Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and automation systems, today announced that it has recently been named as one of five finalists for the 2019 Pittsburgh Tech 50 Awards in the Innovator of the Year: Manufacturing category.
Aerotech, provider of high-performance motion control and positioning systems, presents its innovative laser and motion control solutions at the world’s leading trade fair “LASER – World of PHOTONICS” in Munich (24-27 June 2019, Hall A2, Booth 235). For the first time, the new IGM positioning system will be on display together with the all new AGV-SPO galvo scanner. Another highlight at the trade fair will be the introduction of the new Automation1 controller as successor to the A3200. In addition, Aerotech’s new strategic partner Micronix will be present at the booth.
Aerotech’s XC4 PWM digital drive is a single-axis motor drive designed for brushless DC, brush DC, voice coil, and stepper motors at up to 340 VDC operating voltage and 30 A peak current. All versions are compatible with the Automation 3200 motion platform utilizing the HyperWire® motion bus.
Aerotech’s AGV-SPO single pivot-point galvanometer scanner enables a larger field of view and reduced spot distortion for critical laser micromachining applications. A unique optical design effectively controls the beam entrance pupil to be coincident for the X and Y scanner motion, increasing the effective numerical aperture of the scanner system. This design directly enables a larger field of view for a given focal length and reduces spot distortion over the entire working area. These advantages allow the AGV-SPO to process larger parts faster and with greater consistency.
Aerotech’s XL4s linear amplifier is designed for closed-loop servo control of voice coil and single-phase motors, eliminating the non-linearities common with PWM amplifiers. The XL4s provides deterministic behavior, auto-identification, and easy software setup and features a multi-core, double-precision, floating-point DSP that controls the digital PID. All parameters are software-settable including control-loop gains and system safety functions. With the XL4s, you can achieve industry-leading settling times, long-term thermal stability, and sub-micron-level tracking accuracy with advanced features such as full state feed-forward, 192 kHz servo rates, and look-ahead-based velocity control.
Aerotech’s GL4 scanner controller is optimized for Aerotech’s family of AGV scanners to provide industry leading settling times, long-term thermal stability, and micron-level tracking accuracy due to advanced features such as full state feed-forward, 192 kHz servo rates, and look-ahead-based velocity control. The GL4 uses advanced interpolation electronics to provide up to 26-bits of effective resolution while onboard real-time 2D calibration ensures accurate beam placement over the entire field of view.
The XR3 six-axis drive rack with field replaceable, front-mounted, 3U plug-in amplifiers supports both linear and PWM topologies. The XR3 can control any combination of brushless, DC brush, or stepper motors at up to 320 VDC operating voltage and 30 A peak current capability. Both the current loop and servo-loop are digitally closed to ensure the highest level of positioning accuracy and rate stability. This processing capability allows the XR3 to provide loop closure rates up to 20 kHz and to handle both digital and analog I/O processing, data collection, process control, and encoder multiplication tasks in real time.
Part-Speed PSO is a new mode of Position Synchronized Output (PSO) that does not require position feedback to manage pulse-to-pulse spacing. PSO firing events are generated based upon the vector velocity command, which is calculated by the A3200 software-based motion controller. This enables the user to access PSO capability in situations where encoder feedback is either nonlinear or not accessible.
Machine components such as bearings, encoders, and drive mechanisms are engineered and assembled directly on the granite base and bridge structures in an Integrated Granite Motion (IGM) system. Therefore, IGM systems are distinct from traditional stage-on-granite systems where discrete positioning stages and components are used in the system design. Aerotech IGM systems are custom-engineered to fit the unique and specific needs of your application or process.
The ECO linear stage series builds upon Aerotech’s long tradition of producing low total cost of ownership motion designs. Excellent positioning specifications, high stiffness, and a variety of options and features combined with economic pricing make ECO stages an ideal choice for applications where robust motion performance is needed.
