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ALS130H —
Big Linear Motion Performance
in a Little Package

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.

Unlike many stages that utilize a side-drive lead screw, the ALS130H employs a center-driven, non-cogging linear motor as the driving element. Since the linear motor is a direct-drive device, there is no backlash, windup, or "stiction" that is normally associated with a lead screw or ball-screw drive.

The linear motor drive also offers the advantage of higher speeds and accelerations. The compact yet powerful linear motor drives the ALS130H to a peak unloaded acceleration of 1 g and a maximum velocity of 300 mm/s. The result is a high-performance stage with outstanding throughput that significantly outperforms comparable high-accuracy screw-driven stages.

Exceptional Resolution
For alignment applications, outstanding step-to-step resolution is critical. The ALS130H meets this demand with a resolution of 0.5 nm when coupled with Aerotech controls.

The direct-drive linear motor allows the ALS130H to make precise, small resolution steps. This is particularly important in alignment applications where step accuracy is critical. Furthermore, the linear motor and high resolution encoder system also provide excellent in-position stability.

Superior Geometry
Aerotech's ultra-stiff construction and compact two-piece design result in a stage with unmatched geometrical tolerances. As a result, straightness and flatness for the standard stage is <±2 µm over the entire travel.

Smooth Travel
Designed for smooth, vibration-free motion, the ALS130H utilizes precision anti-cage creep cross-roller bearings for outstanding smoothness of motion. Since neither the bearing system nor the drive system utilize any recirculating elements, the ALS130H exhibits the outstanding ripple-free motion required for scanning and inspection applications.

Precision Alignment
ALS130H series stages are easily configured as XY assemblies. Options include precision orthogonality alignment to 5 arc seconds and available vertical axis solutions.

Please go HERE to discuss your motion application with an Aerotech Application Engineer.

Motion Control and Positioning Library

This resource provides a short summary and a link to articles, tutorials, white papers, and other materials that discuss problems and solutions involving motion control and positioning equipment and systems.

Articles

Linear Motor Basics
Linear motors continue to increase in industrial applications. This article provides an overview of the linear motor types available.
Read the full article HERE.

How to Select and Install Air Bearing Stages
High-precision test, measurement, and manufacturing operations often require smooth, frictionless, low-maintenance motion control systems. An excellent choice for a complete motion subsystem is a linear or rotary stage that uses an air bearing for guidance, coupled to a direct-drive motor, a high-resolution position encoder, and a digital controller. Read the full article HERE.

Micropositioning Meets Mechatronics
Compared to traditional methods, the mechatronic design approach is more of a holistic approach to product design, where the tradeoffs between different functional components (software, hardware, user interface, etc.) are carefully considered for their impact on overall performance. Read the full article HERE.

Machine Vision Speeds PCB Solder-Joint Inspection
The system combines servo motion, continuity testing, and solder-joint inspection in one unit for processing of automotive connectors. Read the full article HERE.

Motion Control Requirements for Hermetic Seam Welding
A discussion of the motion control platform in regard to hermetic seam welding of sophisticated electronic devices implanted in the human body. Read the full article HERE.

Digitizing a Century of Astronomical Images
Aerotech’s ABL9000 air-bearing stage is put to use to efficiently digitize more than 500,000 photonegatives. Read the full article HERE.

Two-Photon Polymerization:
A New Approach to Micromachining
Femtosecond lasers enable microfabrication with resolution beyond the diffraction limit. Read the full article HERE.

Aerotech Pushes Mechatronics Envelope with Motion Systems
An interview with Dr. Robert Novotnak discussing how mechatronics is employed in high-precision motion control. Read the full article HERE.

Precise Triggering of External Events Based on Axis Position
An axis-based trigger in the controller can significantly improve part quality, reduce cycle time, and eliminate processing problems. This article discusses Aerotech’s unique PSO (Position Synchronized Output) option, and how any application that requires precise data acquisition or process action linked to axis position can benefit from it. Read the full article HERE.

Linear Motors Application Guide
A tutorial guide to the history, design, and application of linear motors. Get the PDF HERE.

Air Bearings Aid Assembly of Flat Panel Displays
Many manufacturing processes for flat panel displays (FPDs) require precision motion control for feature generation and inspection. Aerostatic bearings are an excellent choice for many of these processes because they allow precise, repeatable motion; are clean-room compatible; and are maintenance-free. Read the full article HERE.

Kinematics and Precision Stages Drive Laser Welding
Real-time kinematics coupled with direct-drive positioning systems provide the highest performance solution for laser seam-welding applications. The higher throughput, lower maintenance, and improved part quality available with this approach result in a system with the lowest total cost of ownership. Read the full article HERE.

Applications Dictate Gimbal Selection
The choice between direct-drive and gear-driven gimbals and optical mounts presents an opportunity for a comparison of the pros and cons for each. Get the PDF HERE.

Search the Aerotech Article Archive

Standards Organizations
1394 Trade Association
http://www.1394ta.org
ISA, the International Society for Measurement and Control
http://www.isa.org
IEC
http://www.iec.ch
ISO
http://www.iso.org

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