Aerotech will be at "SPS - smart production solutions" in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 November. The manufacturer of high-performance motion control and positioning systems is using the trade fair to demonstrate to the market the advantages of its PRO series positioning stages with direct-drive linear motors. Four PRO-LM linear tables controlled by the new Automation1 control platform can be seen live on stand 351 in hall 3.
The tables of the PRO series are optionally available with direct drive by a linear motor or with recirculating ball screw. Four of the direct-drive linear motor tables will be on display at the show: a PRO115LM installed on a PRO165LM, and a PRO190LM installed on a PRO225LM. "We have some of the direct-drive linear stages in action at our stand," explains Norbert Ludwig, managing director of Aerotech GmbH from Fürth. "Using the set-up, we can demonstrate our extensive know-how in the design of these linear tables, including cable management." The tables are capable of moving at high speeds with very good speed control. But it is not only the speed and positioning performance that are characteristic, but also their robustness. The sealed mechanical bearings make the PRO-LM linear tables insensitive to any kind of contamination. The linear tables are equipped with a
The linear tables are equipped with a low-friction sealing system that permanently reduces the maintenance effort in industrial use.
Precisely controlled with automation1
Due to their high rigidity and basic precision design, the linear tables have proven themselves many times over in production processes with high cycle rates. Users of the high-performance linear stages benefit from the proven industrial linear motors and ball screws with improved positioning accuracy, according to Aerotech. Aerotech developers promise up to 98 per cent better resolution, with repeatability and geometric motion errors also significantly improved compared to conventional linear stages. The control system also contributes to this: With Automation1, Aerotech has combined the control of positioning systems and connected components on one platform, which is specially equipped with a new software-based motion controller. For the first time, the PRO series linear stages are controlled via the new Automation1 control platform with four XC4e PWM (pulse width modulation) drive controllers.
controlled. Automation1 is connected to HyperWire, the most powerful motion bus in the motion control industry.
Integration at a higher level
Because such linear stages are typically integrated into production systems or automation processes, Aerotech sees providing total solutions where motion performance is important as a key growth area for the future. Since 1970, Aerotech has supplied standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning stages. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with landing gear and vibration isolation, as well as external measurement systems. Integrated systems are almost turnkey machines that are developed together with the customer to carry out an automated process. They include not only Aerotech's precision motion control components, but also full automation integration, such as part handling, process instrumentation, safety features and custom software. Aerotech has a high level of vertical
Aerotech has a high level of vertical integration, particularly in drive components and controls. On the mechanical side, Aerotech also supplies partially integrated systems to which the customer only needs to add the process to complete them.
Norbert Ludwig specifies: "As a manufacturer of automation systems, we support manufacturing companies in optimally automating their processes with the precision motion components we produce. We have grown with our customers over the years and have gathered application knowledge from many industrial sectors. So today we can recommend the optimal solutions for the right application."
www.aerotech.com