Integrated Granite Motion offers benefits over stage-on-granite

Each IGM linear platform is custom-engineered to suit the unique requirements of the application. Compared with stage-on-granite systems, the high-stiffness design and efficient form factor offer increased design flexibility. Furthermore, the scalable designs enable travel length, payload and dynamic performance to be tailored to match the needs of the specific application.

In Aerotech's Integrated Granite Motion systems the machine components such as bearings, encoders and drive mechanisms are engineered and assembled directly on the granite base and bridge structures. IGM systems are therefore distinct from traditional stage-on-granite systems where discrete positioning stages and components are used in the system design.

IGM systems can be designed with mechanical or air bearings, ball screw or linear-motor drives, and a variety of feedback elements ranging from encoders to laser interferometers. Additional axes of motion, such as rotary, lift or piezo stages, or even galvanometer scanners, can be integrated onto the IGM axes, all of which can be controlled from Aerotech's A3200 unified control platform.

IGM or stage-on-granite?

IGM and stage-on-granite systems each offer their own advantages, and the choice of which to use depends largely on the application or process, as well as its technical and commercial requirements. IGM systems can have higher stiffness than a stage-on-granite design because the IGM system has fewer parts in the structural loop, resulting in higher accuracy and better dynamic performance. IGM systems can be more compact due to the more integrated nature of the machine components and granite. This provides for the possibility of smaller Abbe offsets and better machine positioning accuracy. In addition, it is simpler to optimise axis design parameters such as travel length and payload capacity because each axis of an IGM system is engineered and built directly into the main granite structure.

Aerotech has an extensive history of designing, engineering, and manufacturing customised IGM systems. Aerotech's engineers understand that every customer has a unique set of project requirements, and the engineers can work with customers to explore the application needs and provide guidance as to whether an IGM or stage-on-granite system would be best.

For further information, please contact Simon Smith on +44 (0)1256 855055 or email [email protected] (please mention MachineBuilding.net).

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