If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. Positioning movements in the nanometre range require highly precise control. Aerotech has specialised in motion control and positioning systems for over 50 years. The in-house software developers in Pittsburgh bring concentrated know-how in programming software solutions for motion control: The latest result is the Automation1 control platform, which comes with several new features in the current release 2.2.
Whether in mechanical applications, automation solutions or additive manufacturing processes, drive technology and motion are everywhere. Day in, day out, many designers are thinking about how certain components, tools, workpieces and much more can be moved in their applications in a targeted and precise manner. The positioning solutions that have established themselves on the market are as broad as the areas of application. They range from simple single-axis systems to complex multi-axis systems. Such complex systems are, for example, hexapods that want to move their "feet" relatively freely in six degrees of freedom. High-precision positioning in the nanometre range is often required, especially in microscopy, metrology or even in the electronics industry and medical technology.
Accurate is still far from precise
The positioning accuracy can be controlled via three parameters: the drive, the guides and the motion control used. When positioning down to nanometres, drives and guides can be as precise as you like, but it is the control software that makes the difference," says Nobert Ludwig. The managing director of Aerotech GmbH can look back on decades of experience. We can certainly achieve quite a lot with an extremely high design and cost effort, but ultimately the software has to be able to control and position the system precisely".
One for all
The software developers at Aerotech have therefore developed Automation1, a motion control platform that can also integrate the entire periphery. It is intended to gradually replace the previous Aerotech control platforms A3200, Ensemble and Soloist. We will only deliver new positioning systems with Automation1 as the control platform", emphasises Nobert Ludwig. The easy-to-learn and easy-to-use architecture alone makes it much easier for users with Automation1.
So that the drive is right
Other new functions in Release 2.2 are also impressive. While the new release builds on previous versions, it impresses with unique features. For example, the previous CNC user interface is replaced by the new "Machine Apps HMI development tool". With this fully customisable tool, Aerotech is setting new standards in user interfaces for drive systems.
Seamless integration of PLC-based systems is also provided with EtherCAT compatibility. With this, Aerotech has extended the options for high-precision motion processes to PLC systems when embedded in a conventional lower-precision system.
With the new release 2.2 of Automation1, it now functions as a complete machine control system with all components and thus offers much more than a pure "motion control", concludes Norbert Ludwig.
www.aerotech.com