Posted to News on 27th Apr 2008, 21:31
High-precision electromechanical automation systems
Aerotech is launching a new range of high-precision electromechanical automation systems that have been designed primarily for for laser scribing photovoltaic panels and flat panel displays. With a travel up to 2.5m, speeds to 3m/s and acceleration to 5g, the SolarScribe features high-performance direct-drive linear motors for maximum production throughput and for complete application flexibility. There is also a choice of air bearing or mechanical bearing systems in split axis or gantry configurations to match customers' performance and budget requirements.
The range is supplied complete with Aerotech's advanced Automation A3200 motion and machine control system that features dedicated commands such as PSO, which adjust the customer's laser pulse frequency to precisely match scribing speed and dynamic position - thereby optimising quality and further boosting throughput.
Each SolarScribe includes an integrated cable management system and, to enable even higher production yields, Aerotech can add multiple scanning and/or step axes, vertical and rotary correction axes, as well as machine base/isolation systems, and control enclosures.
SolarScribe mechanical systems offer a choice of positioning accuracy, resolution, straightness and flatness to match the specific requirements of the PV or FPD application. For highest geometry performance, the SA series uses preloaded air bearing technology in a split axis configuration. The lower scan axis is firmly fixed to an isolated granite machine base and the upper step axis arranged as a gantry above. It is possible to include multi-head step axes using the same linear motor rail. The SA series can be supplied in a 1500 x 2500mm travel configuration with maximum speed to 2m/s and acceleration to 1.5g with accuracy beyond 0.1um per 25mm and repeatability to >0.5um. Straightness and flatness are equally impressive. These specifications combine for excellent line-to-line straightness to
The gantry-style GM series includes linear motion guide bearings with twin driven lower axes supporting the upper gantry and offers higher speed and acceleration performance with slightly less geometric accuracy than the SA. The complete range also covers GA series with air bearings on the gantry and the SM series with split axes using linear motion guide bearings.
Motion and machine control
Aerotech's A3200 Digital Automation Platform is a software-based motion and machine controller that makes full use of the high-speed IEEE-1394 (Firewire) network for PCs to synchronise multi-axis motion control with fully integrated modules for HMI, machine vision and soft PLC functions. Up to 32 servo axes can be controlled simultaneously with non-deterministic position, time and velocity updates sent to each servo drive and processed locally to enable 20kHz position, velocity and current loops for maximum performance.
Aerotech has developed a number of commands that augment application-specific performance with advanced trajectory generation commands such as multi-block look-ahead and Position Synchronised Laser Firing Output (PSO) helping customers to realise higher accuracies, faster speeds and much improved production performance. These features combine to give customers a low cost of ownership and help to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product quality.
