In May, Control 2023 will open its doors in Stuttgart. For Aerotech, which will be exhibiting in Hall 5, Stand 5425, the focus for part quality assurance will be on the Automation1 motion control platform with the new features of version 2.4. The performance of the control platform will be demonstrated on the PlanarDL two-axis, direct-drive, cross-roller bearing linear stage and the HEX150 and HEX300 hexapods. Aerotech will also showcase its high-accuracy SMP multi-axis system for surface measurement applications at the booth.
" Our approach is to provide individual components for the automation process as well as complete positioning and automation systems within the framework of quality assurance," says Dr. Klaus.says Simon Smith, European Director of Aerotech. But what good are high-precision positioning and automation solutions without powerful motion control? With the new version of Automation1, Aerotech has once again pushed the boundaries of motion control. "The highlight of the show is the enhanced functionality of the Automation1 motion control platform in version 2.4, said Simon Smith. "With the support of the Python API, all Python help files for our commands are now available. If you have any questions about the Python interface, you can always refer to them" .
Machine configuration, data visualization and the Homing Setup helper module have also been significantly improved. In addition, Aerotech programmers have further simplified the loading and downloading of MCD files and Automation1 now supports the Gantry mode for XI4 and iXI4 servo controllers with absolute encoder support. The device catalog and machine configuration for linear gantries now guide you in defining gantry parameters for custom gantry configurations. The 3-axis OSP with GL4 module with IFOV (Infinite Field of View) and BiSS absolute encoders are now supported, which is important for the integration of Galvanic scanners and other lasers to synchronize the servo moving axes with the precise laser shot control, resulting in better part quality. This also increases throughput, further improves positioning accuracy and eliminates assembly errors. In machine applications, users can now drag and drop multiple machine application modules into the module container, a separate area of a machine application, to allow greater configuration flexibility. To improve usability, notifications and animations can be executed directly in the machine application using indicators.
Precise measurement of surfaces
One of the focal points of the Control exhibition is surface measurement technology. The production of optical components used in laser material processing, biotechnology, medicine, and semiconductor manufacturing particularly requires high-precision surface measurements, including non-destructive quality assurance. With the SMP multi-axis motion system, Aerotech is meeting the needs of metrology equipment manufacturers in these markets. " Optical components are used everywhere, for example in medical technology for prevention, diagnosis and therapy, or for laser processing of materials in additive manufacturing" Simon Smith explains, drawing on his practical experience. High-precision optics, however, requires high-precision measurements of spherical, aspherical and cylindrical shapes in the nanometer range. A prerequisite for this, he says, is therefore the flexibility of 2D and 3D contouring. " We have been able to demonstrate in field tests and in practice that the processing time for surface measurements can be reduced by up to 40 % due to the excellent positioning properties and the elimination of the traditional step-and-scan approach on larger parts with XY axes" explains Simon Smith. And because of its construction, the SMP requires up to 60 % less floor space than Cartesian measurement systems.
Planar Linear Tables - accurate along the entire length
The PlanarDL series of linear tables offers excellent geometric and dynamic performance, according to manufacturer Aerotech. The integrated low-profile XY stage is driven by a linear motor, features precision cross-roller bearings with anti-cage migration, and is available in nine model variants depending on stroke and accuracy. The number of motors per servo axis, air/vacuum lines for vacuum clamping devices or other pneumatic process components are available as standard options. The many stroke and performance options make planar linear stages ideal for a range of applications, from surface profiling to LED wafer etching. The XY design, with its planar geometric performance, shows its strengths especially in applications where straightness and flatness are important - straightness to ±0.4 µm; flatness to ±1 µm. The components of the linear stage are optimized for high dynamics and rigidity to meet the most demanding dynamic applications. The linear stage allows speeds of 1 m/s and accelerations of 1.5 g, ensuring high efficiency and maximum accuracy.
Aerotech Hexapods
Aerotech's Hexapods offer true 6-degree-of-freedom positioning with exceptional load capacity. The Hex150 and the larger Hex300 can be positioned with Automation1, trade visitors will be able to see for themselves at booth 5425. Simon Smith knows the outstanding features of the hexapod: " By comparing the two hexapods, we aim to demonstrate that the minimal incremental motion is significantly better on both a small and large hexapod positioning system, and that the range of motion is greater than competing products of similar size, all in a compact but rigid platform. In addition, the six degrees of freedom (DOF) allow for precise translation in the X, Y and Z directions, as well as rotation about each of these axes. The choice of hexapod for positioning tasks depends on the load to be moved, the stroke and the space available. Our miniature hexapod is ideal for applications where space is limited and fine positioning resolution is required. "Aerotech particularly recommends applications such as photonic component alignment, assembly and interconnection, optical inspection and alignment, optical wafer probing, sensor testing for aerospace and satellites, and sample alignment in synchrotron and beamline applications. The wide range of motion and simple control and programming with virtual pivot point adjustment simplify integration into complex applications and complete systems. Fast settling times ensure high efficiency with repeatabilities of less than 2 ?m for high payloads of up to 7.5 kg and a holding force of up to 100 N when there is no power supply. The small pitch sizes also allow a wide range of applications for the Hex150.
The Automation1 control platform includes its own simulation software "HexGen Hexapod". This allows easy programming and control of hexapods in any user-defined coordinate system. For collision issues, the user can visualize and simulate the available workspace. Preconfigured models from a standard model library are also available.