Posted to News on 28th Feb 2012, 05:04
APR direct-drive rotary stage achieves exceptional accuracy
Aerotech is launching the APR direct-drive rotary stage series with mechanical bearings, offering positional accuracy to 1.5 arc-sec and an axial load capacity of up to 450kg. Aimed at high-precision rotary positioning applications such as precision component testing, optical calibration systems, laser micromachining and sub-micron metrology, the APR's brushless direct-drive technology is said to easily outperform 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 260mm, with a clear aperture of 50, 75, or 100mm, respectively, for electrical or other services such as slipring assemblies, laser feed or air supplies.
APR series stages build on and improve Aerotech's previous performance characteristics for direct-drive/mechanical bearing stage construction. Through design optimisation, improved component precision and superior high-precision angular-contact bearings, the resulting large moment stiffness and high load capacity yield exceptionally low error motion performance. Certified results throughout the APR series include total tilt error motion of 2.0 arc-sec with total axial and radial error motion of just 1.5 microns. Other specification highlights include resolution to 0.04 arc-sec and bidirectional repeatability to 0.75 arc-sec for certain models.
Smooth motion
The APR's direct-drive brushless servo motor is cog-free, providing extremely smooth velocity performance with rapid acceleration and a maximum speed of up to 800rpm for the smaller stage. Through the high-resolution encoder system and Aerotech's advanced motion controls, position stability performance is claimed to be unsurpassed.
Available for individual single-axis use, combined for rotary azimuth/elevation positioning, or as a part of a complete linear/rotary multi-axis positioning system, the APR can be used in applications where the centre of rotation is either parallel with or perpendicular to gravity.
The range includes standard and calibrated accuracy options, incremental or absolute encoders and a choice of direct-drive motor ratings to match the application's load, torque and speed requirements. APR series stages can be supplied for continuous rotation or fitted with limit switches for part rotation from 10 to 270 degrees. Further options include brakes and adjustable mechanical hard stops to restrict rotation up to 290 degrees.
APR series stages have housings and other components manufactured from anodised aluminium with a durable hardcoat finish. An optional tabletop includes a matrix of threaded holes for customer workpiece interfacing. With its non-contacting motor and encoder and long-life bearings, the APR is rated for 20,000 hours MTBF and requires minimal maintenance.
Single- or multi-axis motion control systems for the APR series include PC-based software-only or hardware-based rack- or desk-mount packages with advanced motion commands that optimise performance, reduce commissioning times, increase throughput and enable higher-quality finished parts or test quality. A wide choice of programming options include RS-274 G-code, AeroBasic, IEC 61131-3, Microsoft .NET Framework and LabVIEW for varying levels of advanced software and analytical functionality. Contact Aerotech for more information about the APR direct-drive rotary stage.
