Application Note
Automation1 Motion Control Platform Improves Laser Scan System Tracking Performance
Precision laser scanning systems are characterized by their ability to perform challenging contoured motion while maintaining the desired path position. One might refer to this as the “minimal tracking error” or “minimal following error.” Many factors are involved in delivering high-throughput, highly-accurate laser scanning systems. For simplicity, there are two main technical components that must…
Read MorePiezo Controller Thermal Stability Comparison
Piezo controller design can have a significant effect on thermal stability, causing excessive error in precision motion applications. In this technical note, we briefly describe some techniques used for controlling thermal effects and compare the thermal stability of Aerotech’s piezo control electronics with a competitive design. Thermal stability is paramount in any precision process. Thermal…
Read MoreAdvanced Motion Control Optimizes Mechanical Micro-Drilling
In micro-drilling process equipment, the most popular ways to create microvias (blind or buried vias with a diameter ≤150 µm) are mechanical drilling and laser drilling. Mechanical drilling is mainly used in larger apertures such as PCBs or IC substrates. Laser drilling is mainly used in finer apertures such as silicon wafers, ceramic substrates and…
Read MorePart-Speed Position Synchronized Output
Part-Speed Position Synchronized Output (PSO) is a new tracking mode for Aerotech’s PSO advanced controller feature. Part-Speed PSO commands high-speed, low-latency output pulses based on the commanded vector velocity. Extending PSO Capabilities Aerotech’s PSO controller feature has long been used by industrial and research users alike to command their process tool – a laser, sensor,…
Read MoreHigh-Bandwidth Force Control
Traditionally, linear stages are used with encoders to position to precise points in a motion profile. These encoders are used for both positioning and, in the case of brushless servomotors, for motor commutation as well. However, in certain applications like material press-bonding, position is not as important as force. When binding two materials together, if…
Read MoreAdvanced Motion Control for Precision Drum Writing
Precision mechanical equipment, integrated advanced controls, laser control features and software come together to advance the state-of-the-art in drum writing. High precision roll-to-roll manufactured drums are used to produce everyday items sold around the world. For example, these drums are used to manufacture credit card security holograms as well as special films to increase a…
Read MoreSynchronizing Position Synchronized Output (PSO) with Mode Locked Lasers
Many lasers are limited to firing pulses based on an internal clock source and cannot be asynchronously triggered from an external signal such as Aerotech’s Position Synchronized Output (PSO) feature. One approach to working with this laser type is to set the pulse width of the PSO output to be the same as the period…
Read MoreAerotech’s EasyTune Advanced Autotuning Tool
When a user finds that the accuracy of a motion control application is low, such as unacceptable following error due to friction, low frequency disturbance, etc., they will normally first increase the servo loop gains to reduce the following error. Unfortunately, this “quick fix” can result in excess gains that make the system unstable. In…
Read MoreMotion Control with Precision Noncontact Displacement Sensors
Introduction Noncontact displacement sensors are used in measurement applications where surfaces or processes do not allow contact and demand high precision. Capacitive, confocal, eddy-current and laser triangulation sensors have proven themselves in applications that incorporate motion systems. Noncontact sensors are available in many different versions. However, sensor range decreases significantly as the required precision increases.…
Read MoreLine Following in the Packaging Industry
Sophisticated control capabilities and servomotors are the next logical advances to replace stepper motors in typical line following packaging applications. There are many variations of line following applications within the packaging industry including labeling, cut-to-length, fly cutting, lane diversion, rotary knife and more. All of these line following applications have the same machine functions at…
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