Nanotranslation stages improve positioning
An
Aerotech product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jun 19, 2007
Improved crossed-roller bearings and 40MHz encoder processing give Aerotech's new ANT-LX nanotranslation stages twice the resolution and speed capability of their predecessor.
Aerotech's new ANT-LX nanotranslation stages provide new levels of sub-micron positioning performance by combining advanced real-time axis calibration with high-performance direct-drive linear servomotors, noncontact optical encoders and linear drive amplifiers.
This technology offers a significant throughput advantage over conventional lead screw and piezo drive-based mechanical systems and this second generation design now has twice the resolution and speed capability of its predecessor, thanks to improved crossed-roller bearings and new advanced 40 MHz encoder processing.
Used with a dedicated version of Aerotech's A3200 Automation Platform motion control system, the ANT-LX has a maximum resolution of just 2.5nm and a calibrated positional accuracy of +/-0.3um with a top speed performance of 500mm/s and acceleration to 5g.
Repeatability is within +/-0.05um with differential straightness and flatness specifications to 3.0um per 25mm of travel with a maximum deviation of +/-1.0um.
The unit measures 90mm x 33mm with an overall working length of less than 130mm for the 25mm travel version and under 200mm for the 50mm travel version.
Maximum load is 8kg and X-Y, X-Y-Z or other mechanical configurations are made easy with matching fixed base and moving carriage hole patterns.
The ANT-LX range may also be assembled with other ANT series stages (vertical lift, rotary and goniometer) to create complete multi-axis motion platforms.
To meet and exceed the exceptionally smooth motion characteristics required for micron-level incremental moves and velocity-critical scanning applications, the ANT-LX features an Aerotech's cog-free direct-drive brushless linear servomotor driven with a state-of-art linear amplifier.
This combination provides the ultimate in low-noise, ultra quiet performance with integral resolution multiplication for the 20 micron pitch, sinusoidal output linear encoders.
Low-profile, precision crossed-roller bearing elements provide improved load and increased acceleration capability.
The housing is black anodised aluminium with a hardcoat finish for extra durability and includes ample threaded inserts for customer fixture mounting.
The ANT-LX is aimed at high-throughput production and test applications in fibre optics, photonics, MEMS and sensor manufacture.
The low maintenance profile of the ANT-LX will be of interest to OEMs and machine builders who require low cost of ownership, future proof, fit and forget motion systems.
Aerotech's A3200 Automation Platform is a software-only controller that harnesses PC-based processing power for tightly synchronised motion and machine control.
For ANT-LX dedicated applications, the controller uses the IEEE-1394 Firewire protocol to provide fully deterministic, high-speed, distributed control in combination with Aerotech's Ndrive HL linear servo amplifiers for the required axis count in combination with all I/O and machine interfacing functions.
The 32-axis A3200 is also available with a range of "soft" machine control modules for HMI, Vision and PLC which may be integrated into the customers' application.
Motion and machine control commands may be accessed in C, C++, and Visual Basic or in Aerotech's own AeroBASICTM.
Alternatively, the optional Ncontrol SDK software development kit may be used to program the unit with Windows based ActiveX components, C++, VB and .NET class libraries to help to reduce programming time and simplify system integration.
Aerotech supplies ANT-LX systems complete with interconnecting cables, motor parameter set-up data, performance documents and assembly information to speed commissioning and help integrators with their own system documentation.
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Contact Aerotech
Tel +44 118 940 9400
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