Aerotech’s ATX series linear positioning stages combine the performance capabilities of a high-precision crossed-roller-bearing positioner with the convenience and simplicity of a ball-screw drive mechanism. Outstanding motion performance and a variety of advanced options and features offer superb value and make the ATX series an excellent choice for use in high-performance applications.
Aerotech’s HEX RC is a 6-axis motion controller ideal for controlling robotic systems like hexapods. The HEX RC is 4U rack-mountable and compatible with the Automation 3200 (A3200) motion platform. A high-performance processor provides the intense computing power needed to run up to 32 axes, perform complex, synchronized motion trajectories, manipulate I/O, and collect data at high speeds.
On March 2, 2016 Aerotech celebrated the groundbreaking for our new Aerotech Germany office in Fürth, Germany. Construction and relocation to the new building has been completed and the opening ceremony was held on May 18th, 2017.
Aerotech’s new product feature, ThermoComp™, is a complete mechatronic solution to thermal errors. Through the employment of integrated hardware and sensors, and a proprietary compensation algorithm implemented via Aerotech’s A3200 controller software, ThermoComp minimizes stage inaccuracy due to thermal effects even over extreme temperature ranges. Up to 90% of the thermal-related errors can be eliminated, regardless of stage travel and range of temperature change.
Aerotech’s QFOCUS® QF-50 piezo nanopositioning stage is designed for high-performance microscope objective and optics positioning. It offers 400 μm closed loop and 450 μm open loop travel, high speed, 0.01% linearity, sub-nanometer resolution, and 4 nm bidirectional repeatability. The QF-50 accommodates optical instruments and next-generation laser micromachining applications. Due to a high-stiffness mechanical design, the QF-50 can outperform competitive piezo scanner offerings with larger, higher numerical aperture (NA) objectives. The QF-50 is ideal for optical positioning applications requiring high precision and throughput coupled with long travels.
Aerotech’s QNP3 series XYZ piezo positioning stages combine sub-nanometer resolution, high dynamics, and excellent geometric performance in a compact three-degree-of-freedom (DoF) package. They come with a 40 mm x 40 mm clear aperture with closed-loop travels up to 100 µm x 100 µm x 10 µm (open-loop travels to 120 µm x 120 µm x 12 µm). The design is ideal for optical and scanning probe microscopy or other inspection or manufacturing applications where two-sided part access is required with three-DoF manipulation.
The ASR1300 high-speed, direct-drive rotary stage achieves accelerations of up to 8000 rad/s2 and reaches speeds greater than 1500 rpm in only 90° of travel, making it perfect for the most demanding tube-handling applications and high-throughput manufacturing processes. The ASR1300’s maximum speed of 3000 rpm and its outstanding acceleration capability result from a full system-level optimization of the torque-to-inertia ratio. Supremely agile, the ASR1300 facilitates higher throughput levels on supporting motion equipment and ultimately lower part manufacturing costs and increased production capacity.
The newest member of the HexGen family, the HEX300-230HL, is targeted at medium-load, ultra-precision applications ranging from sensor testing to synchrotron sample manipulation. Aerotech’s HexGen hexapods are the only hexapods on the market today that provide guaranteed positioning accuracy
specifications below 5 μm.
The Nmark® GCL controls Aerotech’s AGV series scanners resulting in industry-leading settling times, long-term thermal stability, and micron-level tracking accuracy due to advanced features such as full state feed-forward, 200 kHz servo rates, and look-ahead-based velocity control. The Nmark GCL uses advanced interpolation electronics to provide up to 26-bits of effective resolution. Onboard real-time 2D calibration ensures accurate beam placement over the entire field of view.
Aerotech’s QNP2 series XY, parallel-kinematic, piezo positioning stages combine sub-nanometer resolution, high dynamics, and excellent geometric performance in a compact, low-profile package. The QNP2-100-XYA has a 50 mm x 50 mm clear aperture with closed-loop travels up to 100 µm x 100 µm (open-loop travels to 120 µm x 120 µm). The design is ideal for optical microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, x-ray transmission microscopy, and other applications where two-sided part access is required.
