Aerotech Limited

EasyTune is the most advanced autotuning tool available in a commercial motion controller. Entirely data-driven, the algorithm largely mimics the process followed by an experienced controls engineer. Many existing tuning techniques rely on basic model-fitting or “rules-of-thumb” that ignore machine resonances or nonlinear behavior, but EasyTune directly measures and compensates for those effects. It assumes no prior knowledge of the system properties, and begins with a system identification operation. It continues with the development of a baseline stabilizing controller followed by progressively more sophisticated compensation via loop-shaping procedures. The final controller has the highest bandwidth practical for that particular stage system.

The Ensemble QDe is a high-performance desktop nanopositioning piezo drive designed for seamless use with the Ensemble family of drives and controllers. The QDe connects to any Ensemble controller network enabling coordinated motion between piezo stages and servo axes at much higher rates than other controller or drive products. This power and versatility make the Ensemble QDe ideal for single or multi-axis applications ranging from fundamental scientific research to advanced OEM machine systems.

Aerotech has developed the PlanarHDX, the most advanced commercially available planar air-bearing platform available. The PlanarHDX was designed using an FEA-optimized silicon carbide structure and optimized air-bearing compensation techniques to provide the highest possible dynamic performance while maintaining unparalleled geometric characteristics and positioning accuracy.

The highly repeatable and thermally stable feedback sensors used on the AGV-HPO scanner systems can be calibrated down to single-digit, micron-level accuracy over the field of view. With the extremely low thermal gain drift performance of the position transducers, complex, high-density laser machining applications will maintain consistent micron-level feature placement accuracy over the lifetime of the process. Likewise, high throughput applications will maintain consistent part-to-part quality without having to re-calibrate between parts.

Aerotech’s PlanarDL-series stages offer excellent geometric and dynamic performance in a compact, low-profile and cost-effective package. Available in nine different travel and performance configurations, this stage is the ideal solution for applications ranging from high-accuracy surface profilometry to high-speed semiconductor and LED wafer scribing.

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing are set to revolutionize multiple areas of technology and manufacturing. The dispensing of compounds and coatings requires a 3D motion system to move either the printing head or the substrate with up to six degrees of freedom. Overall system accuracy and throughput are vitally important to creating complex structures with a commercially viable process.

Aerotech’s ANT-L-Z crossed-roller, Z-axis, nanopositioning stages are the best-in-class in combining speed, accuracy, resolution, repeatability, reliability and size. They are offered in two models (ANT95-L-Z and ANT130-L-Z) and two accuracy grades.

AGR series motorized rotary stages provide significant improvements in speed, load capacity and long-term positioning performance over previous generations of worm-gear-drive stages. They address a wide range of applications for general purpose positioning in laboratory and industrial uses, in a robust and economical package.

Aerotech’s new Ensemble LAB control platform makes it easier than ever to automate laboratory and light industrial manufacturing applications. The full-color touch-screen display enables quick access to all the core functionality while providing deep contrast and exceptional readability, while the intuitive tabbed interface provides single press access to all setup and operation screens.

Sensor Fusion, a new 3U data acquisition device from Aerotech, provides precise time alignment of motion and data acquisition functions in electronics and other industries. Integrating data acquisition into the motion control platform is a cost-effective data acquisition solution. It provides quick and easy configuration and setup for shorter development time.

Aerotech announces the addition of EtherCAT to the A3200 Integrated Automation platform that offers motion control, PLC, and I/O in a single, integrated environment. The EtherCAT interface provides users with the ability to seamlessly incorporate additional high- and low-power digital and analog I/O into a system.

New Nmark AGV galvanometers and Nmark CLS galvo controllers from Aerotech provide increased throughput with industry-leading resolution for laser micromachining applications. Using advanced interpolation electronics, the Nmark controller provides greater than 24 bits of effective resolution with 2D positioning accuracy of 10 microns or better.

Aerotech’s Nmark AGV-HP advanced galvanometers use innovative optical feedback technology to increase resolution to greater than 24 bits. Both the standard AGV and higher performance AGV-HP series scanners may be directly driven by Aerotech’s Nmark CLS galvo controller, which offers a full suite of advanced application tools that include Position Synchronized Output and Infinite Field of View.

Aerotech’s Sensor Fusion is a 3U data acquisition device integrated with our Automation 3200 motion controller to provide precise time alignment of motion and data acquisition functions. Integrating the data acquisition into the motion control platform allows for a cost-effective data acquisition solution with quick and easy configuration and setup for shorter development time.

Aerotech’s MPS-GR series rotary stages provide accurate, repeatable positioning in a miniature, low profile and economical package. Available in two sizes - the MPS50GR and MPS75GR - they are engineered for both the confines and requirements of a laboratory setting as well as for 24/7 industrial manufacturing. MPS-GR stages are ideal for optics, measurement, alignment, inspection and other demanding applications.

Aerotech’s CCS series rotary stages (patent pending) with integrated captured collet chucks provide automated material handling capability for a wide range of materials and applications. Collet chucks used with the CCS family accept C-, D- or Levin-style collets that are readily available from machine-tool component suppliers in sizes supporting tube diameters from 0.1 mm to 27 mm.

A new series of rotary stages from Aerotech features integral pneumatic collet chucks for automated material handling. The CCS series (U.S. patent pending) supports precision laser machining and micromachining of tubular products in plastics, metals and many other materials. It is particularly suited for cylindrical tube laser machining of medical products including stents and fine tubes.

Aerotech's latest brochure, Motion and Automation for Test, Measurement and Inspection, presents its capability to deliver high-throughput micropositioning solutions for manufacturing production, quality control, R&D, vacuum and cleanroom environments through a series of test related application areas that include sensor testing, surface profiling, nondestructive test, semiconductor inspection and metrology, cleanroom and high-vacuum systems, and integrated automation and data acquisition.

Aerotech's new MPS75SL series miniature linear positioning stages are just 75 mm wide and available in four travel ranges from 25 mm to 100 mm. Aimed at applications in university labs, or R&D centres that require precision alignment, or for assembly, test and measurement in industrial production environments, the small footprint and low-profile stage design is optimised in the use of the latest generation of miniature 1 mm pitch precision ballscrews, high resolution encoders and anti-creep crossed roller bearings for ultra smooth velocity and reduced error motion.

Aerotech continues to improve and innovate its direct-drive rotary stage capability with the new APR mechanical bearing series which offers positional accuracy to 1.5 arc-sec and axial load capacity up to 450 kg. Aimed at high precision rotary positioning for applications such as precision component testing, optical calibration systems, laser micromachining and sub-micron metrology, the APR's brushless direct-drive technology easily outperforms traditional worm/wheel stages, delivering considerably smoother and higher speeds, much improved angular precision, with zero backlash and a far superior throughput potential. The range covers seven models in three frame sizes with nominal square footprint mounting dimensions of 150, 200 and 260 mm, offering a clear through-aperture of 50, 75, or 100 mm respectively for electrical or other services such as slip ring assemblies, laser feed or air supplies.