Archived Motion Control News

ANT130-XY Nanopositioner Wins Engineers' Choice Award
Aerotech's groundbreaking nanopositioners have received yet another award, this time from the readers of Control Engineering. We are pleased to announce that the ANT130-XY has won a 2011 Control Engineering Engineers' Choice Award. Winners were chosen from more than 100 product nominations from 65 companies.
Synchronized Galvo Scanner and Servo Motion With Nmark SSaM
The Nmark SSaM synchronized galvo scanner and motion module for the Automation 3200 motion platform directly synchronizes the galvo and servo motion for marking parts of unlimited size and complexity in applications such as bar coding, laser engraving, and laser marking.
Linear Motors Application Guide
The guide discusses the history, design, and application of linear motors. It includes a comparison of the different types of linear motors, linear motor benefits, commutation, specialty and custom linear motors, and a quick selection guide.
ACT Series Linear Motor Actuator
The ACT is a high performance, cost-effective, linear-servomotor-driven actuator that is faster and more accurate than a ball screw or belt drive without the costly, time-consuming maintenance required. The ACT is ideal for applications including assembly, pick and place machines, electronic assembly and qualification, packaging, vision inspection, dispensing, life sciences, image scanning and processing, and inkjet printing.
VTS300 Vertical Translation Stage
The VTS300 accurately positions loads up to 450 kg (1000 lb) with 0.064 µm resolution, and the small volume allows the positioning of heavy loads in space-constricted applications. Typical applications range from step and settle placement to large force generation. Multiple units can be combined for lift and tip/tilt motion.
ABL1500WB Air-Bearing Stage
The ABL1500WB is a wide-base version of the ABL1500 series air-bearing stage. The wider base makes the ABL1500WB ideal for applications with large offset loads or as the lower axis in XY stage systems with large travel. It features a powerful dual linear-motor drive, linear encoder feedback for sub-nanometer resolution, and is offered in four models with from 200 to 500 mm travel.
4-Axis, 2-Dimensional Laser Processing With Nmark SSaM
One of the latest applications with the Nmark SSaM synchronized scanner and motion module involves processing a substrate with two tools simultaneously. This process could be laser marking, laser cutting, laser welding, or other similar industrial laser processes. The challenge is to follow a motion contour on the substrate where that motion contour is larger than the field-of-view of the scan head (primary tool), and then follow the same motion path with a stationary tool (secondary tool) at a variable distance behind the primary laser. (view video here)
Advanced Motion Systems for Defense, Aerospace, and National Security Brochure
	The newly released brochure highlights motion simulators, advanced system controls, test systems, vacuum systems, prototype development systems, and high performance rotary and linear stages and gantries. Products include those designed for angular testing and calibration of satellite sensors, missile seeker gimbals, inertial navigation guidance units, optical pointing and target tracking, and more. Get your free hard copy or download the pdf today.
*ANT130-XY nano Motion Technology, Dual-Axis Linear Stage Wins Design News* Golden Mousetrap Award**
	For more than two decades, the Design News Golden Mousetrap Awards Program has recognized engineering innovation and creativity in product design. This year the Design News editors chose the Aerotech ANT130-XY dual-axis linear stage as the winner in Motion Control/Automation, Motors & Mechanical Motion Devices. The ANT130-XY represents an evolution of the nanopositioner concept by offering travels to 160 x 160 mm while providing nanometer-level resolution, accuracy, repeatability, and in-position stability.
ANT95-R Direct-Drive Rotary Stages
	ANT95-R series direct-drive rotary stages feature 0.005 arc sec in-position stability and 0.01 arc sec resolution. They are designed for compatibility and easy integration with ANT series linear stages and provide accuracy, stability, compact size, and the high dynamic performance required for nanomanufacturing and inspection applications.
AGS1500 Cartesian Gantry
	The AGS1500 Cartesian gantry system is designed for ultra-precision, high-dynamic contouring in a compact, versatile platform. The planar design minimizes dynamic pitch errors at the workpoint. Applications include micromachining, stencil cutting, fuel cell manufacturing, high-speed pick and place, high-accuracy inspection, and more.