Aerotech’s PRO series industrial linear motor and ball-screw positioning stages are now available in new sizes and with new features and significantly improved performance. In addition to the performance and feature improvements, two new sizes were added to the PRO-LM (linear motor) series stage line – the PRO115LM and PRO190LM. New features include a linear encoder option on PRO-SLE ball-screw stages, absolute encoder options on both the linear motor and ball-screw stages, and direct mounting to English and metric optical tables.
Aerotech’s QFOCUS™ QF-46 piezo nanopositioning stage series enables microscope objective and optics positioning at high-speeds with nanometer-level performance. It is available in closed-loop travels of 100 μm and 250 μm, and open-loop travels of 120 μm and 300 μm.
Precision Motion Control for Fiber Optics and Silicon Photonics includes Aerotech's latest precision mechanics, state-of-the-art controls, customized motion subsystems, and intuitive software for fiber-optic alignment, bonding and laser welding, pick-and-place assembly, waveguide and fiber Bragg grating manufacture, and more.
Aerotech’s QNPHD linear piezo nanopositioning stages provide the benefits of both a stage and actuator in one compact, high-stiffness package. With a direct-metrology, capacitive sensor feedback option, high resonant frequencies, and high load capacity, the QNPHD is ideal for a wide range of high-speed and high-precision applications such as scanning probe microscopy, disc-drive testing, and semiconductor wafer articulation.
FiberMaxHP is a second-generation 3-6 axis photonics alignment platform built on Aerotech’s proven ANT nanopositioning product line. It is designed for critical photonics alignment in a highly automated, 24/7 production environment with no compromise in speed, accuracy, and resolution. This highly reliable, unique drive and control technology ensures many years of maintenance-free service in a high throughput, 24/7 manufacturing environment.
The HEX500-350HL high-load, precision hexapod is ideal for applications in x-ray diffraction, sensor testing, and high-force device manipulation. With its high-load capacity, large travels, high speeds, and sub-micrometer precision, the HEX500-350HL means no compromising on application specifications.
Aerotech’s QFOCUS™ QF1 piezo nanopositioning stage offers microscope objective and optics positioning with nanometer-level precision at high speeds. With ultra-precision capacitive sensor feedback and high structural stiffness, the QF1 is perfect for demanding scanning applications, microscopy, or any optical application requiring high precision and throughput.
The Ndrive QLe is a family of digital, panel-mount, nanopositioning piezo drives for use with the Aerotech Automation 3200 (A3200) motion controller. The A3200 is the controller of choice in semiconductor, data storage, medical device manufacturing, laser processing, and metrology applications. The Ndrive QLe drives enable coordinated motion between piezo stages and servo axes at much higher rates than other controller/drive products.
All Automaton Motion Server products are shipped with a fully tested and verified installation of Aerotech’s A3200 motion controller operating in a 64-bit Windows® operating system. The Motion Server is ready to work right out of the box — apply power, connect the drives, and start developing. You’ll waste no more time on PC selection, operating system activation/configuration, controller installation, and managing deliveries from multiple vendors. Get started on integrating your value-added process as soon as you open the box.
Aerotech’s Ensemble QLe™ panel-mount nanopositioning piezo drive is designed for seamless use with the Ensemble family of drives and controllers. The QLe connects to any Ensemble controller network enabling coordinated motion between piezo stages and servo axes at much higher rates than other controller or drive products. It is ideal for applications ranging from demanding scientific research to advanced OEM machine systems.
EasyTune™ is the most advanced autotuning tool available in a commercial motion controller. Entirely data-driven, the algorithm largely mimics the process followed by an experienced controls engineer.
The RCP-DELTA is available in four models that support payloads up to 3 kg, with X/Y operating ranges of 500/800/1100/1300 mm, and an optional continuous rotation about the Z axis (yaw). Extensive use of carbon fiber and light-weight aluminum results in a robot that is capable of sustaining 200 pick-and-place operations per minute with peak acceleration on the order of 15g. With absolute encoders on each motor the robot never has to be referenced, even after a loss of power.
