Nanopositioning Stage for Super-Resolution Microscopy

Auburn, Mass. – The nano1×3 ™ 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

SICK STEGMANN Introduces TTK70 Motor Feedback System

DAYTON, OH – SICK STEGMANN, INC. introduces the TTK70 Motor Feedback System.  The TTK70 is an absolute, non-contact linear measuring system that delivers measuring lengths up to 4,000 mm, resolution of <1 μm and system accuracy of <10 μm, at operating speeds up to 10 m/s.  The result is precise and highly reliable absolute position determination for linear motors in a diverse range of applications.  The TTK70 motor feedback system is rated for operation in temperatures ranging from -30…+85°C.  It carries the CE mark and is RoHS compliant.

The TTK70 consists of a read head and a magnetic tape featuring a magnetic code that forms the measuring scale – 10 mm wide, and up to 4,000 mm long.  The code consists of an incremental and an absolute track (twin-track tape).  Absolute position values are calculated by the read head first detecting the absolute starting position during start-up of the linear motor.  All further positions of the drive are determined via the incremental position on the magnetic track, i.e. sine/cosine signals.  The values are transmitted via the HIPERFACE® interface to the evaluation electronics of the linear drive – a market-standard method of communication that, for the first time ever via the TTK70, is now available for linear measuring systems.  The result is an interface standard for all common servo drives, that covers all applications, with only one signal type.

The robust metal housing of the read head offers IP65 protection, has two mounting holes designed for high tightening torques and, even with the plug connection, is hardly bigger than a matchbox – making it the smallest system of its kind.  Inside, the TTK70 features the latest in sensor and evaluation technology.  The sensor PCB, which is aligned with the measuring plane, is equipped with Hall sensors on two parallel tracks.  When installed their placement coincides with the position of an incremental and an absolute track on the magnetic tape.

SICK-STEGMANN is currently the only supplier worldwide that is able to offer to drive manufacturers both rotary and linear motor feedback systems with an integrated HIPERFACE® interface, popular in applications such as erosion machines, handling systems in semiconductor production, automatic assembly and placement machines, vertical lifting systems, pick and place applications in electronic production, or the food industry.

SICK STEGMANN, INC.
www.stegmann.com

ESD Cable Carriers from KABELSCHLEPP

When manufacturing and processing electronic components, electrostatic discharge (ESD = ElectroStatic Discharge) presents a serious hazard for the sensitive electronics. In addition, the increasing miniaturization of semiconductor components means even greater sensitivity to ESD.

Even More Conductive! ESD cable carriers satisfy tomorrow´s requirements. Thanks to the new
ESD material KABELSCHLEPP cable carriers are now even more conductive and with a surface resistivity of ≤
105 ohms surpass by far the requirements contained in the ESD standard (DIN EN 61340)

Improved protection against electrostatic discharge is thus necessary for not only for the materials and tools used, but also for cable carriers However this can be achieved during handling and assembly only if the plastic cable carriers used have an even lower surface or volume resistivity.

To provide this, KABELSCHLEPP is relying on nanotechnology. The material used in the new ESD cable carriers incorporates carbon nanotubes (Baytubes® from Bayer MaterialScience). Carbon nanotubes are microscopically small tubular particles made of carbon. The carbon at-oms form a honeycomb-like structure. The electrical conductivity of such nanotubes is deter-mined by the details of this structure. The electrical conductivity is increased thanks to the graphite structure on the surface of the material created by the carbon nanotubes as a func-tional additive. So much for theory.

For the real world, this means: The new ESD cable carriers from KABELSCHLEPP are now even more conductive and with a surface resistivity of ≤ 105 ohms surpass by far the require-ments contained in the ESD standard (DIN EN 61340). Thanks to the large specific surface and the extremely even distribution of the carbon nanotubes in the carrier material, good conductiv-ity is also achieved at the contact points between the chain links and thus over the entire length of the carrier.

Additional benefits: As a consequence of modifying the fiber-reinforced material with nano-tubes, the stability of the cable carriers increases as well.

Whether in chip manufacturing, semiconductor production, manufacturing of electronic components or solar engineering, thanks to their low surface resistivity, the new ESD cable carriers from KABELSCHLEPP not only significantly reduce the risk of ESD, but also represent a useful investment with respect to future standards.

KABELSCHLEPP AMERICA
www.kabelschlepp.com

Custom Vehicle Maker Opts for Linear Glides for Tricky Design

by Laura Carrabine, Senior Editor

Special Vehicles Co. (SPEVCO) serves the specialty vehicle industry. Many of its vehicles are seen at high profile events such as the Speed Channel stage at NASCAR races, the Dunkin’ Donuts sampling stations, or at mobile medical facilities for FEMA.

Rollon’s Compact Rail allows for rail misalignment in both out-of-parallel and out-of-plane conditions.

