Aerotech’s APR series direct-drive rotary stage is excellent
for high-accuracy rotary positioning. The precision-machined
and ground stage parts coupled with high-precision
angular contact bearings result in exceptionally
low error motions, accuracy errors, and repeatability errors.
In addition, high resolution optical encoders provide
excellent pointing capability with low-jitter velocity
tracking.
Applications
The APR stages are perfect for rotary testing, pointing,
optical calibration systems, and metrology systems. Several
more specific applications include single and multi-axis
electro-optic sensor testing, resolver or optical encoder
accuracy testing, missile seeker testing, antenna testing,
inertial navigation device testing, photonic component
alignment, high-accuracy laser machining, and precision
wafer inspection. Multiple APR stages can be combined for
high-accuracy azimuth/elevation or azimuth/roll systems.
Vacuum-prepared and other customized versions are also
available for specialized applications.
Accurate Positioning with Incremental or Absolute Encoders
The APR provides the flexibility of using high-resolution
absolute or incremental optical encoders. The absolute
encoder option allows instant initialization at the time of
power up and eliminates the need for a home cycle.
Incremental encoders are available for a cost-effective,
accurate, high resolution, high dynamic performance stage.
Both incremental and absolute encoders provide exceptional
accuracy and fine stepping capability. The APR200 and APR260 stages are available with high-accuracy encoder
options. In addition, calibration can be employed to further
improve the accuracy of all APR stages.
Low Total Indicator Runout (TIR) Mounting Surfaces
On standard APR stages, the payload is mounted directly to
the precision-ground stage shaft via an eight-bolt hole
pattern on the top of the shaft. The top surface and the
aperture of the shaft are precision–machined for minimal
surface runout with respect to stage motion. Precision-ground
tabletop options provide more traditional metric or
English hole-patterns while maintaining low surface runout
of the tabletop mounting surface and aperture.
High Speed, High Bandwidth
Rapid acceleration and high velocity are key features of the
APR stages. Customers can command rapid incremental or
continuous rotary motion with the high-torque brushless
motors in the APRs. Due to the direct-drive motor and the
stage’s high stiffness, the APR can provide high-bandwidth
motion for oscillations, motion profiling, and rapid position
or velocity tracking.
Brushless Direct-Drive
To maximize positioning performance, the APR series
utilizes Aerotech’s brushless, slotless motors. Various
winding options and motor stack heights are available for
applications ranging from high-speed at a low input voltage
or low current to high torque at a higher voltage. The motors
are noncontact, so there are no brushes or gears to maintain.
This allows the APR stages to provide many years of high
performance operation with low cost of ownership. The
motor’s slotless, ironless construction features almost zero
cogging (torque ripple). This makes the APR ideal for
applications requiring outstanding contoured motion,
smooth scan velocity, and precision motion profiling.
High Load Capacity and Large Moment Stiffness
Sturdy stage construction and separated angular contact bearings result in large load capacity and high moment
stiffness for the APR stages. The APRs can excel in
applications where the rotation axis is parallel or
perpendicular to gravity and the payload center of gravity is
cantilevered away from the stage.
Flexible Controller Configurations
Aerotech designs and manufactures a wide range of servo
amplifiers and advanced controllers to provide a complete,
integrated electro-mechanical package. Aerotech linear
amplifiers provide the most precise positioning for
demanding accuracy and in-position stability. Aerotech
PWM digital drives provide high power for rapid
acceleration and high torque applications. Whatever your
application, Aerotech can provide a complete motion system
solution to perfectly match your requirements.
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