Posted to News on 14th Aug 2011, 09:49
Vertical translation stages handle payloads up to 450kg
Aerotech's new VTS300 vertical translation stages provide long-travel, precision positioning in a compact upright design for individual Z-axis payloads up to 450kg, or multiple units may be arranged to provide synchronised positioning of heavy loads with kinematic three-point mounting, with the added potential for angled tip/tilt load manipulation.
Available in a choice of four vertical travel ranges from 50mm to 200mm and with a base mounting footprint of under 143mm x 305mm, the VTS300 series features a high-stiffness aluminium frame with sealed linear motion guide bearings that allow heavy offset loads to be supported, and provide excellent travel straightness and flatness. The extremely high load capacity is also attributed to a precision ground lead screw that is supported in a preloaded angular-contact bearing arrangement that will not back-drive under load, thereby ensuring stability in operation.
With optional 23 or 34 frame NEMA motor mounting and with an integral high-capacity 90-degree precision gearbox, both open-loop stepper or servomotor drive technologies are available to match load, performance and budget requirements. The VTS300 has a nominal positioning resolution of 0.064microns based on a 4000 step/rev micro-stepping motor or servo feedback line count and a 10:1 gearbox ratio. Other notable specifications include a +/-10micron bidirectional repeatability and +/-25microns positional accuracy.
A metric pattern tabletop with a comprehensive matrix of M8 threaded inserts provides scope for customer payload mounting. An alternative mounting bracket and tabletop may be specified for applications where three VTS300 vertical stages can be arranged to support extremely heavy loads with classic three-point kinematic mounting. This configuration may also be used to achieve an oblique reference surface with precisely synchronised tip-and-tilt motion in combination with Aerotech's advanced motion controls.
Further options include straight, right- or left-hand motor mounting to ensure installation compactness, an integrated 24V DC brake, different end-of-travel limit configurations, and other gearbox ratios to allow alternative positioning resolutions. Like other Aerotech precision positioning mechanics, the VTS300 can be supplied in vacuum-compatible versions of 10-3 or 10-6 torr.
The new vertical stages can be supplied separately or as part of a complete motion control sub-system with a wide selection of standard or custom-engineered linear and rotary positioning mechanics and Aerotech's advanced motion controls. With advanced motion commands that ensure optimum performance with faster commissioning, increased throughput and higher-quality finished parts, the range includes single- or multi-axis motion systems for PC-based software-only or hardware-based rack- or desk-mount packages. With a full range of servo motors and stepper motor drives available, users can chose programming options from RS-274 G-code, AeroBasic, IEC 61131-3, Microsoft .NET Framework and LabVIEW among others, for varying levels of advanced software and analytical functionality.
Contact Aerotech for more information about VTS300 vertical translation stages.
