Sensor-based measurement tracks unwanted movement
An
Aerotech product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Oct 5, 2009
Aerotech's ETM (Enhanced Throughput Module) combines sensor-measured micro-displacement and a GUI to identify and help reduce unwanted machine base and frame motion in positioning systems.
By optimising point-to-point move settling times and minimising dynamic position errors for high-speed contouring, the ETM allows high and ultra-high resolution positioning systems to realise improved throughput and enhanced parts quality.
Aerotech\'s ETM identifies and helps to reduce unwanted machine base and frame motion in high-precision positioning systems
The ETM includes a very high resolution sensor that is mounted to the positioning system base or frame, in line with the axis of motion being corrected.
When used with Aerotech's Soloist, Ensemble or A3200 controllers, the ETM software option works with the optional Dynamic Controls Toolbox to provide setup and monitoring screens that analyse unwanted frame motion during critical moves and plots position error vs time to a GUI.
The Dynamic Controls Toolbox includes a range of tools to improve move and settle times and contouring performance, greatly reducing the effects of machine frame motion.
A measured improvement in settling times by as much as 20 per cent has been recorded.
During moves in any positioning system, the machine frame responds with oscillations that can extend over hundreds of milliseconds.
Fine positioning or high-dynamic motion requires that the oscillation subsides below the system resolution before completing the move and beginning the next motion.
A consequence of this factor is that some systems never achieve desired accuracy if called to complete moves too quickly, or that throughput may be slowed considerably if the machine frame oscillations are excessive.
While the most appropriate solution to these problems may be an optimised frame and machine-base (typically an Aerotech designed granite structure), in many cases this is either not practical or is expensive.
For ultimate precision and improved throughput, even these structures can be improved with the ETM.
The ETM is available in two versions: a standard solution for high-performance motion systems and an ultra-high-resolution version for the most demanding applications.
The low-profile package size of the ETM, with a footprint of 85mm x 70mm can be built into new applications, and existing Aerotech motion systems across all current Aerotech controller platforms.
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