A new range of ultra-low profile, precision rotary stages aimed at automated material handling applications has been launched by Aerotech. The new ACS LP series feature high torque, direct drive brushless servomotors and integrated air operated collet chucks for tube and bar diameters from 0.5 mm to 16 mm. With low inertia mechanics for fast acceleration and with a maximum speed capability that seriously out-performs conventional worm-wheel driven rotary stages, the range is designed for high-throughput production applications such as precision laser machining and micro-welding for medical device manufacture.
The modular range is available in three nominal widths of 100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm, each with an air-actuated collet holder for an ER style collet. The ACS-100LP accepts an ER8 series collet, the ACS-150LP accepts an ER16 and the largest sized ACS-200LP uses an ER25 collet. ER collets support tube and small bar stock diameters from 0.5 mm to 16 mm with run-out characteristics that complement the performance of the precision ACS-LP range. The collet holder is retained with a threaded cap and configured for "fail-safe" normally-closed mode with full spring clamping force applied when no air pressure is present. An integral seal-less and frictionless rotary union is used to deliver air to the collet assembly and its 100% non-contact design ensures a long life and maintenance-free operation. The collet chuck and rotary union assembly have extremely low friction and inertia helping to improve system performance with higher peak acceleration and reduced position error.
ACS-LP rotary stages use Aerotech's "S" series brushless, direct-drive servo technology. A slotless stator without iron laminations eliminates torque ripple and allows "cog free" ultra-smooth velocity control comparable to a high quality brushed DC motor. The motor is directly coupled to the table top, the preloaded bearing system and a high accuracy rotary encoder ensuring a velocity stability of the highest order. Other advantages of Aerotech's direct-drive brushless servomotors are excellent acceleration capability, exceptional in-position stability and zero backlash.
With a very low height profile from mounting base to rotating platen, ACS-LP stages will reduce stack height related, compound positioning errors on multi axis positioning systems and will also suit applications in space restricted areas. Nominal, uncalibrated angular positional accuracy for all stages is 80 arc sec with optional calibrated versions giving 6 arc sec for the smaller stage and 10 arc sec for the 150 and 200 sized units. Positioning resolution is dependant on a choice of five feedback multiplier options ranging from 0.18 to18 arc sec on the smaller unit and between 0.065 and 6.5 arc sec for the larger sizes. Repeatability ranges between 3 and 4 arc sec across the range and the specifications for tilt, axial and radial run-out are in keeping with such high performance ratings.
Maximum speed is dependant on the encoder resolution as well as other considerations such as load, amplifier bus voltage and motor type. Even with the highest resolution, the larger ACS200-LP stage has a maximum specified speed of 192 rpm which is considerably more than a corresponding worm-wheel driven stage with equivalent resolution. This factor, combined with the high motor torque to inertia and excellent acceleration characteristics makes the range particularly suited to high throughput, 24/7 production and test application.
The table-top features a durable aluminium "hardcoat" surface with a Rockwell 62 hardness and the complete assembly has effectively zero maintenance for a long and trouble free life. ACS-LP rotary stages have minimal footprint area with motor and encoder feedback connectors integral within the housing. A comprehensive range of Aerotech motion controllers and servo amplifiers are available for use with the stages. Typical systems may also include X, Y and Z axis linear stages along with customised fixtures and machine base components. Also included within the scope of supply are all performance and calibration related documents and a CD with complete interconnection drawings to help integrators with their own system documentation. Full technical support and product training commensurate with such high performance equipment is always available. In addition, all motor parameter set-up data for the software configuration file is included; system commissioning is straightforward, requiring little more than connecting cables and applying power before programming application software. These features are built into every Aerotech product ensuring that the true cost of ownership is extremely competitive.
|
Click
here to download
high resolution photo.
|
United
States [Change]
