full I/O sequencing.

All Aerotech motion controllers feature software commands that are designed to optimise performance along with diagnostic, commissioning and programming options that include Aerobasic, Visual Basic C, C++, with higher levels Windows-based ActiveX components with C++, VB and .NET class libraries.

Aerotech motion systems are delivered with documentation and test calibration information included, and supplied fully tested and pre-commissioned with set-up parameters pre-loaded into the controller.

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