Linear Shaft Motor Stage Offers Nanoprecision

Radford, Va. – Nippon Pulse America’s new SCR100 stage is an ultra high precision, compact single axis stage that integrates a slide guide, encoder, and Linear Shaft Motor. It offers a wide range of advantages for ultra high performance and accuracy applications. The Linear Shaft Motor is a coreless direct drive linear motor which has zero cogging, allowing for higher resolution, speed, and continuous force than standard stepper motors and piezo servomotors. 

The SCR100 stage is a moving magnet design, which locates all cables and connectors in the stationary base. The absence of any moving cable means a clean and compact design and eliminates motion errors due to cable forces. The precision ground cross roller way provides high stiffness and smooth motion. Together they are capable of supporting higher torque levels due to offset loads with travels from 50mm to 300mm. The non-contact Linear Shaft Motor and optical linear encoders are self-contained inside the stage, making it a low-profile compact solution. The built-in non-contact optical linear encoder is available with resolutions from 1 micron to 10 nm with digital output. The sub-micron resolution results in a high accuracy stage, which is laser tested for optimum performance.

The SCR100 stage has the added benefit that any standard digital servo driver can drive the SCR100 stage. Any two SCR stages will bolt directly together to form a very stiff, compact X-Y stage. Two SCR stages can be supplied compounded as an X-Y stage to insure true orthogonal orientation.

www.nipponpulse.com

High Speed, High Force, Sub-micron Positioning, Voice Coil Stage Features 20 mm Aperture

Sunnyvale, Calif. – Equipment Solutions’ VCS-2020 Voice Coil Stage features a 20 mm diameter aperture, 20 mm (0.7874 in.) travel, and sub-micron (1.1811 10^-6 in.) positioning resolution. An integrated Analog position feedback sensor assures 100 nanometer (3.937 10^-6 in.) repeatability.  The cross-roller voice-coil stages are self contained, compact, and can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical axis.

The compact 117 x 75 x 81 mm (4.60 x 2.96 x 3.18 in.), low mass, voice coil stage is a fully self-contained system including a high precision cross roller stage, voice coil actuator, analog position sensor, servo amplifier and servo controller. The low-inertia cross roller stage is integral to the standard threaded “C” lens mount and motor coil for tip/tilt free motion. Custom lens mounts are available. The voice coil motor is rated at 17.8 N (4 lbs.) continuous force and 71.8 N (16 lbs.) peak for 10 seconds and is cleanroom compatible. For easy integration into a new or existing application, the VCS-10H Voice Coil Stage has multiple sets of mounting holes on several surfaces.

This compact voice coil stage is ideal for such micro-positioning applications as scanning interferometry, disk drive testing, auto focus systems, surface structure analysis, confocal microscopy, biotechnology, and semiconductor test equipment.

For more information, email info@equipsolutions.com or visit www.equipsolutions.com.

Hard-Cover, Side-Sealed Linear Stages from Aerotech

Pittsburgh, Pa. – Aerotech’s PRO Series are low cost, side seal, hard cover, ball-screw-driven linear stages available in 68 standard models with travels from 50 to 1500mm.

The PRO Series features a hard-cover design for protection from debris, while side-seals keep dirt and particulates out of the stage and protect the bearing surfaces from contamination. Aerotech’s vertical side-seal design easily deflects debris away from the stage. The tabletop can be outfitted with an optional brush assembly to remove any particles that collect on the hard cover.

Models are available with either a 5mm/rev, 20mm/rev, or25 mm/rev ball screw with a matched brushless rotary servomotor to provide maximum travel speeds up to 1400mm/sec. Specifications include ±6μm accuracy, ±1μm bidirectional repeatability, and 0.5μm resolution, depending on model, ball screw, and encoder.

These modular stages easily can be combined into custom multi-axis solutions (XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ). In addition, Aerotech’s complete line of single- and multi-axis motion controllers and drives are a perfect complement and can be included to provide a turnkey system.

The PRO Series can be outfitted with English or metric bolt-hole pattern tabletops, and a brake option is available to prevent back-driving the screw when power is removed from the servomotor. A fold-back kit is also available to effectively reduce the overall stage length for space-constrained applications.

PRO Series data sheets are available at http://www.aerotech.com/products/stages/Mechanical_bearing_ballscrew_stages.html

www.aerotech.com

Nanopositioning Stage for Super-Resolution Microscopy

Auburn, Mass. – The nano1x3 ™ series X-Y and X-Y-Z nanopositioning stages from PI (Physik Instrumente) are multi-axis stages for super-resolution microscopy applications, providing highly accurate motion with closed-loop control for sub-nanometer precision over travel ranges of 200µm in X-Y and X-Y-Z planes.

