Linear Shaft Motor Stage Offers Nanoprecision
June 29, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Motors, Linear Stages / Gantries
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.
Miniature Linear Vibration Actuator from Nidec Copal
June 20, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Actuators, Linear Motors
Torrance, Cal. - Nidec Copal’s new LD14 miniature linear vibration actuator uses a new voice coil technology to develop an acceleration output of 1G at 150Hz operated by square wave output. The actuator is a compact 0.552” (14mm) long by 0.433” (11mm) wide by 0.10” (2.5mm) high, with only 2V and 77mA needed to excite the LD14 actuator. 
The miniature brushless actuator is able to adjust its vibrating force without changing the vibration frequency. This surface mount device (SMD) provides high acceleration, superior reliability, and quick signal response for a wide range of mobile communication and safety devices. New applications involve devices and machines that use touch or tactile (haptic) motion and are used in video game and computer controllers, touch pads, robots and medical instruments.
For more information, visit www.nidec-copal-usa.com or emailinfo@nidec-copal-usa.com.
35mm Linear Stepper Motor from Nippon Pulse
May 4, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Actuators, Linear Motors, Linear Stepper Motors
Radford, Va. - Nippon Pulse’s PFL35T LINEARSTEP® tin-can type linear actuator gives engineers the ability to design a linear motion system simply and at a low cost. Nippon Pulse’s LINEARSTEP series offers direct linear motion without the need for any mechanical transformers, allowing users the ability to design a simple system at a low cost. 
The PFL35T features an outer diameter of 35mm and features neodymium magnets, which allow for a high driving force. Its sturdy design and construction and its ball bearing support makes the PFL35T durable and gives it a long life cycle.
The PFL35T is available with three lead screw pitches (0.48mm, 0.96mm, and 1.2mm), both bipolar and unipolar windings, a force rating up to 39.5N (at 200pps), rated voltages of 5V and 12V, and 48 steps per revolution.
Applications for the PFL35T include XY stages, liquid dispensing devices, medical pumps, semiconductor wafer handling machines, and data storage recorders.
For more information, visit www.nipponpulse.com.
Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor Features Sub-Micron Resolutions
April 6, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Motors
Radford, Va. – The Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor is designed and constructed for ultra high-precision applications needing sub-micron resolutions. Because of its design features, the Linear Shaft Motor is more energy efficient and can achieve motion profiles that similar linear motors can’t. 
The design of the Linear Shaft Motor maximizes use of magnetic flux, provides stiffness up to 100-times greater than that of other ironless linear motors, minimizes generated heat and reduces the impact of heat on the work point. It also doesn’t produce Eddy currents, and doesn’t have cogging issues. As a result, the Linear Shaft Motor can achieve sub-micron motion profiles, outperforming competing linear motors.
The Linear Shaft Motor’s cylindrical design provides two inherent benefits. First, the motor is able to use 100 percent of magnetic flux and to use that magnetic flux at maximum efficiency. All available magnetic flux cuts the coils at a 90-degree angle.
Also because of its cylindrical design, and despite being completely ironless, the Linear Shaft Motor provides stiffness up to 100-times greater than all other similar motors.
In part because it has no cogging issues and does not produce Eddy currents, the Linear Shaft Motor also generates less heat than traditional linear motors. As a result, the motor does not dump heat into the work point and thus is able to achieve precise and accurate motion profiles. The lower heat production also comes because the Linear Shaft Motor does not have inherent airflow restrictions.
In tests conducted by the University of Virginia, the Linear Shaft Motor is proven to consume 51.8 percent less energy than a comparable u-shaped motor while performing the same motion, carrying the same load, and producing the same linear force.
For more information on the Linear Shaft Motor or other Nippon Pulse products, visit www.nipponpulse.com.
Linear Shaft Motor caters to ultra high-precision market
March 28, 2011 by admin
Filed under Linear Motors
Nippon Pulse (www.nipponpulse.com) has introduced the first linear motor that is constructed and designed with the intention of catering the demands of ultra-high precision market. The Linear Shaft Motor’s distinct features are more energy efficient compared to similar linear motors of its kind.