The Ensemble QDe™ is a high-performance desktop nanopositioning piezo drive designed for seamless use with the Ensemble family of drives and controllers. The QDe connects to any Ensemble controller network enabling coordinated motion between piezo stages and servo axes at much higher rates than other controller or drive products. This power and versatility make the Ensemble QDe ideal for single or multi-axis applications ranging from fundamental scientific research to advanced OEM machine systems.
Aerotech’s PlanarDLA integrated, open-frame stages have high dynamics and exceptional geometric performance in a low-profile package. These stages are essential for applications ranging from two-sided LED wafer processing where high-dynamics and micrometer-level straightness are required, to quasi-static optical metrology where high-accuracy and precise geometric performance are necessary.
Aerotech QNP-Z series piezo nanopositioning stages join Aerotech’s growing piezo stage family that includes the QNP-L linear and QNP-XY stages. The QNP-Z series provides the resolution, linearity, repeatability, and high dynamics required for the most demanding applications from microscopy to optics alignment. With resolution to 0.15 nm, linearity to 0.007%, and repeatability to 1 nm, nanometer-level precision is assured. With high dynamics (resonant frequency and stiffness) users can achieve higher throughput in exacting processes. A variety of travels (100 μm to 600 μm), feedback options, and vacuum versions add to the exceptional versatility of this stage series.
AMG-GR gear-driven motorized gimbals provide economical, high-accuracy elevation-over-azimuth positioning. The AMG-GR is available in a variety of standard travel ranges in both azimuth and elevation to fit any application. Due to the flexibility of the design, customized travels are easily accommodated. A variety of accuracy grades, motor types, and cell designs make this the ideal solution for applications ranging from sensor calibration to laser beam steering.
Aerotech has developed the PlanarHDX, the most advanced commercially available planar air-bearing platform available. The PlanarHDX was designed using an FEA-optimized silicon carbide structure and optimized air-bearing compensation techniques to provide the highest possible dynamic performance while maintaining unparalleled geometric characteristics and positioning accuracy.
Aerotech QNP-XY series piezo nanopositioning stages provide the resolution, linearity, repeatability, and high dynamics required for the most demanding applications from microscopy to optics alignment. With resolution to 0.15 nm, linearity to 0.007%, and repeatability to 2 nm, nanometer-level precision is assured. With the highest dynamics (resonant frequency and stiffness) of any other comparable stage in size and travel, users can achieve higher throughput in exacting processes. A variety of travels (100 μm to 600 μm), feedback options, and vacuum versions add to the exceptional versatility of this stage series.
The highly repeatable and thermally stable feedback sensors used on the AGV-HPO scanner systems can be calibrated down to single-digit, micron-level accuracy over the field of view. With the extremely low thermal gain drift performance of the position transducers, complex, high-density laser machining applications will maintain consistent micron-level feature placement accuracy over the lifetime of the process. Likewise, high throughput applications will maintain consistent part-to-part quality without having to re-calibrate between parts.
Aerotech is proud to be a finalist for the Pittsburgh Business Times 2014 Manufacturer of the Year Award. For the past three out of four years, we have been chosen as a finalist for this award, which is presented to the region’s most outstanding manufacturing firms.
Aerotech’s QNP-L series linear piezo nanopositioning stages give nanometer-level performance in a compact, high-stiffness package. A variety of travel and feedback options make these stages ideal for applications ranging from microscopy to optics alignment.
Stent and other cylindrical laser processing applications depend
on rotary speed and precision for maximum throughput and
quality of the finished product.
A compact, high-performance linear positioning stage, Aerotech’s MPS75SLE features exceptionally smooth travel combined with outstanding accuracy, repeatability and positioning resolution capability to 25 nm. Ideal applications include optics positioning, z-axis positioning of sensors in surface metrology, and in general purpose high-precision alignment.