The stages feature a piezo controller and comes with three, 24-bit digital interfaces (USB, TCP/IP, and RS-232) and a wide-band analog interface for compatibility with all control signals. With 24-bit DAC converters, commanded resolution is improved by two orders of magnitude over the still widely used 16-bit converters. The controller is also compatible with all major image acquisition packages and comes with a wide variety of software drivers and programming examples.

For highly stable, closed-loop operation, piezoresistive sensors are applied directly to the moving structure of the stage and precisely measure the displacement of the platform. The very high sensitivity of these sensors provides optimum position stability and responsiveness as well as sub-nanometer resolution. The proprietary servo circuit significantly improves the motion linearity compared to conventional piezoresistive sensor controllers.

For more information, email info@pi-usa.us.

www.pi-usa.us

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

Rotary Table from Techno

New Hyde Park, NY – The Rotary Table RF from Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems is a variable speed, infinite positioning rotary table that can be used in various industrial applications, replacing cam-driven tables with more versatility at half the cost. The RF is offered with optional accessories, magnetic brake, 3-Jaw Chuck and 490mm diameter flat disk, and is available with stepper or servomotor and several different ratios, thus providing high-speed or high-torque options.

The Rotary Table RF can handle loads up to 170lbs., has a footprint of 410 x 275mm and a height of 122mm (stepper option) and 200mm (servomotor option), and can be mounted horizontally or vertically. This low backlash, rotary table is compact and sturdy, set in a rigid cast aluminum body.

Each Rotary Table RF is complete with a hardened, ground and flat-milled steel rotary surface. Maximum output torque is 188Nm and is available in 24:1, 52:1, and 100:1 ratios. Users can choose between high-speed or high-torque options, based upon their application requirements. Techno’s Rotary Table RF is ideal for use in pick-and-place, assembly, testing, inspection and dispensing applications.

View CAD Drawings, catalog specifications and more information on the New Rotary Table RF online at: http://www.techno-isel.com/Tic/Catdas/rotaryRF.htm, or call 1-800-819-3366 to speak with an application engineer or email: lminfo@techno-isel.com.

www.technoautomation.com

Integrated 3-Axis Micro-manipulator from Steinmeyer

Burlington, MA –  Steinmeyer, Inc. introduces the MP63 3-axis micro-manipulator module. The MP63 is a fully enclosed 3-axis positioner with 25mm stroke in each direction. Included inside the compact precision assembly are DC gearmotors, rotary encoders, lead screws, and non-contact limit switches.

Accuracy in each direction is 5 microns with ± 1 micron repeatability and standard straightness and flatness is ± 3 microns with 1 micron available as an option. The entire assembly weighs only about 2kg. Cable connectors are located on one end for convenience and simplicity and as an option, the assembly can also be made clean room compatible.

For more information on the MP63 or other products, contact Steinmeyer at 1-781-273-6220 or visit the Steinmeyer group web site at www.steinmeyer.com.

New Rotary Table from Techno Inc.

New Hyde Park, NY – Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems announces the new Rotary Table RF, a variable speed, infinite positioning rotary table that can be used in various industrial applications. Offered with optional accessories, magnetic brake, 3-jaw chuck and 490mm diameter flat disk, the new RF provides users the ability to complete applications without going to multiple vendors. The Rotary Table RF is available with stepper or servomotor and several different ratios, providing high-speed or high-torque options.

The Rotary Table RF can take loads up to 170 lbs. It has a footprint of 410 x 275mm and a height of 122mm (stepper option) and 200mm (servomotor option). Additionally, it can be mounted horizontally or vertically. This low backlash, rotary table is compact and sturdy, set in a rigid cast aluminum body.

Each Rotary Table RF is complete with a hardened, ground and flat milled steel rotary surface. Maximum output torque is 188Nm and is available in 24:1, 52:1, and 100:1 ratios. Techno’s Rotary Table RF is ideal for use in pick and place, assembly, testing, inspection and dispensing applications.

View CAD Drawings, catalog specifications and more information on the New Rotary Table RF online at: http://www.techno-isel.com/Tic/Catdas/rotaryRF.htm
www.techno-isel.com

High-Performance Parallelogram Voice Coil Positioning Stage

Sunnyvale, CA – The PVS-5.5 Parallelogram Voice Coil Stage from Equipment Solutions is a complete, compact high performance positioning system. This compact stage (37mm x 31 mm x 32 mm) weighing just 70gm features a 5mm clear aperture through the center of the motor and the friction-free, flexure linking system. Non-linearity is <±0.5% throughout the stages 5mm range of motion. The PVS-5.5 Parallelogram Voice Coil Stage is ideal for optical focusing and micropositioning applications such as semiconductor, medical, optical testing, scanning microscopy, circuit board assembly, and micro manufacturing.

The PVS-5.5 Parallelogram Voice Coil Stage features a high force, frictionless voice coil motor and infinite life flexure system that provides superior responsiveness and accuracy (positioning resolution 75nm) over conventional leadscrew or belt drives and produces the least amount of electrical noise of any motor currently available. The stage can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical position and for easy integration, tapped and clearance holes are provided in the base.