ANT180-L Direct-Drive Linear Stages
	ANT180-L series high precision, crossed-roller stages provide nanometer-level resolution, superior bi-directional repeatability, and exceptional performance at low-velocities. It is the ultimate solution for high-accuracy alignment, measurement, scanning, and other demanding applications.
ANT130-XY NanoTranslation, Two Axis, Cross-Roller Bearing Linear Stage
	The ANT130-XY crossed-roller-bearing, direct drive, dual-axis stage is a three-piece design that allows travel in two dimensions (X and Y). The sleek design provides an extremely low profile of only 85 mm with travel options including 60 x 60 mm, 110 x 110 mm, and 160 x 160 mm. Aerotech’s direct-drive technology has no hysteresis or backlash, enabling accurate and repeatable nanometer-scale motion in both the X and Y dimensions. Performance is unmatched with high resolution (1 nm), repeatability (50 nm), accuracy (250 nm), and in-position stability (3 nm).
Harmonic Cancellation Algorithm
	Aerotech’s Harmonic Cancellation algorithm dramatically reduces positioning errors on systems with periodic trajectory commands or disturbances. This feature, part of the Dynamic Controls Toolbox, provides an easy-to-use command set and graphical user interface to enable the algorithm and to extract the highest possible performance from your investment in a precision motion control system.
High-Precision Pan and Tilt Mounts
	Aerotech Pan and Tilt (APT) systems expand our product line to meet the needs of the security, defense, and surveillance markets worldwide. The APT series high-precision pan and tilt systems combine proven high-precision mechanics with industry-leading control technology into a single, unified package. APT performance specifications include continuous 360° pan with a maximum speed of 180°/second, tilt range of ±95° with a maximum speed of 180°/second, position resolution of 7.6 arc seconds, and position accuracy of 120 arc seconds. The 35 kg payload allows mounting of a variety of different cameras.
PRO165LM Linear Motor Stage
	The PRO165LM is a high-performance linear motor stage that is as accurate as it is versatile. A linear motion guide bearing system and high-performance, zero-cogging, brushless linear servomotor make the PRO165LM the stage of choice in industrial applications requiring outstanding contour accuracy and smooth velocity profiling, such as laser machining and medical component manufacturing, and other applications requiring high accuracy in a production environment.
Enhanced Throughput Module (ETM) Improves Positioning Performance
	Aerotech’s Enhanced Throughput Module (ETM) improves the positioning performance of high-dynamic motion systems by directly measuring the unwanted motion of the machine base and communicating it back to the controller. The Aerotech ETM provides a low-cost solution for improving the productivity of new and existing equipment with easy installation and no changes to existing mechanical hardware.
Engineered Motion Control Systems
	Aerotech's custom-engineered motion control systems range from those for semiconductor, medical, laboratory, photonics and fiberoptics, laser processing, automotive, packaging, and more. We are well-versed in vacuum and cleanroom techniques. Our extensive motion control and positioning system experience allow us to provide systems tailor-made for our customers’ operations, while employing the most accurate, highest performance motion control and positioning components available.
Automation Control Solutions Brochure
	Aerotech's Automation Control Solutions brochure highlights our complete lines of high-performance automation controllers and software, drives, linear and rotary motors, and the benefits and features of each. Get your free hard copy or download the pdf today.
Nanotechnology Motion Solutions
	Aerotech has met the nanotechnology motion challenge and is already producing products that provide nanometer accuracy, resolution, repeatability, and in-position stability. We invite you to review some of our newest motion products and see for yourself the extreme performance these products offer the nanotechnology researcher as well as positioning applications requiring nanometer accuracy in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
Ndrive Series Digital Servo Amplifiers
	Ndrive^® digital servo amplifiers are offered in both PWM and linear versions capable of controlling brushless, DC brush, and stepper motors over a wide range of operating voltages and currents. They perform both current- and position-loop closures digitally, and the use of high-performance double-precision processors allows these drives to generate ultra-smooth motion profiles. Output ranges from 10 A peak to 150 A peak at 320 VDC.