Aerotech’s PlanarSL mechanical bearing, ball-screw-driven XY stages offer exceptional performance in a cost-sensitive, low-profile package. Combining two axes of motion in a compact package, the PlanarSL is the perfect solution for applications ranging from surface metrology to general high-precision automation.
Ensemble LAB was nominated for a 2014 Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Award. Thirty categories of control, instrumentation and automation products were evaluated by automation industry professionals based on technological advancement, service to the industry and market impact. Aerotech’s innovative Ensemble LAB Motion Controller was nominated and a finalist in the Motion Control – Motors category.
With an optimized structure, components with exacting precision, Aerotech’s own direct-drive motor technology and an integrated cable management system, the PlanarDL was a finalist for the Design News Golden Mousetrap Awards: Automation & Control (category: Motors and Mechanical Motion Devices).
As part of continued expansion in the global precision motion and automation systems arena, Aerotech Inc. - the Pittsburgh-USA headquartered high-technology mechatronic motion products designer and manufacturer - has relocated its UK subsidiary to a new and larger facility in Ramsdell near Tadley. With additional office and operational logistics space as well as considerably more room for customer demonstration, training and conferencing, the well-equipped 500 m2 building will allow Aerotech Ltd to build upon and enhance its position as a premier motion system supplier to the UK and Europe.
Aerotech’s Npaq® 6U is a high-power drive rack that uses plug-in amplifiers supporting both linear and PWM topologies to control brushless, DC brush or stepper motors. PWM amps offer up to 320 VDC operating voltage and 30 A peak current capability. Linear amplifiers provide up to 80 V and 20 A peak current for high power, low-noise applications.
Aerotech’s MPS-SV series lift stages provide high-performance elevation motion in a compact, cost-effective design. These lift stages are engineered for applications ranging from laboratory research to high-reliability production processes and are offered in two sizes – the MPS50SV and MPS75SV.
Aerotech’s PlanarDL-series stages offer excellent geometric and dynamic performance in a compact, low-profile and cost-effective package. Available in nine different travel and performance configurations, this stage is the ideal solution for applications ranging from high-accuracy surface profilometry to high-speed semiconductor and LED wafer scribing.
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing are set to revolutionize multiple areas of technology and manufacturing. The dispensing of compounds and coatings requires a 3D motion system to move either the printing head or the substrate with up to six degrees of freedom. Overall system accuracy and throughput are vitally important to creating complex structures with a commercially viable process.
Aerotech’s ANT-L-Z crossed-roller, Z-axis, nanopositioning stages are the best-in-class in combining speed, accuracy, resolution, repeatability, reliability and size. They are offered in two models (ANT95-L-Z and ANT130-L-Z) and two accuracy grades.
AGR series motorized rotary stages provide significant improvements in speed, load capacity and long-term positioning performance over previous generations of worm-gear-drive stages. They address a wide range of applications for general purpose positioning in laboratory and industrial uses, in a robust and economical package.
Aerotech’s new Ensemble® LAB control platform makes it easier than ever to automate laboratory and light industrial manufacturing applications. The full-color touch-screen display enables quick access to all the core functionality while providing deep contrast and exceptional readability, while the intuitive tabbed interface provides single press access to all setup and operation screens. An integral rubberized front-panel interface provides immediate tactile feedback for jogging and manual positioning operations. A front-panel USB port is available for connection of a keyboard and other peripherals to assist in the creation of complex program sequences.
CADFusion bridges the gap between part drawings and motion control. Users need only import a vector-based DXF drawing into this easy-to-use environment to see the resulting tool path graphically on CADFusion’s canvas. Part optimization is easy and intuitive with shape re-ordering, feature scaling, and rotational/translational features at your fingertips. Overall process management, including local and global feed-rate control and lead in/out moves, can be automatically configured in advance so that every import file produces a consistent motion control program.
Aerotech’s Nmark AGV-HP advanced galvanometers use innovative optical feedback technology to increase resolution to greater than 24 bits. Both the standard AGV and higher performance AGV-HP series scanners may be directly driven by Aerotech’s Nmark CLS galvo controller, which offers a full suite of advanced application tools that include Position Synchronized Output (PSO) and Infinite Field of View (IFOV).