An integral sub-micron linear displacement sensor with high bandwidth and low noise for high responsiveness and precise movements featuring frictionless optical technology completes this positioning system. This cleanroom compatible positioning system is low cost and uses ±12V to ±24V @ 1A. The PVS-5.5 Parallelogram Voice Coil Stage is available with the Equipment Solutions, Inc. SCA814 Servo Controlled Amplifier, and to aid integration into a new or existing application CAD drawings are available on the Equipment Solutions, Inc. website.

For additional information contact Equipment Solutions at: 408-245-7161 or Fax: 408-245-7160, or via e-Mail at info@equipsolutions.com.

www.equipsolutions.com

Two Axis Linear Stepper Motor Gantry Stage

Valencia, CA — Compact, low cost, two axis linear stepper motor gantries from H2W Technologies, Inc. offer low force, high speed, high repeatability, zero backlash, and long system life. Capable of very precise position, velocity, and acceleration control when integrated with a microstepping drive and indexer. These 2-axis gantries are ideal for precision applications such as: laser marking, medical testing equipment, inspection systems, pick and place, assembly, rapid prototyping, wire bonding, and fiber optics.

Available in travel lengths up to 72 inches (both X and Y axis) these two axis linear stepper motor gantries feature an open loop accuracy of .001 in/ft (85 microns/m and repeatability of 0.0004 in. (10 microns). For closed loop operation an optional encoder is available. Full step resolution is 0.010 (250 microns), however, when microstepped, step size resolution can be as small as 0.00004 in. (10 microns). Continuous force on both X and Y-axis is 6 lb. (27 N), peak force is 8 lb. (36 N).

For easy integration custom mounting holes in the base plate and the Y-axis stage are available. A complete package including an indexer and driver for open loop operation or controller and driver for closed loop operation are available from H2W Technologies.

www.h2wtech.com

Nanopositioning and Piezo Technology Catalog and Reference Guide

PI’s (Physik Instrumente) 2009 hardcover catalog “Piezo Nano Positioning Inspirations 2009″ covers nanopositioning and piezo technology. The 530-page publication is a comprehensive reference book on the fundamentals of nanopositioning, piezo systems and micropositioning technology. The catalog contains over 200 product families, 30% of which are new, with more than 1,000 drawings, graphs, images and technical diagrams.

Products and technologies covered include:

• Parallel-kinematics nanopositioning / scanning stages
• High-speed ultrasonic linear motors for automation
• Ceramic-encapsulated piezo actuators
• PiezoWalk® piezo worm type linear motors for Bio/Nanotechnology
• 6-Axis Hexapod micromotion robots
• High-load, low-speed mirror alignment systems for astronomical telescopes
• Motorized precision actuators and stages for semiconductor applications
• Digital & Analog nanopositioning motion controllers & piezo drivers
• Servo & stepper motor controllers
• Photonics alignment systems, photometers

In addition to product descriptions and selection guides, extensive tutorials on piezo technology, the fundamentals of nanopositioning, micropositioning and nanometrology are included to aid users in selecting the system that best meets their needs.

A PDF catalog version can also be downloaded from PI’s website at http://www.pi.ws/2009cat

For more information or to download individual catalog sections, visit:

http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/news/fullnews.php?newsid=149

Micro Manipulator Stage

MT 105-50-LM high precision micro manipulator stage is made of high-strength anodized aluminum. The standard table offers a travel of 50 mm and positional accuracy of 1 µm, straightness/flatness runout of +/- 1 µm and repeatability of +/- 0.2 µm. With a sleek, low-profile design, it has a footprint of 105 mm x 151 mm, height of 25 mm and weighs only 1 kg.

Other features include preloaded cross roller bearings, fixed stops and an incremental linear encoder with 0.1 µm resolution. The unit can be provided as a XY stage without adapter plate, and can also be configured as a XYZ system with an optional bracket. Ultrahigh vacuum, cleanroom or non-magnetic preparation is available on request. This stage suits semiconductor metrology, biomedical, miniature robotics, and laser industry applications.

Steinmeyer, Inc.
www.steinmeyer.com

X-TREME™ Nano-translation Cross Roller Stage

The X-TREME™ Nano-translation Cross Roller Stage is compact and is capable of accuracies up to 0.14 nm at industry leading speeds up to 6.5 m/s.

The X-TREME™ is currently one of the smallest of its class touting a compact envelope and low profile design (27 mm H x 70 mm W) with load bearing capacities up to 1,100 lb based upon 2 mil inch travel.

The stage is also versatile.  Designed with doweled holes in the base, it is primed for easy mounting and registration using exact locating and centerline reference.  It can be mounted in single axis or X-Y configurations with no loss of capacity or speed.

Specialty Motions, Inc.
www.smi4motion.com