SPEVCO was recently asked to re-tool Speed TV’s vehicle for NASCAR race week broadcasts. The new design featured a 24-ft box truck that houses a large 20-ft LED screen for broadcast at the events. One of the major issues within the design was that mechanical equipment needed to raise and hold the LED screen. Designers found, however, that there was no space available for the on-site production room. The room is needed for the video production team who control the content displayed on the LED screen.

SPEVCO needed a linear bearing system that provided large tolerances.

According to Luigi Utili, Director of the Engineering Department at SPEVCO, the company has developed expertise in developing PODs, custom-built slide out sections of trucks that add extra square footage to any design. “In this case we designed a 12-ft long POD that slid out three feet, creating an additional 36-sq ft for the video production technicians. Typically we would develop a custom hydraulic system to facilitate the sliding out of the POD but this is a major expense and any opportunity to reduce costs is a major plus for the customer.”

He considered using a linear bearing system to allow for POD sliding. “One option was the Telescopic rail from Rollon Corporation because it is a linear bearing that acts like a heavy duty drawer slide. It would be able to meet the weight requirements of 500-lb,” he added.

Utili continued, “However, the mobile nature of this application meant that parts often shift when the truck is transported from location to location. We needed a linear bearing system that provided quite large tolerances of at least plus or minus 1-1/2-in.”

SERVCO opted for Rollon’s Compact Rail because the system absorbs rotational positioning errors,misalignments between lateral planes, and longitudinal parallelism errors while maintaining the system’s original preload setting.

SPEVCO’s PODs add extra footage to designs.

Rollon placed the raceways on the inside of Compact Rail products to protect them from damage and contaminants while enabling the rail and slider to be mounted into small, compact areas.

Built-in, spring-loaded wipers in the heads and the lateral seals on the sides of the slider ensure they are suitable for harsh, gritty environments. The “Lubed for Life” wipers continually deposit a thin film of oil on the races. Individual sliders can carry up to 3,300 lb.

Speed TVs’s vehicle for NASCAR race week houses a giant 20-ft LED screen.

Utili adds, “The covered raceways were also critical because this is an outdoor application and the vehicles are often parked in muddy fields. Reliability is important because if the POD fails to open, the Speed TV technicians cannot access the control room for the LED screen – rendering the vehicle useless. Since installation, SEPVCO has been commissioned to produce a second vehicle.”

SPEVCO
www.spevco.com

Rollon Corporation
www.rolloncorp.com

Chain Track Moves Product Quietly and Cleanly

Cleanliness and noise reduction are constant needs in food/beverage and packaging applications. A new flat top chain not only meets such needs, it also provides a flat transportation surface. Flexon flat top chains are available in various plastic and stainless steel versions as both linear and curved tracks. The low-contamination materials fulfill hygiene requirements. The chains have a high quality finish and flatness. Their low friction coefficients aid energy efficiency.

Depending on their application, plastic flat top chains can have certain advantages over stainless steel types. In conveying systems, for example, they generate up to 80% less noise. And the plastic elements are up to 40% lighter in weight, which boosts conveying capacity or reduces the required drive power. Because of their resistance to chemicals, they can be cleaned with agents that are either unsuitable for metal chains or would require intensive maintenance.

iwis drive systems, LLC
www.iwisusa.com

RigiBelt Telescopic Linear Actuator from Serapid

SERAPID introduces a non-magnetic telescopic linear actuator. The RigiBelt telescopic linear actuator is made of two reinforced plastic belts that interlock together much like a zipper to form a rigid telescopic column. It moves quickly while telescoping in and out and can provide either horizontal or vertical motion.

RigiBelt SD (Standard Drive) is an off-the-shelf actuator, self-contained, and is driven by a 24V DC motor, and is currently available for sale.

If the SD does not suit your needs, SERAPID will work with you to co-develop a solution to meet your specific application with the RigiBelt Rigid Chain actuator.

SERAPID’s complete line of telescopic linear actuators is well suited for use in a variety of industries: medical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, architectural and industrial to name a few. These actuators are entirely mechanical, which makes them environmentally friendly and suitable for clean-room conditions.

Serapid
www.serapid.com

SCR Nanopositioning Stage from Nippon Pulse America

RADFORD, VA – The Nippon Pulse America, Inc. (NPA) SCR100 stage is an ultra high precision, compact single-axis stage that integrates a slide guide, encoder, and Linear Shaft Motor. The SCR100 stage offers a wide range of advantages for ultra high performance and accuracy applications. Through complex motion profiles, the SCR series produces extremely accurate results and because of its built-in shaft support yields no stability.

The SCR100 stage is a moving magnet design, which locates all cables and connectors in the stationary base. The resulting absence of any moving cable is clean and compact 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 nanometers with digital output. The sub-micron resolution results in a high accuracy stage, which is laser tested for optimum performance.

