Aerotech Limited

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.

A series of linear dual-axis stages offering nanometer-level performance in travels up to 160 x 160 mm has been introduced by Aerotech. The new ANT130-XY stages allow travel in two dimensions with an exceptionally low profile of 85 mm. With high resolution (1 nm), repeatability (75 nm) and accuracy (250 nm) per axis, the stages support all applications that require nanopositioning performance with extreme in-position stability and smooth motion.

Aerotech the global motion control systems designer and manufacturer has further strengthened its European sales and support network with the recent appointment of Gilles Duplessy as its new Regional Sales Manager for the French market.

The AVS1000 is the latest addition to Aerotech's comprehensive range of vertical lift and Z-axis micropositioning solutions, and is aimed at precise sub-micron elevation of large and heavy loads for semiconductor manufacture, automated tool alignment, vision inspection and laser micromachining.

Flexible choice of hardware, software and interfacing options make new rack-mount multi-axis motion control and drive system adaptable to a very wide range of positioning applications

Vertical stage can be used individually or combined for classic kinematic 3-point load support - Aerotech's new VTS300 vertical translation stages provide long travel precision positioning in a compact upright design for individual Z-axis payloads up to 450 kg, or may be arranged as multiple synchronised units that support heavy loads with kinematic 3-point mounting with the added potential for angled tip/tilt load manipulation.

Aerotech's new AXR series 2-axis rotary micropositioning assemblies combine yaw and tilt axes that enable high speed and high throughput micromachining of complex 3D structures such as MEMS components. As part of the enabling technology for many microfabrication techniques, the rotary assembly provides an accurate platform for positioning and manipulation from a precision aligned hemispherical surface.

The DAMIAN ultra-precision scanning system at the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB) fulfils a significant part of a global programme for the digitisation of astrometric plates and aerial photographic images that span over a century and has shaped our understanding of the world, the solar system and the universe. With more than three million plate images estimated in the astronomical community alone, the programme was borne out of a need to provide a much needed centralised archive for the digital age, to enhance the accuracy of predictive ephemerides and not least to preserve the heritage of this important work where media deterioration is an increasing problem, particularly for older photographic processes. As part of an international network of institutions involved in similar work, the ROB has become a global centre of excellence particularly where extreme levels of accuracy are required such as astrometry plates

Aerotech, the motion control and high precision positioning specialist will launch its new MotionPAC Integrated Motion and Machine Controller at this year's SPS/IPC/DRIVES Exhibition in Nuremberg on 23rd – 25th November.

ALS2200 combines anti-creep precision cross roller bearings and direct drive servo with Aerotech's well proven hard top/side sealed protection system for exceptionally smooth high precision motion in harsh manufacturing environments

Aerotech has launched a new 560 mm wide ball screw driven positioning stage as part of its PRO series hard top/side sealed precision table range. Available in standard and high speed versions, the extra wide cross section the new PRO560 and PRO560 HS stages provide optimal support for long travel upper axes or large footprint loads. With travel up to 1500 mm and load to 150 kg, the new stages perfectly complement and complete the PRO ball screw driven range which covers stage widths of 115, 165, 225, 280 mm, and now 560 mm.

Aerotech's PRO-LM series direct-drive, brushless linear servo motor driven stages now include a new 280 mm wide version, available in eight travel options from 300 mm to 1.5 m, for high throughput and heavy load precision positioning applications in harsh industrial environments. The side-sealed/hard top and fully protected stages feature heavy duty linear motion guide bearings, submicron level encoder feedback and optional cable management, and are now available in nominal widths of 165 mm, 225 mm and 280 mm which may be freely mixed to optimise application load and travel requirements.

Aerotech's new ASRT series rotary stages feature direct-drive brushless servomotor technology for precise zero backlash positioning in an IP66 sealed design that guarantees operation in hostile environments where dust, dirt and liquids are unavoidable. Aimed at applications involving washdown, dust or mist spray, or where coolants must be used as a part of a machining process, the ASRT series is available in three nominal widths of 185 mm, 245 mm and 300 mm in a dual bearing design that can support axial loads up to 175 kg whilst maintaining a tilt error motion of less than 3 arc-sec.

Following closely behind the recent launch of single-axis and dual X-Y axis ANT series linear nanopositioning stages as a part of Aerotech's nano Motion Technology (nMT) range, two new rotary and two new vertical translation variants have now been introduced. With Aerotech's direct-drive ANT series now covering 95 mm and 130 mm wide linear and vertical-linear translation stages in addition to rotary and goniometric angular positioners, users can now specify long travel range, multi-axis nanometre resolution mechanics for high throughput production and demanding test and research applications. The new stages perfectly complement the outstanding precision, nanometre level precision and high dynamic performance offered by the landmark nMT range.

Aerotech has launched a new range of high precision linear positioning stages for high throughput industrial production and test applications. The low-cost PRO165LM series features and improves upon Aerotech’s time-tested hard-top and side sealed stage design with a powerful direct-drive brushless linear motor, micron level linear encoder feedback and long-life linear motion guide bearings for extremely smooth motion and exceptional servo system sensitivity.

Aerotech has launched a new pan & tilt positioner with integrated drives and motion controls for high-end camera security, surveillance and defence applications. The APT series was developed through Aerotech’s extensive design and manufacturing expertise in gimbals, optical mounts and motion simulators for military, aerospace and government research. The high precision rotary stage mechanics and sophisticated motion controls fulfil a market niche for camera positioning mounts with much higher levels of resolution, accuracy and repeatability than traditional pan & tilt mechanisms.

Aerotech’s new ETM combines sensor measured micro-displacement and a user friendly GUI that identifies and helps to reduce unwanted machine base and frame motion in high precision, high performance 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 ANT series linear positioning stages have long been synonymous with exceptional submicron accuracy and nanometre resolution positioning for high throughput production and test applications such as optical device and sensor manufacture or ultra smooth and precise scanning processes. Now, Aerotech has released its new and improved ANT95 NanoTranslation series which include single axis and integrated dual axis stages that offer 25 mm and 50 mm travel ranges with 1 nanometre resolution and a choice of ±3.0 microns or ±250 nanometres certified accuracy classes.

Aerotech has introduced a completely new line of Cartesian ‘T-style’ positioning robots based upon its PRO series medium precision linear positioning stages. The new range, named Cartesius, is a highly configurable positioning system with a single axis base and an open payload work area that suits many automation applications including pick and place, assembly, automated test and dispensing stations. Available in a wide choice of XY, XZ and XYZ configurations with travel up to 1.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.3 m and 3-axis load up to 25 kg, the range includes full chain cable management with motor and encoder connectors fitted for fast, trouble-free integration into the customers application.

Aerotech has added a new vertical translation stage to its ANT range of ‘nanotranslation’ linear position stages providing 500 mm/sec speed, 1 g acceleration and a positioning resolution between 2.5 nm and 1.0 µm over a 25 mm or 50 mm travel range. The new ANT-LXV vertical translation stage combines Aerotech’s latest direct-drive linear servo motor, encoder feedback and bearing technology with advanced axis calibration in a design that includes an integral pneumatic counterbalance to ensure totally smooth, stiction-free vertical motion.