High-precision, high-throughput, linear positioning stages

Paul Boughton
Aerotech is launching a new range of high-precision linear positioning stages for high-throughput industrial production and test applications. The low-cost PRO165LM series features and improves upon Aerotech's time-tested hard-top and side-sealed stage design, with a powerful direct-drive brushless linear motor, micron-level linear encoder feedback and long-life linear motion guide bearings for extremely smooth motion and exceptional servo system sensitivity.
 
With a nominal width of 165mm and ten travel range options from 100mm to 1m, the new stages can handle payloads up to 45kg, speeds to 2m/s and acceleration to 3 'g' with sub-micron level 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.
 
Sealed linear motion guide bearings and a high-stiffness base plate system help to guarantee the load handling capability, the rigidity and the long service life capability of the PRO165LM series. MTBF life is specified at 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.
 
The PRO165LM series can be supplied in XY, XZ or YZ configurations with orthogonality certified to 5 arc-seconds. The versatility built into the stage design includes a selection of tabletop plates that include mounting patterns with steel inserts for Aerotech ADRS and AGR series rotary stages as well as standard metric (or inch) plates. All stage travel and mounting configurations have a chain-type cable management option for ease of installation into the customers' system.
 
For more information, visit www.aerotech.co.uk

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