Achieving motion profiles that similar linear motors fail to achieve, the Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor is specifically designed to provide stiffness that is 100 times greater than other ironless linear motors, maximize the use of magnetic flux, minimize the heat generated and reduce the heat’s impact on the work point. Its remarkable features eliminate cogging issues and the problem of Eddy currents, enabling it to achieve sub-micron motion profiles.
Its cylindrical design allows users to utilize 100 percent of the magnetic flux, which can be used at a maximum efficiency. All magnetic flux cuts the coils at an angle of 90°.
Despite of the Linear Shaft Motor’s completely ironless construction and because of its cylindrical feature, it delivers stiffness that is 100 times greater compared to other linear motors in its class.
Aside from not producing Eddy currents and the absence of cogging issues, it also produces less heat than other linear motors in the market. Thus, the motor achieves accurate and precise motion profiles as it does not deposit heat into the work point. The lack of inherent airflow restrictions enables the motor to lessen heat production.
Heason releases new MMG-AL linear motor driven positioning stage
March 15, 2011 by admin
Filed under Linear Guides, Linear Stages / Gantries
Heason Technology (http://www.heason.com) has introduced an all-new high throughput version of the Mini-MAG linear motor driven positioning stage from distribution partner Dover Inc. (www.dovercorporation.com).
While the new, ultra-compact MMG-AL still incorporates the main design and dimensional characteristics of the range, it replaces the stainless steel base and top plate with an optional single phase linear motor and simplified high grade aluminum construction. When combined, this results in minimized moving mass with the added benefit of lowered stage and drive amplifier costs, as well as higher bandwidth performance.
The small footprint stage comes in four travel options from 25mm to 150mm. It has a nominal width of 80mm and features Dover’s MAG moving magnet motor technology, which does away with the need for moving motor cables. It also features a durable side mounted tape style optical encoder, which comes in a selection of positional resolution from 0.1 microns to 0.005 microns. With stage flatness and straightness across the new MMG-AL range from 4 microns to 8 microns, and with specified bidirectional repeatability to within +/- 0.5 microns, the 25mm travel version’s positional accuracy is 3 microns with a 0.1 micron encoder.
The MMG-AL range has less than two-thirds of the mass of its stainless steel counterpart and 8kg nominal load capacity with an optional higher load capacity. The positioning stage can meet the dynamic performance needed for the most demanding high precision production systems, thanks to its maximum acceleration of 22m/sec2 and velocity of 0.5msec. The stage caters to the need of high throughput imaging industries, as well as ideal for any precision position application, where in-position stability and step-and-settle times are the main requirements.
High Speed, High Force, Sub-micron Positioning, Voice Coil Stage Features 20 mm Aperture
March 4, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Guides, Linear Motors, Linear Stages / Gantries
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.
New Linear Motor Line from Siemens
February 9, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Motors
Elk Grove Village, Ill. – With the recent introduction of its 1FN6 Linear Motors, Siemens now offers three models of Linear Motors for seamless integration with all Sinumerik or Simotion control systems using Sinamics drives. The three new motors are the 1FN3 Peak Load Motor, 1FN3 Continuous Load Motor, and the1FN6 Magnet Free Secondary. 
The 1FN3 Peak Load Motors feature high acceleration/deceleration and velocity rates and can be used for horizontal or compensated vertical axes. They feature nominal force of 8,100 N, maximum force of 20,700 N, and maximum velocity of 253 m/min with liquid cooling.
The 1FN3 Continuous Load Motors feature long power-on duration for horizontal, inclined or compensated vertical axes. Nominal force is 10,375 N, maximum force is 17,610 N with maximum velocity of 129 m/min with liquid cooling. Both the 1FN3 Peak and Continuous load motors can be run with air convection cooling, but the ratings must be reduced by 50%.
Lastly, 1FN6 Magnet Free Secondary motors are ideal for long traverse lengths at high acceleration and velocity rates and can be used for horizontal, inclined or compensated vertical axes. The nominal force is 2,110 N with maximum force of 8,080 N and a maximum velocity 532 m/min with air convection cooling.
