Goniometer stages prevent backlash
An
Aerotech product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jan 7, 2008
Aerotech's ANT-20G goniometer stages have a curvilinear direct-drive brushless servomotor that provides cog-free smoothness, solid in-position stability and zero backlash performance.
Aerotech's ANT-20G goniometer stages provide a compact, high-speed and high-throughput solution for single or multi-axis angular positioning and alignment applications where free access is required at the central point of rotation.
Aimed at the optical component industry and also suited to large-scale laser and X-ray diffractometry systems, the range features a curvilinear direct-drive brushless servomotor that provides cog-free smoothness, solid in-position stability and zero backlash performance.
The motor design combines with high-precision angular bearings, a high resolution linear encoder and a controller-based multiplier system to provide a calibrated positioning accuracy to +/- 5urad, with repeatability of up to to +/- 2.5urad.
Resolution with full encoder multiplication is up to 0.063urad and angular speeds of 150 degrees per second are attainable over the 20 degree travel range.
Unlike worm and piezo-driven goniometers or goniometric cradles, the ANT-20G does not require periodic adjustment.
Furthermore, with no gears to service and with its noncontact motor design, this goniometer stage will endure a very long working life with minimal maintenance.
ANT-20G goniometer stages are available in four models, each with a progressively increased centre of rotation.
Adjoining sized models are provided with common mounting hole patterns to permit orthogonal stacking, allowing two perpendicular axes to position around the same centre of rotation.
The smallest stage has a nominal width of 95.7mm and the larger three sizes all have a 104.6mm width; the maximum load on the largest stage is 3.5kg.
The ANT-20G series motor is fully contained within the main housing, allowing extremely compact assemblies with maximum room available for other equipment.
The ANT-20-G goniometer stage may also be assembled with other ANT series stages (linear, vertical lift and rotary) to create complete multi-axis motion platforms for fibre optic, sensor, MEMS and nanotechnology production and test applications.
Aerotech's A3200 Automation Platform control system is normally the preferred partner for ANT series applications.
Supplied as a PC, software only, motion and machine control solution with a choice of PWM or linear technology servo amplifiers, the controller uses the IEEE-1394 FirewireR protocol to provide high-speed, fully deterministic distributed control of motion and I/O for up to 32 axes.
The A3200 is available with a range of "soft" machine control modules that include HMI, Vision and PLC.
Control software available covers C, C++ and Visual BasicR, Aerotech's own AeroBASICTM or NI LabView.
Alternatively, the optional NcontrolR SDK software development kit is available for WindowsR based ActiveX components, C++, VB and .NET class libraries.
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Contact Aerotech
Tel +44 118 940 9400
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