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Motion system cuts installation costs

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 28, 2008

Heason Technology positioning stages combine Danaher Motion-Dover's XY range of precision positioning tables with Baldor's DSMS high-torque stepper motors with integrated micro-stepping drives.

Heason Technology has combined positioning mechanics, integrated stepper motor/drives and motion controls from two of its distribution partners to provide a range of ready-to-run single-axis and X-Y positioning stages that offer a modular motion system solution with reduced integration costs.

The range combines Danaher Motion-Dover's XY range of precision positioning tables in a wide choice of travel, accuracy and stage configurations with Baldor's DSMS high-torque stepper motors with integrated micro-stepping drives.

Multitasking motion and machine control is also available with Baldor's NextMove ESB-2 panel mounted controller.

The range is aimed at open-loop positioning applications across all areas of research and manufacturing and is easily adapted to match customer performance requirements.

The low-profile positioning stages feature heavy-duty precision crossed-roller bearings in both open frame and solid top designs in single-axis or X-Y travel ranges from 50 to over 600mm.

Stages are supplied complete with overtravel and datum limit switches.

For medium-duty applications, leadscrew driven tables feature an anti-backlash nut mechanism that reduces wear while maintaining high repeatability to provide a combination of high-precision positioning and moderate speed capability.

For higher dynamic performance, 2 or 5mm/rev precision ballscrews are available to provide high acceleration and optimum speed with micron precision for fast production or test applications.

The DSMS integrated stepper motor and drive are available in NEMA 17, 23 or 34 frame mounting with a choice of microstepping resolutions from 200/400 steps/rev to 51.200 steps/rev, to provide a sub-micron linear resolution on the stage if required.

The integral design removes the need to include separate stepper drives, reducing system wiring, saving space and improving reliability.

Interconnection for drive power and motor control is available via flying leads or connectors and the drive is easily set-up with a PC utility and USB configuration cable.

The NextMove-ESB-2 is a compact panel mount motion controller supplied to match the customers' application with a combination of up to four axes of stepper and, if required, four axes of servo control plus ample digital and analogue I/O, memory and optional HMI, allowing the control of other process, additional linear or rotary positioning devices and potentially the complete standalone machine control for the customers' application.

The 32bit/120MHz DSP-based controller uses the MintMT multitasking basic programming language as well as embedded C or ActiveX component programming for host controlled applications.

MintNC provides a comprehensive Windows front end for axis-synchronised contouring or electronic gearbox applications.

It is also available for generating real-time motion commands from imported industry-standard CAD formats.