New low-cost, high-precision linear positioning stages

With a nominal width of 165mm and ten travel range options from 100mm to 1m, the stages can handle payloads up to 45kg, speeds to 2m/s and acceleration to 3 'g' with sub-micron repeatability. Available in standard accuracy grade to +/-4um or with Aerotech's certified HALAR option to +/-1.5um, the PRO165LM series is aimed at challenging applications such as laser processing and MEMS micromachining where superior manufacturing quality, rapid production throughput, long service life and low maintenance are of primary importance.

A choice of standard linear encoders includes 0.1um line driver or amplified sine output alternatives to provide a practical system resolution down to 250nm. Aerotech's cog-free brushless servomotors provide exceptionally high force output combined with very smooth motion and excellent in-position stability. Matched-performance servo drives with +/-320V DC bus voltages are available across Aerotech's range of motion controllers.

Rugged construction

Sealed linear motion guide bearings and a high-stiffness base plate help to ensure the load handling capability, rigidity and long service life of the PRO165LM series. MTBF is specified as 20,000 hours across the range.

The rugged Teflon-impregnated tabletop and hard top way cover provide full protection from hot sparks and machining debris, and tensioned side straps effectively seal the internal bearing system, motor and encoder. The hard top sealing system has been used extensively across Aerotech's range of linear positioning stages and has proven to be much more effective than bellows-type stage sealing.

PRO165LM series stages can be supplied in X-Y, X-Z or Y-Z configurations with orthogonality certified to 5arc-sec. The versatility built into the stage design includes a selection of tabletop plates that includes mounting patterns with steel inserts for Aerotech ADRS and AGR series rotary stages as well as standard metric (or imperial) plates. All stage travel and mounting configurations have a chain-type cable management option for ease of installation into customers' systems.

Motion control

To complement the performance of the PRO165LM series stages, Aerotech manufactures a wide range of advanced motion controls and servo amplifiers. The A3200 Digital Automation Platform is a Windows-based software-only controller for up to 32 axes of Firewire-interfaced high-performance motion and machine control and includes optional HMI, PLC and vision control modules. It is programmable in a choice of languages including powerful .NET, RS-274 G-code, high-level AeroBASIC or, optionally, LabVIEW.

The A3200's distributed control architecture delivers fully deterministic motion updates to Aerotech's Ndrive servo drives that process motion and I/O commands at bandwidths up to 20kHz. Additional Ethernet 10/100 BaseT interfaced third-party I/O and PLCs may be added to Ndrives for further system expansion.

PRO165LM stages are also available for use with Aerotech's multi-axis Ensemble Epaq, a desktop or 19inch rack-mounted system with integral linear or PWM stage amplifiers, or stepper drives and a full complement of machine I/O. It is capable of controlling up to six axes of motion and machine control internally, with the possibility of adding a further three external drives. For single-axis applications, Aerotech's Soloist can provide high-performance motion control with an integrated servo drive and the possibility for Ethernet-based multi-axis control.

Aerotech motion systems are delivered fully tested with all motor power and encoder cables plus performance- and calibration-related documents. For straightforward commissioning, a delivery pack with interconnection drawings and all motor parameter set-up data for the system is provided, along with product training and comprehensive on-line technical support.

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