Aerotech unveils A3200 MotionPAC software-based PLC

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has announced that it has integrated the A3200 MotionPAC software-based programmable logic controller (PLC) with its A3200 motion controller to optimize programming quality and efficiency while reducing development time.

Compliant with PLCopen and IEC 61131-3, the MotionPAC can be used in conjunction with AeroBasic programs or independently for full machine control. It also allows users to program in Function Block Diagrams (FBD), Ladder Diagrams (LD) or Structured Text (ST). Its integrated automation reduces commissioning and programming time by 30 percent to 50 percent, making it ideal for use in machine control program development.

Since it is integrated with the company’s A3200 motion controller, users can directly command coordinated, asynchronous, geared, blended or cammed motion from FBD, LD and ST. MotionPAC also allows users to specify moves as absolute or relative either in English or metric units.

Meanwhile, programmers can create shared Tags and variables that are referenced by Name in the A3200 tools, AeroBasic, Operator Interface, C or .NET programs. MotionPAC automatically handles memory management for all variables and Tags.

Its tools, which include user definable libraries (FBD, LD, ST or .NET), global Tag database, integrated axis manager for manual control and readout, virtual execution of the PLC and automatic memory management effectively increases programming quality and efficiency. Through MotionPAC, PLC and .NET programmers can collaborate seamlessly to deploy machine control applications. MotionPAC comes with standard fieldbuses, high-end data acquisition and drive I/O, which can also be shared with applications by Name.

Aerotech introduces new ASRT series rotary stages

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has unveiled its new ASRT series rotary stages with direct-drive brushless servo motor technology for precise zero backlash positioning in an IP66 sealed design. This guarantees thorough operation in environments where liquid, dust and dirt are unavoidable.

The ASRT series is aimed at applications which involve dust or mist spray, washdown, or where coolants must be utilized as part of a machining process. It is available in three nominal widths of 300mm, 245mm and 185mm in a dual bearing design, which can support axial loads of up to 175kg while maintaining a tilt error motion of less than three arc-sec.

The new ASRT series offers high throughput performance and exceptional accuracy that is synonymous with precision mechanics from Aerotech with the further benefit of suitability for unfavorable and harsh environments.

A low friction seal found between the rotating tabletop and fixed base minimizes hysteresis due to direction reversal, allowing high speed performance and precise angular positioning.

A bi-directional repeatability of less than one arc-sec is specified for the optical encoder feedback version, while a magnetic encoder version found on the smaller stages provides less than 10 arc-sec.

The use of non-contacting encoder and motor technologies particularly suits applications with frequent direction changes such as range tracking and sensor test equipment and helps extend life span with low maintenance scheduling.

As with almost all of the positioning mechanics range from Aerotech, both HALAR certified and standard accuracy options are available for better accuracy to within two arc-sec for the optical encoder version, with a 0.018-arc-sec positioning resolution for the biggest 300mm width stage.

Controller options for the ASRT series include the A3200 Digital Automation Platform, a Windows based software controller for up to 32 axes of deterministic and fully synchronized high performance machine and motion control, complete with Firewire interfaced servo drives and optional HMI, programmable logic controller (PLC) and vision control modules.

Aerotech ANT130-L Series Stages

Aerotech ANT130-L series stages offer best-in-class performance in speed, accuracy, resolution, repeatability, reliability, and travel range, and are offered in two accuracy grades. With its low profile and outstanding performance, the ANT130-L is the ultimate solution for high-accuracy alignment, inspection, positioning, and measurement stations.

The ANT130-L employs a center-driven, non-cogging, noncontact linear motor and encoder as the driving element. Since the linear motor is a direct-drive device there is no backlash, windup, or “stiction” normally associated with a lead- or ball-screw drive.

The linear motor drive also offers the advantage of higher speeds and accelerations. The compact yet powerful linear motor drives the ANT130-L to a peak unloaded acceleration of 1 g and a maximum velocity of 350 mm/s. The result is a high-accuracy device with outstanding dynamic performance, with throughput that significantly outperforms comparable high-accuracy screw-driven or other stages in its class.

Outstanding step-to-step resolution is required for alignment applications. The ANT130-L meets this demand with an incremental step size of 1 nm when coupled with Aerotech drives and controls. The direct-drive linear motor allows the ANT130-L to make precise, small resolution steps, which is particularly important in alignment applications where step accuracy is critical.

Like all stages in the Aerotech product family, the ANT130-L was designed for long-term performance. Both the linear motor and linear encoder are noncontact devices to provide a long, maintenance-free life. A moving magnet-track design eliminates the need for cable management, further improving long-term reliability.

ANT130-L series stages are easily configured as XY assemblies. Options include precision orthogonality alignment to 5 arc seconds as well as vertical axis solutions.

Aerotech
www.aerotech.com

AGR Series Worm-Drive Rotary Stages

AGR series motorized rotary stages offer significant improvements in speed, load capacity, and long-term positioning performance versus previous generations of worm-gear-drive stages. The AGR stages address a wide range of applications for general purpose positioning in laboratory and industrial uses.

Innovative Gear Design
A unique preloading scheme avoids changing wear characteristics, allowing orders of magnitude increase in stage life without any degradation in stage performance, and allows stage operation over a wide temperature range.

The addition of a larger clear aperture is a key enhancement over previous generations of worm-gear-driven stages. The large aperture permits applications requiring a through-hole or accommodations to mount an optic, including articulation of beam polarizing lenses, for cabling and/or air lines, or for vision/camera/inspection applications.

Other Features
The AGR stage base is fabricated from a special aluminum alloy which offers significant weight savings in multi-axis arrangements and other weight critical applications, while providing high structural stiffness and long-term stability. Each stage incorporates dual large-diameter pre-loaded angular contact bearings optimally separated to provide excellent error motion specifications, as well as the best possible load handling capability. All stage tabletops feature aluminum hardcoat plating and stainless steel Heli-Coil® inserts to prevent thread wear.

Flexible Options
Options include flexible motor selections as well as a direct encoder mounted concentric to the axis of rotation for outstanding repeatability and to virtually eliminate hysteresis and backlash. Vacuum-compatible (for use in pressures as low as 10-6 torr) and other customized versions are also available.

Motor and Drives
Standard AGR stage configurations feature Aerotech’s brushless servomotors. However, all AGR stages can be outfitted with stepper or DC brush motors. A full range of matching Aerotech drives and award-winning controls are available for a complete, single-source solution.

www.aerotech.com/products/stages/AGR.html

Motion Control and Positioning Systems from Aerotech

Since 1970, Aerotech has manufactured top-quality motion control and positioning systems and
components. Aerotech’s product line includes automated nanopositioners, planar air-bearing systems,
high-speed gantries, linear and rotary and lift stages, brushless linear and rotary servomotors
and drives, single- and multi-axis motion controllers, goniometers, and gimbals/optical mounts.

Aerotech motion controllers, motors, and drives are utilized in our own positioning systems and by
end users and OEMs worldwide. From our Automation 3200 “software-based” motion controller
that can control up to 32 axes, to the Soloist single-axis and Ensemble multi-axis stand-alone
motion controllers, Aerotech provides a variety of options to suit your application.

www.aerotech.com