Posted to News on 20th Mar 2020, 13:35
Compact Aerotech HEX150 RC hexapod features excellent precision
Aerotech is launching a new compact hexapod for quality assurance and similar high-precision applications. As a smaller brother to the HEX500 and HEX300, the HEX150 RC has a diameter of 150mm and complements the existing product family diameters of 500 and 300mm. In addition to its commitment to quality assurance in measurement and testing technology, Aerotech also sees potential applications in the automotive, electronics, mechanical engineering and medical technology sectors.
The unmistakable advantage of the multi-axis, parallel kinematic hexapods is precise positioning freely in all directions. With a central movement distance of 135mm, this enables the multi-axis system to be used flexibly for a wide variety of applications, for example in measurement and testing technology.
Highest precision in the submicrometre range
The new 150 series hexapod with its high load-bearing capacity coupled with large movement distances and high positioning speeds of 50mm/s leaves nothing to be desired in the application specification. The high-precision positioning system impresses with its excellent mechanics: stiff drive legs with brushless, slotless AC servo motors not only ensure ultimate performance and a long service life, but also maximum precision in the submicrometre range. The AC servo motors are connected directly to the ball bearing spindle, which guarantees high drive rigidity. According to the manufacturer, the HEX150 RC is currently the most precise hexapod on the market. Fast settling times allow high throughput with repetition accuracy of less than 2um, the increments of less than 20nm in XYZ and 0.2urad about the x, y and z axes also allow a wide range of applications.
Due to the complex kinematics, the control effort of a hexapod should not be underestimated. Aerotech counteracts this with the innovative A3200 control platform, resulting from years of experience with demanding kinematic applications. The integrated, intuitive simulation software HexGen Hexapod enables simple programming and control of the hexapods in any user-defined co-ordinate system. Users can visualise and simulate the available work space in order to carry out collision observations. In addition, the user can also select pre-configured models directly from a stored library with standard designs.
In order to be able to simulate the entire work process, the AS3200 accesses the open Coppelia Robotics V-REP platform via a simulation interface. Complete automation processes can be simulated on this platform, and the required robot actuators, linear or rotary tables and tools can be assembled in a 3D environment. Simon Smith, European Director of Aerotech, says: "We also support image processing, clamping and vacuum recording to simulate the entire automation process and to minimise the risk of collisions. This noticeably shortens commissioning and integration."
Learn more about Aerotech's range of hexapods at www.aerotech.co.uk.
