Aerotech's new ARMS rotary motion simulators provide positioning and rate

ARMS motion simulators are available in three basic models with nominal width and tabletop diameter of 146 mm, 196 mm and 260 mm. Each model includes a choice of two stack heights to accommodate Aerotech's high-torque S-series ironless and slotless direct-drive servomotors with peak torque from 11.7 Nm to 146 Nm. With no motor cogging, absolutely no torque ripple and zero backlash, the S-series allows smooth and precise speed control and peak acceleration in excess of 20,000 degrees per second.

Directly coupled high resolution rotary encoders and Aerotech's MXH series multipliers provide a selectable angular resolution within the range of 0.02 arc sec to 4 arc sec with a calibrated accuracy to within +/- 5 arc sec and positional repeatability to +/- 1 arc second.

ARMS motion simulators are based upon Aerotech's high precision rotary stage technology as used in a wide range of high-throughput applications across manufacturing production, inspection and research markets. Dual large diameter bearings provide impressive wobble and moment stiffness specifications and the low inertia design allows acceleration and speed performance that is significantly higher than competing manufacturers products.

The ARMS series includes integrated motion controls featuring DSP based drives with up to 20 kHz current and servo loop closure rates, ensuring the highest level of positioning performance and rate stability. The servo bandwidth value for an unloaded simulator is specified at >70Hz and the control system features a wide range of filtering and calibration features to ensure the broadest possible value. Aerotech are able to supply granite or composite machine base components and customer specific fixturing to optimise the total system performance.

Users may directly program their own motion profiles in a standalone package or interface LabVIEW®, C and .NET software. For users who have their own motion simulation programs, Aerotech's GUI motion design software will accept files with arrays of velocity, position and acceleration versus time.

To provide electrical services to the UUT, ARMS motion simulators are fitted with a choice of standard or low noise slip ring assemblies, with the number of ways determined by the model diameter. The full range covers up to 96 ways with a current rating of up to 2A with convenient Sub-D connectors fitted to the rotating table-top and fixed base parts of the simulator. Up to two rotary joints for air, vacuum or hydraulics may also be specified with compression fittings supplied. To complete the straightforward commissioning of the ARMS series, motor power and feedback connectors are also fitted and mating cable assemblies supplied to order.

The ARMS table-top is black anodised with a 62 Rockwell hardness coating and includes engraved markings and a matrix of metric dimensioned threaded holes (imperial versions available). The fixed platform also includes ample though-holes and T slots to the base and sides. Each model includes a clear aperture (either 8 mm or 25 mm diameter) which is used for the rotary joint and some slip ring variants, therefore for certain applications the aperture may be available for the customers own services.