The Linear Shaft Motor is a coreless direct drive linear motor that, because there is no cogging, has a higher resolution, speed, and continuous force than standard stepper motors and piezo servomotors. The Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor has gained a reputation of servicing the very demanding, ultra high precision motion control applications in a number of markets. Those markets include Metrology, Spectroscopy, Digital pathology, Microscopy, Disk drive, Semiconductor fabrication, Biomedical, Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences, Cell Imaging, Particle Analysis, Medical Device, Stent fabrication, National Laboratories, Photonics/Telecom, Aerospace and Defense and Genomics.

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 as an X-Y stage to insure true orthogonal orientation.

Nippon Pulse America, Inc.
www.nipponpulse.com

Enhanced Roller Pinion System from Nexen

Vadnais Heights, Minn. – Nexen’s new enhanced Roller Pinion System (RPS) provides high-accuracy linear positioning with zero backlash and simple installation in precision motion control applications.

The RPS features an ISO 9409 flange mount pinion and pinion preloader, making it easier for system integration. The system has high precision surfaces and an adjuster that allows the pinion to be easily moved up or down in the rack, while maintaining proper pinion orientation to the rack.

The pinion consists of bearing-supported rollers that engage a unique tooth profile. Two or more rollers connect with the rack teeth in opposition at all times, eliminating backlash. The RPS rollers approach the tooth face in a tangent path and then smoothly roll down the tooth face, greatly reducing noise levels associated with other linear motion systems, such as tooth slap or ball return noise. The low-friction design delivers more than 99% efficiency in converting rotary to linear motion, greatly reducing wear and providing longer service life at high speeds up to 11 m/sec (36.1 ft/sec). The RPS rack is available in standard segmented lengths of one meter and half meter increments and can be custom cut as required, allowing unlimited run lengths and easily accommodating diverse application requirements.

With a new line of integration solutions for ISO 9409 flanged gearheads, the innovative RPS system is now even easier to install in a broad range of linear motion applications. Flange mount pinions can be directly mounted to the gearhead, ensuring the highest degree of stiffness and accuracy, with no shaft or bushing required. Since the direct mount pinions rigidly secure close to the drive bearings, they ensure high performance. Additionally, the pre-loader system includes everything needed to properly integrate the RPS, regardless of the orientation.

For more information, contact Nexen Group, Inc., at 651-484-5900 or via email at info@nexengroup.com

www.nexengroup.com

New Miniature Ball Screw Series from Steinmeyer

BURLINGTON, MA — Steinmeyer, Inc. has announced a new product to its extensive line of miniature ball screws. These 5mm diameter screws are the perfect solution in applications such as micromanipulators, miniature robotics and compact actuators.

Available in four nut styles, series 1112 single nut with connecting thread without wipers, series 1412 is a single nut with double flange and wipers on both ends, series 1214 is a cylindrical nut without wipers and series 2422 is our “quiet line” series, with a single nut that uses end-cap ball returns manufactured from plastic rather than metal tubes, making the screw virtually noiseless. All are available with leads ranging from 0.5 mm-3 mm and offer a maximum speed of 4500 RPM.

Steinmeyer
www.steinmeyer.com

PBC Linear Launches Complete ML series

Rockford, IL — For precise linear travel in a small foot-print, PBC Linear has launched the ML series of miniature linear actuators. This new product has an instant fit with small-scale automation markets: such as laboratory, medical and packaging applications. Compact, lightweight and remarkably powerful despite its small footprint (28 x 32mm), the ML series mini-actuators were designed for performance and customer satisfaction in single and multi-axis assemblies.

Launching this month with three new actuating styles, MLB, MLC and MLD, the ML series puts the control in the customers’ hands by letting them choose the configuration that best suits their application. The MLB comes complete with a state-of-the-art motor for powered, automated control. The MLC features a motor mount for easy coupling to a motor of the customers’ choice. Finally, the MLD has a hand-turned knob and break for precise, manual control applications.

The ML series features several design improvements that promote high performance, precise travel and power. The outer body profile is precision machined using PBC Linear’s patented SIMO™ process. The SIMO™ process gives the actuator concurrent and consistent machining on all critical edges—ensuring extremely tight tolerances and high accuracy mounting. It also reduces weight, allowing for a smaller motor to drive the actuator. The ML series “dovetail” style carriage comprises 14 plane bearing surfaces, supporting low-friction, smooth motion, and quiet travel. Optional single or dual external linear guide supports can be added for enhanced stability and load capacities.

Internally, the ML series mini-actuators are built for performance. With a larger diameter lead screw, the ML series can support higher load capacities at greater accuracy. Duplexed, lead screw support bearings provide high stiffness, increased thrust load, and repeatability. An optional anti-backlash nut is also available on the ML series for applications that require high bi-directional accuracy. The final assembled product is at the pinnacle of both precision and performance, delivering long-lasting linear guidance to tight, diminutive spaces.

PBC Linear
MLA.pbclinear.com

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