Goniometric cradles for micro-positioning

An Aerotech product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 7, 2009

AGC Goniometric Cradles are for single or multi-axis rotary micro-positioning where the payload or measurement area needs to be at the centre of rotation and an unobstructed line of sight is required.

Three goniometers are available, each with a travel range of +/- 45deg and radii of curvature set at 85mm, 160mm and 245mm - allowing the units to be stacked together to provide compact pitch, yaw and roll axes with a common and intersecting centre of rotation.

The Goniometric Cradle range features precision worm gear mechanics for arc second level accuracy and repeatability.

The Goniometric Cradle range features precision worm gear mechanics for arc second level accuracy and repeatability.

The range features precision worm gear mechanics for arc second level accuracy and repeatability.

A choice of brushless, brushed or stepper motors provides further price-performance flexibility.

Applications include automated manufacturing and/or testing for laser machining, optical alignment, beam steering and sensor calibration, as well as ultra-fine adjustment of sample and detector position for multi-axis diffractometer systems.

The AGC Series is available with a direct encoder feedback option where the position sensor is located on the bearing line along the actual radius of curvature which eliminates the lost motion and resulting accuracy loss associated with rear motor shaft mounted encoder systems.

As well as improved measure accuracy, this feature also eliminates the need to compensate for worm/wheel wear, increasing position stability over long duration use.

The direct encoder feedback option together with Aerotech's HALAR calibration provides a positional accuracy to +/-12 arc seconds and repeatability to +/-10 arc seconds across the range.

For the largest AGC-245 model, the encoder resolution is 3.5 arc seconds before quadrature and final resolution is 0.014 arc seconds after interpolation.

As with all Aerotech supplied positioning systems, customised options including vacuum compatibility to 10-6 torr are available.

AGC Series goniometers can also be supplied fully assembled with other Aerotech linear XYZ and full rotation stages, creating complete multi-axis motion platforms together with machine base and cable-management systems.

A wide choice of PC based and standalone motion controls with Linear or PWM amplifier technologies are available from the single axis Soloist to the A3200 Automation Platform with 32 synchronised axes of motion and machine controls.

All Aerotech supplied motion components include calibration and performance documentation, and motion systems are delivered with tuning and set-up parameters stored in the controller for fast, straightforward installation.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Contact Aerotech

Tel +44 118 940 9400

Other Aerotech stories

Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Articles by product category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication