Posted to News on 12th May 2021, 08:58
Durable industrial-class positioning mechanics
Vacuum Fabs Hercules HLS series high-precision linear positioning stages are now available from Mclennan
New from motion control specialist Mclennan, Vacuum Fab’s ‘Hercules HLS’ series motorised linear translation stages are aimed at heavy-load single- or multi–axis positioning set-ups.
Featuring recirculating linear guide bearings and available in three widths for 21 standard stroke lengths, from 25 to 500 mm, these modular stages offer sub-micron resolution and repeatability with optional stepper motors or with brushed or brushless DC servo motors and integrated optical or magnetic linear scales.
New sales partner
Vacuum-Fab s.r.l., a new sales partner for Mclennan, is an Italian designer and manufacturer of precision positioning mechanics, with a high reputation for challenging extreme-environment positioning mechanics through application successes across vacuum, cryogenic and radiation settings.
The Hercules HLS series is borne out of this expertise as a modular and cost-effective solution for industrial-class positioning tasks.
Smallest and most compact
The Hercules HLS-S is the smallest and most compact stage in the HLS series, with a nominal width of just 44 mm with a carriage width of 30 mm. With stroke lengths from 25 to 150 mm in 25 mm increments, the novel design of the HL-S offers a choice of stepper or servo motor driven leadscrews with a pitch of 2 mm for sub-micron positioning in open loop or closed loop control through a choice of servo feedback possibilities.
Straightforward mounting for X-Y or X-Y-Z geometries with angle brackets and other mounting accessories are available. User adjustable end or travel limit sensors and a side mounted connector block and mating cable assemblies simplify installation.
Multi-axis mounting
Two other width sizes, the HLS-M and HLS-L, provide nominal widths of 52 mm and 80 mm respectively and carriage widths of approximately 40 mm and 60 mm. With precision grade leadscrew or ballscrew options that suit sub-micron positioning with stepper or servo motors, these stages feature dual-carriage options to facilitate multi-axis mounting. They are supplied complete with all mounting accessories, adjustable end of travel sensors and integral connector blocks.
Gothic arch geometry
The available stroke is dependent on single or dual carriage set-ups with longest travel of 150 mm for the HLS–M stage and 500 mm for the HLS-L. The pre-loaded, precision linear guide bearings used across these width variants employ Gothic arch geometry for equal loading capacity from all directions. The dynamic performance, axial stiffness and load capacity can be upgraded with the double carriage option.
Across all the HLS series stage width variants, a choice of open loop or closed loop control through motor mounted rotary encoders or linear encoders is generally available. The linear magnetic or optical linear encoders provide signal outputs ranging from 1 Vpp, RS422, BiSS-C or SSI. Magnetic encoders are available as absolute or incremental, optical encoders provide incremental position feedback.
Custom design service
Vacuum-Fab has a wide range of alternative linear and rotary positioning stages, plus microscopy and metrology equipment. Its custom design service is available for special support mechanics, customer specified interfacing or special fixtures for third party components.
Motion systems integration
As a motion systems integrator with distribution partnerships with many leading drive and motion control suppliers, and with its own design and build capability, Mclennan can help integrate Vacuum Fab components – specifying complementary motor, drive and control technologies for complete systems.
