Aerotech Inc. has released the second generation of its popular ANT nanopositioning stages. Building on its best-in-class predecessor, this line is engineered to bring superior performance to applications that demand truly outstanding dynamics and nanometer-level precision. “We’ve made the ANT nanopositioning stages even better, giving our customers options with impressive dynamic capabilities, industry-leading positioning performance, […]
Stages + gantries
Comparing micropositioning and nanopositioning stages
Linear stage designs can range from long-stroke, high-load gantries to micropositioning and nanopositioning stages with light payloads. Although all linear stages are designed and constructed to provide high positioning accuracy and repeatability and to minimize angular and planar errors, stages for micropositioning and nanopositioning applications require additional considerations in component selection and design to achieve these […]
What are piezo flexure stages and how do they work?
Piezo actuators provide highly responsive, rapid movements, but their displacement is limited to just 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the actuator length. To overcome this limited stroke capability, a piezo actuator can be combined with elements, such as flexures, that provide mechanical amplification. The amplification provided by a flexure mechanism can extend the stroke of […]
What is a split bridge system and how does it differ from a gantry?
Multi-axis linear systems come in a variety of designs, with Cartesian, gantry, and XY tables being some of the most common types. While these designs simplify construction and can provide space savings, they also introduce “stacking” errors — the compounding of errors from each axis, which manifests at the work piece or tool point. Mounting axes […]
MKS now offers Newport MLT-Z vertical linear stages and pre-assembled MLT-XYZ stacks
MKS Instruments is extending its MLT Series of compact, low profile high precision linear stages with pre-assembled XYZ-stacks and MLT-Z vertical stages. MLT stages are ideal for typical scanning or point-to-point applications in semiconductor, industrial, or research markets for metrology, sensor test and calibration, alignment, and pick-and-place assembly. The MLT series showcases the latest innovations and […]
What factors contribute to friction in linear motion systems?
Designers and engineers typically try to avoid or mitigate friction in linear motion systems. Although friction isn’t always bad — in some applications, it can provide a damping effect and help improve servo tuning — when it comes to linear motion systems, it increases the amount of force required to move a load, creates heat, […]
Single-axis linear stepper stages with integrated encoder and electronics package
H2W now offers a revolutionary series of single-axis linear stepper stages that integrates a linear encoder into the stage to operate the linear stepper motor as a 2-phase brushless motor when coupled with an advanced motion control electronics package provided by H2W. When operated this way, the motors will tend to run cooler, as they […]
What makes a linear stage different from other types of linear motion systems?
Linear motion systems — consisting of a base or housing, a guide system, and a driving mechanism — are available in a wide variety of designs and configurations to suit almost any application. And because their designs are so varied, they’re often categorized according to key construction and operating principles. Case in point: The term […]
Four-axis linear motor driven stage features high speed, micron resolution
The Four-Axis Gantry (YY’ZZ’) from H2W Technologies is a four-axis positioning stage that consists of two SRS-007-03-006-01 brushless linear motor stages; each vertically mounted to two independently moving horizontal linear axis. It’s ideal for applications that require multiple independent motions on a single travel plane. When an application requires fast motion with a stroke over […]
How does a vacuum preloaded air bearing work?
Air bearings provide several advantages over rolling element bearings, including higher travel accuracy and reduced friction and heat generation. But because air is compressible, air bearings can be less stiff and exhibit more deflection under load than similar rolling element bearings (although the stiffness characteristics of air bearings are very linear). However, the compressible nature of air […]
