LASER - World of PHOTONICS: Aerotech in Hall A6 Stand 245
Aerotech, manufacturer of high-performance motion control and positioning systems, will present its innovative motion control solutions at the 25th world's leading trade fair, "LASER - World of PHOTONICS" in Munich (26-29 April 2022, Hall A6 Stand 245).
In addition to a demo system with four linear stages, the "small" Hexapod HEX150 and the highly dynamic 2-axis laser scan head AGV-XPO will be on display for the first time. Another highlight of the trade fair presentation is the new release 2.2 of the Automation1 control platform.
We are very pleased that LASER can take place again this year. After all, for us it is the world's most important trade fair for laser and scanning technology," emphasises Aerotech Managing Director Norbert Ludwig. We have the knowledge, the experience and the products to meet the complex challenges of our customers in these industries and to develop optimal positioning and laser systems for industrial production. In Munich, we are using this excellent platform to present our latest developments for laser processing to a broad professional audience from all over the world."
High processing speeds with the new AGV-XPO
At the exhibition stand, Aerotech's motion control experts will be showing, among other things, the new AGV-20XPO highly dynamic 2-axis laser scan head. This enables higher processing speeds with better dynamic accuracy compared to solutions on the market today.
The newly conceived galvo motor design achieves almost 30% lower inertia than the standard AGV-HPO motor. Another benefit is the optimised drive electronics, which have a higher bandwidth and improved current loop.
The AGV-XPO has excellent pointing stability and tracking performance even at long focal lengths. Furthermore, it enables faster execution of aggressive trajectories while minimising drag errors in parallel. Trajectory accuracy can thus be optimised for difficult environments.
Seamless, coordinated motion can be achieved via servo stages, hexapods and piezos, and only one control architecture is required for an entire motion system or subsystem.
One platform for all applications
Trade visitors to stand 245 in hall A6 can also expect to see the innovative motion control platform ,,Automation1", which received a new release in March 2022.
Replacing Aerotech's previous control platforms (A3200, Ensemble and Soloist), the Automation1 suite offers new, more powerful functionality in an easy-to-learn and use architecture.
Version 2.2 builds on the previous versions and impresses with features such as the highly anticipated "Machine Apps HMI development tool". This new and fully customisable tool replaces the previous CNC user interface and promises to revolutionise user interfaces for motion systems, according to Aerotech.
In addition, Automation1 is now EtherCAT compatible, enabling connectivity to PLC-based systems, expanding options for high-precision motion processes when embedded in a traditional lower-precision system.
Other key developments in the new 2.2 release include:
* Improved interfaces with additional Labview VIs and a Python API.
* Enhancement of the Dynamic Controls Toolbox (a popular feature from the A3200 controller), which combines Aerotech's Harmonic Cancellation, Command Shaping and Cross-axis Feedforward features.
* Closed-loop stepper motor control
* Plant-wide backup and recovery functionality using Aerotech's advanced API functionality.
With the new release 2.2 of Automation1, it now functions as a complete machine controller with all components and thus offers much more than just a "motion controller", says Norbert Ludwig, describing the main advantage over comparable solutions.
Small movement artist with outstanding load-bearing capacity
The HEX150-140HL will then also be on show live for the first time. This is a miniature hexapod positioning system with six degrees of freedom (DOF) that enables precise translation in the X, Y and Z directions as well as rotation around each of these axes. "The HEX150-140HL offers not only significantly better minimum incremental motion, but also greater linear travel than any of its competitors - all in a compact yet rigid platform," says Norbert Ludwig. "The combination of small size, high precision and excellent load capacity also allows for a much higher degree of flexibility. Users can rely on consistent, reliable six-DOF movement in every application."
This makes the HEX150-140HL ideal for space-constrained applications with multiple DOFs that require fine positioning resolution, such as alignment, assembly and interconnection of photonics components, optical inspection and alignment, optical wafer probing, aerospace and satellite sensor testing, and sample alignment in synchrotron and beamline applications.
Other key features include a high load capacity of up to 7.5 kg with a blocking force of up to 100 N, a wide range of motion for easy integration into complex applications, and simple control and programming with virtual pivot point adjustment.
According to Aerotech, the HEX150 is currently the most precise hexapod on the market. Fast settling times allow high throughput with repeatability of less than 2 microns, and the step sizes allow for a wide range of applications.
The simulation software ,,HexGen Hexapod" integrated in the Automation1 control platform also enables simple programming and control of the hexapods in any user-defined coordinate system. The user can visualise and simulate the available working space in order to perform collision analyses with his Hexapod. In addition, he can also directly select already pre-configured models from a stored library of standard designs.
Pro-Series linear motor stages live in action
The PRO-LM linear tables controlled by Automation1 can also be seen at stand 245 in hall A6. The tables of the PRO series are optionally available with direct drive by a linear motor or with recirculating ball screw. At LASER, no less than four of the direct-drive ones will be on show: a PRO115LM installed on a PRO165LM, and a PRO190LM installed on a PRO225LM.
"The set-up allows us to demonstrate our extensive know-how in the design of these linear tables, including cable management" explains Norbert Ludwig. The tables are able to move at high speeds with very good speed control. But not only the speed and positioning performance are characteristic, but also their robustness."
The sealed mechanical bearings also make the PRO-LM linear tables insensitive to any kind of contamination. The tables are equipped with a low-friction sealing system that sustainably reduces the maintenance effort in industrial use.
www.aerotech.com