Capabilities in Laser Processing and Micromachining Brochure
	Aerotech's Laser Processing and Micromachining brochure highlights our high-performance motion solutions for laser micromachining, cutting, welding, marking and engraving, drilling, ablation, cladding, and peening. The brochure includes advanced control capabilities such as our Position Synchronized Output feature, a wide variety of single and multi-axis linear, rotary, lift, and goniometric stages, and complete motion subsystems .
LaserTurn^® 1 is a Winner of The 2008 Control Engineering Engineers' Choice Award
	The LaserTurn^® 1 cylindrical laser machining system supports material from 0.1 mm to 7.9 mm in diameter, making it an ideal platform for the manufacture of cardiovascular and neural stents.
AGS15000 Linear Motor Gantry
	The AGS15000 series of Cartesian gantry systems is designed for ultra-precision, high-dynamic contouring, providing outstanding performance and versatility in a wide range of automation platforms. The planar design minimizes dynamic pitch errors at the workpoint.
PRO Series Stages
	PRO series linear stages feature a hard cover and side-sealed design with eight models from which to choose. Competitive pricing is coupled with Aerotech’s reputation for high-quality linear motion devices to make the PRO series the ideal choice for your application.
Automation Control Solutions Brochure
	Aerotech's new Automation Control Solutions brochure highlights our complete lines of high-performance automation controllers and software, drives, linear and rotary motors, and the benefits and features of each. Get your free hard copy or download the pdf today.
Motion Designer Saves High-Level Program Development and Enhances Your System’s Performance
	This brochure showcases Aerotech’s Motion Designer, an easy to use software GUI for generating or importing motion trajectories, and running and then evaluating the trajectory. Motion Designer saves high-level program development and enhances your system’s performance.
AGR Series Motorized Stage
	The AGR series motorized rotary stages provide significant improvements in speed, load capacity, and long-term positioning performance over competitive worm-gear-drive stages, as well as large apertures for a variety of applications.
The Cartesius Cartesian Gantry
	Cartesius, Aerotech's industrial strength Cartesian robot, is built on the Aerotech Producer Series linear stages and is ideal for many automation applications including pick and place, assembly, test and inspection, dispensing stations, and many more.
The Aerotech EtherNet/IP™Interface
	The Aerotech EtherNet/IP™ interface enables Allen-Bradley PLCs to be integrated directly with Aerotech’s Ensemble and Soloist motion controllers.
Planar_HD High Dynamic Air-Bearing Motion Platform
	Aerotech’s extensive history and experience in motion system design has culminated in the development of the Planar_HD “high dynamic” air-bearing motion platform for semiconductor wafer processing. Every component and design feature has been selected to provide the highest possible dynamic performance for applications requiring extremely high throughput while maintaining very tight geometric characteristics.
EPICS Drivers
	Each Ensemble installation includes full compatibility with the EPICS open source distributed control system. EPICS is used worldwide at leading light source (synchrotron) facilities and other government laboratories, allowing Ensemble to seamlessly integrate into applications at all major research institutions. EPICS Home Page. EPICS Hardware Support page.
Aerotech Sponsored Webcast: Precision Motion System Design
	Successful laser processing involves careful integration of several subsystems. This presentation focuses on the use of 2D and 3D precision motion systems in a variety of laser applications and processes. Register here to view this webcast.
Ensemble™ Wins Semiconductor International Editors' Choice Best Product 2008 Award
	We are pleased to announce that Aerotech's Ensemble™ Stand-Alone, Multi-Axis Motion Controller has been chosen as one of 2008's best products by the editors of Semiconductor International magazine. We appreciate this recognition and will continue to design and manufacture motion control and positioning products that help our customers retain a competitive advantage.
ALS130H Linear Motor Stage
	The ALS130H, with its sub-nanometer resolution, superior bi-directional repeatability, and exceptional low-velocity performance, is the unparalleled solution for high performance test, measurement, inspection, and other demanding applications.
ARMS Series Direct-Drive Rotary Motion Simulators
	Aerotech’s ARMS series direct-drive rotary motion simulators provide superior angular rates, accelerations, and positioning for the testing of inertial components and systems such as MEMS, gyroscopes, inertial measurement units, avionics, and accelerometers.