One linear motor stationary track (either with magnets or magnet-free) can support multiple primary sections moving either the same slide in a master-slave configuration or moving separate slides independently at different rates and in different directions. This allows designers to consolidate drive systems on multiple slide machines for cost efficiency and better productivity. Also, linear scales for position and velocity feedback are available from a variety of third party suppliers to suit the application.
To help in the design and application process, Siemens has developed a number of tools to help take a slide design application and configure the right size motor to it. Once this process is complete, it is a simple matter to integrate the motor(s) into a complete Siemens system that includes controls, motors, operator stations and even complete panels and cabinets.
Linear actuator for automation applications
January 21, 2011 by Heather Brown
Filed under Linear Actuators, Linear Encoders, Linear Motors
PILine ultrasonic piezo drives offer an affordable alternative to electromagnetic linear motors and motor-leadscrew combinations when small dimensions and/or high speed are important.
With velocities of up to 200mm/s, these drives are fast, compact and readily integrated.
In addition, PIline motors are self-locking at rest with zero heat generation, eliminating the need for an additional motor brake.
PI’s M-272 is a linear actuator designed for automation applications based on a maintenance-free PILine ultrasonic ceramic motor.
The M-272 closed-loop linear drive combines motor, actuator, linear encoder, guiding system and brake functionality in a very compact package.
Due to the integrated guiding system, a payload can be easily attached to the drive rod of the M-272 drive and positioned precisely.
The M-272 features a maintenance-free ceramic linear motor, has travel range of 50mm and 5um resolution with integrated linear encoder.
It is self-locking at rest, with no need for external brakes and no energy consumption.
PILine piezo motors are based on a new, patented, ultrasonic drive principle developed by PI.
Through its contact with the ceramic friction bar (runner), the moving part of the mechanical system is pushed along.
With each oscillatory cycle, the mechanical system executes a minute step of only a few nanometers and the macroscopic result is smooth motion with a virtually unlimited travel range.
The piezo ceramic plate is preloaded against the runner and thus generates the holding force when the drive is at rest.
Its highly specialized DSP handles all of the motion properties typical for ultrasonic piezomotors, such as dynamic control parameter adaption.
Optimized settling behavior of the mechanics within 10s of milliseconds is achieved by automatically switching between gain-sets for dynamic and static operation.
Physik Instrumente
www.physikinstrumente.com
Aerotech ANT130-5-V Vertical Lift Stage
July 29, 2010 by admin
Filed under Linear Guides, Linear Motors, Linear Stages / Gantries
Aerotech’s ANT130-5-V is a linear-motor-driven wedge-style vertical lift stage that provides the exceptional resolution, accuracy, and in-position stability required in nanopositioning applications, all while offering travel up to 5 mm. It is a precision stage that is perfectly at home in industrial applications. The ANT130-5-V was designed for stand-alone use or can be seamlessly integrated with other stages in the Aerotech ANT stage family for a superior multi-axis nanopositioning system.
ANT130-5-V stages utilize advanced direct-drive technology, pioneered by Aerotech, as well as anti-creep crossed-roller bearings to achieve the highest level of positioning performance. Aerotech direct-drive technology is non-cogging, noncontact, high-speed, high-resolution, and high-accuracy. The lack of hysteresis or backlash enables accurate and repeatable nanometer motion. The unique drive and bearing combination, packaged in an extremely compact profile and footprint, offers tangible advantages in high-precision positioning applications such as disk-drive fabrication, fiber alignment, optical delay element actuation, sensor testing, and scanning processes that demand smooth, precise, stable, and repeatable motion.
The ANT130-5-V family has universal mounting and tabletop patterns that allow for easy system integration. Two, three, or more axes can be easily combined for flexible system designs and multi-axis configurations.
Outstanding accuracy, position repeatability, and in-position stability require high system resolution. The ANT130-5-V stage’s industry-leading 2 nm minimum incremental step size provides this high level of performance.
Aerotech
www.aerotech.com
