Aerotech presents new IGM linear motion platform at Micronora

At the end of September, "Micronora" takes place for the 20th time in Besanon, France. Trade visitors from all over the world look forward to cross-sector innovations in the fields of microtechnology and nanotechnology. For sure, the experts from Aerotech should not be missed: the Pittsburgh-based manufacturer develops high-precision motion control systems, positioning tables and associated software. These are used whenever high throughput is required, i.e. in industry, science and research.

Simon Smith, Director Europe at Aerotech says: "At Micronora, we will be presenting our new IGM linear motion platform for the first time. Compared to conventional motion platforms, these offer higher stiffness, reduced height and consequently increased design flexibility."

Depending on requirements, travel load, payload capacity and dynamic performance can be adapted to specific applications. In the so-called IGM system (Integrated Granite Motion Systems), machine components such as bearings, encoders and drives are attached directly to the granite structure and the bridge constructions. This distinguishes IGM systems from conventional positioning stage-on-granite systems, where discreet positioning stages and machine components are used in the system design. Simon Smith says: "Our IGM systems are custom-engineered to fit the special requirements of respective applications or production processes."

Manufactured to customer and application specifications

At Micronora, Aerotech will present trade visitors with various versions incorporating mechanical or air-bearing axles. Ball screw or linear motors can be chosen as drives. In addition, various feedback options are available, ranging from simple encoders to laser interferometers. Finally, additional axes of motion such as rotary, lift, piezo stages or even galvanometers can be integrated into the IGM axes all of which can be controlled centrally via the Aerotech A3200 machine control platform. Other Aerotech products on display at Micronora include Planar DL, a directly driven biaxial mechanical linear motion system; ANT95R, a directly driven single axis rotary nanopositioning platform and; ANT130L, another directly driven linear platform with mechanical bearings.

Planar DL series platforms offer excellent geometric and dynamic performance in a compact low-profile package. With many different travel and performance options, this system is suitable for a range of applications from surface profiling to LED wafer scribing.

The directly driven ANT95-R rotary motion platforms are part of Aerotech's "Nano Motion Technology" series. The rotary motion platform offers excellent position stability (0.005 angular seconds) and an incremental movement of less than 0.01 angular seconds. They are available in two accuracy levels.

The ANT130L series offers performance in the nanometer range with travels up to 160mm. With its low profile and outstanding features, the ANT130L is well suited for high-precision alignment, inspection, positioning and measurement stations.

Simplified optimisation of travel and payload

Both the IGM systems and the conventional positioning motion systems with granite base have a well-engineered and convincing design. The choice of which system is the right one depends strongly on the respective application or process, prevailing technical and other requirements. IGM systems generally have a higher stiffness because fewer parts have to be integrated resulting in higher positioning accuracy and better dynamic performance. In addition, IGM systems are often more compact due to better integration of machine components into the granite structure.

Aerotech has already gained extensive experience in the development, design and manufacture of customer-specific IGM systems. Simon Smith explains: "We are aware that each user has very specific requirements for the design of its systems. That's why we always work in close consultation with our customers to determine which requirements apply in each case and which type of solution best meets these requirements - with an IGM system or with a traditional stage-on-granite system. We look forward to an exciting trade fair, many interesting contacts and every trade visitor whom we are allowed to convince of our high innovative strength!"

See Aerotech at Booth 128 in Hall A2 at Micronora, and visit www.aerotech.com for more information.