Posted to News on 15th May 2007, 19:59
High-precision actuators incorporate linear servo motors
With a travel range up to 1.5m, speeds up to 5m/s, 5g acceleration and micron-level positioning accuracy, Aerotech's LMA and LMAC series linear actuators provide the enabling technology for high-throughput, high-precision pick-and-place machines, automated test stations and assembly equipment.
Available in two module sizes with high-performance linear brushless servomotors and integral feedback encoders, LMA/LMAC actuators include dual sealed linear motion guide bearings and robust chain-type cable management for a complete positioning assembly. LMA and LMAC actuators can be used as fixed- or moving-carriage positioners and may be applied to single-axis positioning, X-Y mounting, dual parallel axis, Z axis and gantry-style positioning systems.
The LMA version has a section of 140 x 120 mm (h x w) and a payload of 40kg central loading with an offset load capability of 20kg. A smaller LMAC model has an 84 x 90mm section with a 20kg central and 10kg offset loading. The actuators may be directly fixed without the need for adapter plates for a compact assembly. Both models are available in travel ranges from 100-1500mm (in 100mm increments) and have a positioning accuracy of +/-1umm/25mm as standard, or a calibrated accuracy of +/-5um over the entire travel length when used with an Aerotech controller. Repeatability is within +/-0.5um.
Advantages over alternatives
The LMA and LMAC actuator range suits high-speed and high-throughput precision applications with the non-contact linear brushless servomotor and integral encoder providing maximum life and minimum maintenance. When compared to ball screw-driven actuators, much higher speed and acceleration is possible while comparisons with belt-driven actuators reveal a far superior accuracy combined with higher precision positioning and much faster settling times. The actuators provide extremely smooth velocity control for interpolated multi-axis applications such as scanning or dispensing.
A robust design, based around dual linear motion guide precision bearings mounted on a sturdy base-plate, makes the units both compact and adaptable for a wide range of positioning applications. A range of standard 'off the shelf' models is available, fully tested and complete with cable management and all connectors for quick and easy commissioning. The range also lends itself to custom designs, with modifications such as increased bearing width for higher offset loading, integral multi-axis rather than individual cable management, counterbalances for vertical Z axis mounting, and adapters for air supply or for customers' own fixtures.
Amplifiers and motion control
Fully complementing the performance capability of the LMA, LMAC range, Aerotech manufactures a wide range of servo amplifiers and advanced motion controllers for complete positioning systems for use across manufacturing, test and research applications. The software-based A3200 Digital Automation Platform can control up to 32 axes of Firewire-interfaced high-performance motion and machine control with optional HMI, PLC and vision control modules. It is programmable in a choice of languages including Aerotech's own AEROBasic, RS274 G-code, C, C++, VisualBasic, Delphi and Labview. The Firewire distributed control architecture delivers fully deterministic position, velocity and time based motion updates to Aerotech's Ndrive servo drives, which are available in power ratings to 150A in both PWM or linear amplifier technologies. Updates are processed and converted to position, velocity and current loops at closure rates of up to 20kHz. The Ndrive also features an Ethernet 10/100 Base T interface that may be used to add third-party I/O and PLCs.
For distributed control applications directly based on Ethernet networking, LMA/LMAC actuators may be used with the new Ensemble CP/MP/CL intelligent panel-mount drives. With Aerotech's AeroNet deterministic high-speed serial networking for up to ten axes, the new motion control and integrated drive seamlessly combines linear and PWM amplifier technology for brushed and brushless servos, as well as stepper motors, to provide tightly synchronised precision motion control with a generous complement of on-board I/O.
Each Aerotech system is delivered fully tested with all performance and calibration related documents. Everything required for quick and straightforward commissioning is covered, including all motor parameter set-up data based on actual loading conditions. Full product training and comprehensive on-line technical support is also included, making the true cost of ownership of Aerotech positioning systems extremely competitive.