ANT-LX Nanotranslation Crossed-Roller Stage
	Aerotech’s Nanotranslation Crossed-Roller (ANT-LX) stages are the best in class in combining speed, accuracy, resolution, repeatability, reliability, and size. Features such as 5 g acceleration, 500 mm/s velocity, enhanced load capacity, and standardized, universal base mounting patterns allow the use of this flexible stage family in a wide range of applications.
SolarScribe Photovoltaic Panel Scribing System
	The SolarScribe automation series is the most comprehensive photovoltaic panel scribing system available today. It includes both mechanical and air-bearing versions of split-axis and gantry-style systems for maximum application flexibility.
PRO165 Hardcover, Linear Ball-screw Stage
	The PRO165 is a rugged, value-driven linear stage from Aerotech that is ideal for applications requiring debris protection and medium travel, mid-tier positioning performance. It is similar in design to the PRO115 series, providing additional load carrying capability with larger bearings and a wider cross-section.
AOM110 Series Optical Mounts
	The AOM110 series optical mounts have a gimbal design at a low cost. The narrow profile design of these optical mounts permits maximum clear aperture at 45°. The axes are decoupled and orthogonal; crosstalk and iterative adjustments are eliminated. For your convenience, the AOM110 series is part of our Fast Delivery Service (FDS) program.
ABL1500 Linear-Motor-Driven Air Bearing Stage
	The ABL1500 linear-motor-driven air-bearing stage incorporates an active preload on both the vertical and horizontal surfaces. It provides outstanding stiffness that is ideal for heavy or offset loading. The BLMC series brushless linear servomotor utilizes an ironless forcer for zero cogging, no attractive forces, and unsurpassed smoothness of motion.
WaferMax T Wins Semiconductor International 2007 Editors' Choice Best Product Award
	We are pleased to announce that the editors of Semiconductor International magazine have chosen Aerotech's WaferMax T direct-drive rotary stage as one of 2007's Best Products. For more information, go HERE. To see Aerotech’s award, go HERE.
Fast Delivery Service — Stages, Motors, and Controllers When You Need Them
	Aerotech’s Fast Delivery Service (FDS) provides our customers with quick turnaround times on selected Aerotech stages, motors, and controllers. Turnaround times are under 10 days for stages, and under 5 days for motors and controllers.
JUST RELEASED — Advanced Electromechanical Systems for Aerospace, Defense, and Government
	Aerotech’s latest brochure, Advanced Electromechanical Systems for Aerospace, Defense, and Government, showcases our extensive lines of motion simulators, multi-axis gimbal systems, single- and multi-axis positioning systems, and advanced control systems.
ALAR Direct-Drive, Large Aperture, Rotary Stages
	Aerotech's ALAR series direct-drive rotary stages provide superior angular positioning and velocity control with exceptionally large apertures. With the combination of a large aperture and direct-drive motor, the ALAR series offers significant performance benefits versus worm-drive large aperture stages.
ABRS Series Air-Bearing Rotary Stages
	ABRS series direct-drive, air-bearing rotary stages have been optimized to minimize stage height. The low profile of the stages reduces the effective working height of the system, minimizing “stack-up” related errors. In addition, the ABRS series provides a clear aperture that can be used for product feed-through, laser beam delivery, cable clearance, or application-specific requirements.
Ensemble Epaq Stand-Alone Controller
	Ensemble™ Epaq is a stand-alone controller with up to six axes of motion control in one integrated package. It offers functionality appropriate for applications from basic laboratory experimentation and general purpose positioning to advanced OEM systems at an affordable price. The flexible configuration style allows users to seamlessly mix and match drive types (linear versus PWM, brush or brushless, stepper, etc.) within the same positioning system using a common programming and control platform.
AMG Series Direct-Drive Gimbals
	AMG position and rate gimbal mounts are direct-drive and provide ultra-precise angular position, rate, and acceleration for directing optics, lasers, antennas, and sensors at high speed to very precise pointing angles. Typical applications include missile seeker test and calibration, LIDAR, electro-optical sensor and FLIR testing, airborne targets tracking, optical testing of space-based sensors in a vacuum, and angular testing of inertial sensors such as gyros, MEMS, accelerometers, and inertial reference units.