Aerotech’s Sensor Fusion is a 3U data acquisition device integrated with our Automation 3200 (A3200) motion controller to provide precise time alignment of motion and data acquisition functions. Integrating the data acquisition into the motion control platform allows for a cost-effective data acquisition solution with quick and easy configuration and setup for shorter development time.
Aerotech’s MPS-GR series rotary stages provide accurate, repeatable positioning in a miniature, low profile and economical package. Available in two sizes - the MPS50GR and MPS75GR - they are engineered for the confines and requirements of a laboratory or research and development setting. MPS-GR stages are ideal for optics, measurement, alignment, inspection and other similar applications.
As of June 29, 2012, we are discontinuing the following controllers and amplifiers. We are offering a last-chance buying opportunity for these products expiring on June 29, 2012.
Aerotech’s CCS series rotary stages (patent pending) with integrated captured collet chucks provide automated material handling capability for a wide range of materials and applications. Collet chucks used with the CCS family accept C-, D- or Levin-style collets that are readily available from machine-tool component suppliers in sizes supporting tube diameters from 0.1 mm to 27 mm. These collets provide outstanding run-out characteristics for applications requiring high-precision gripping of tubular material.
Aerotech motion systems’ unmatched precision, accuracy and durability have made us a leader in test, measurement and inspection applications across a wide variety of industries. Our newest catalog, Motion and Automation for Test, Measurement and Inspection, presents our motion capabilities in applications as diverse as sensor testing, surface profiling, nondestructive test and semiconductor inspection and metrology. Our expertise includes systems for factory floor, R&D, vacuum and cleanroom environments.
Aerotech has introduced a motion control industrial computer option for its Automation 3200 Multi-Axis Machine Controller. The A3200 Automation Controller provides a rugged, compact panel-mount or rack-mount (1U or 4U) computer designed for industrial environments. Its easy front and top connections simplify installation with panel-mount devices, while the compact 183 mm x 183 mm x 70 mm enclosure is a convenient space-saving package.
January 2012: As part of its wide range of motion controls and positioning mechanics, Aerotech manufactures a large selection of rotary stages that provide the essential angular positioning performance for numerous industrial production, test and inspection applications, as well as for advanced laboratory research and development.
The MPS75SL is a compact, high-performance linear positioning stage that is perfect for the confines of the laboratory while providing the high reliability required in a production environment. It is the ideal choice for measurement, testing, accurate alignment and component assembly.
The MPS50SL miniature linear positioning stage is perfect for the confines of the laboratory while retaining the high reliability required in production environments. It is an ideal choice for measurement, testing, alignment and component assembly in any space-constrained applications whether on the factory floor or in laboratory environments.
Aerotech APR series rotary stages employ precision-machined and ground stage parts coupled with high-precision angular contact bearings and an Aerotech direct-drive motor to produce exceptionally low error motions, accuracy errors, and repeatability errors. The addition of high-resolution optical encoders provides excellent pointing capability with low-jitter velocity tracking.
The Ensemble™ Epaq MR is Aerotech’s next-generation, stand-alone motion controller for applications from basic laboratory experimentation and general purpose positioning to advanced OEM systems. It is offered in a 4- or 8-axis 3U rack-mount version that contains integrated power supplies and pluggable motor and IO connectors. The integrated PWM or linear amplifiers control brush, brushless, and stepper motors. Higher power external amplifiers may be daisy-chained to the Epaq MR using the high-speed AeroNet serial interface for a total of ten axes of coordinated motion.
Aerotech’s AVS1000 series stages offer the ideal solution for applications that require positioning of large or heavy loads over very small incremental movements in elevation above a horizontal plane.
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 ball screw or belt-drives require. Because the ACT is an integrated, assembled mechanical system, it also eliminates the design complexity and guesswork in choosing and assembling individual components.
