Low cost gantry suits biomedical pick and place automation

The design is based on Heason's PLA leadscrew actuators which feature an extruded aluminium housing and a robust linear motion guide support bearing system in a compact modular package that allows XY and XYZ positioning systems to be designed and built quickly and effectively. The standard range will accommodate X and Y travel to 300 mm with a 75 mm travel Z axis.

The microstepping motor driven actuator assemblies can be supplied complete with drives, motion controls, cable management, overtravel and datum switches. Further customisation features can include motor mounted encoders for position verification, handwheels for manual positioning, pick and place grippers, and other fixtures to suit application requirements. The T-slot housings are assembled together using simple clamping nuts that allow the combined actuators to be assembled in almost any orientation.

The positioning resolution on each axis is determined by the choice of 1 mm or 6.35 mm pitch leadscrews and is typically between 5 and 25 microns depending upon the microstepping motor resolution used. Positioning repeatability is specified to 0.025 mm on each axis and maximum traversing speeds are up to 50 mm/sec.

The parallel base supporting axis employs a simple but effective timing belt synchronisation technique to ensure that both axes are driven simultaneously with no tendency to crab. The design can also be applied for vertical orientation without the need for a costly counterbalance.

As a leading independent motion control specialist, Heason Technology's core expertise and sole focus is to provide best in class motion control components and complete engineered motion solutions to a broad range of customers in industrial, commercial, military and aerospace markets. The new medical gantry illustrates Heason Technology’s advanced expertise in mechanical design, electrical & control design, software and systems integration.