We’ve written several articles on this site about Cartesian robots, but let’s take a step back and define exactly what makes a robot a Cartesian robot, as opposed to another type of robot or multi-axis system. First, a Cartesian system is one that moves in three, orthogonal axes — X, Y, and Z — according to […]
Stages + gantries
Low-profile linear stepper motor stage from H2W Technologies
The LSS-016-04-006-01A-ME is one of a revolutionary new series of low-profile linear stepper motor positioning stages that integrates an absolute linear encoder and a single-axis linear stepper motor stage. This enables the linear stepper motor stage to operate as a 2-phase brushless linear motor when coupled with motion control electronics provided by H2W Technologies (H2W). […]
Large area travel X-Y stages from IntelLiDrives
Large area travel X-Y stages from IntelLiDrives offer precise fine positioning and control achieved through the combination of a stable closed-loop control system and an associated joystick option. In addition, the stages can be combined with the company’s Z stages to form an XYZ stage ideally suited for laser scanning microscopy. The travel range is […]
What are goniometer stages and where are they used?
The term “goniometer” can refer to a type of device that measures angles or to a device that rotates objects to a precise angular position. The former type, for measuring angles, is widely used in physical therapy to measure the range of motion of joints, such as the wrist or knee. This type of goniometer […]
What’s the difference between serial kinematics and parallel kinematics in multi-axis motion design?
Today’s positioning tables and stages include hardware and software that’s more customized than ever to satisfy specific output requirements. That’s made for motion designs that move accurately through even complicated multi-axis commands. Precision feedback is key to such functionality — often taking the form of optical or (electronics-augmented) magnetic encoders for nanometer-scale resolution and repeatability […]
Three-axis gimbal mount from OES features high resolution and stability
The new AU300-AER three-axis gimbal mount from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) features full 360˚ rotation of each axis. This three-axis gimbal mount handles loads to 10 kg (22.5 lb) and has a clearance of 300 x 300 mm, (11.8 in. x 11.8 in.) around the roll axis stage. The azimuth stage rotary table is […]
Dover Motion DOF-5 stage — a low-cost alternative to piezo stages
Dover Motion, a designer and manufacturer of motion setups for life sciences and diagnostics instruments, today announced the launch of the DOF-5 Objective Focusing Stage. The DOF-5 is a microscope objective nanopositioning stage optimized for optical imaging applications. Developed for automated microscope objective focusing applications including next-generation sequencing (NGS), digital cell morphology, and automated digital […]
New high-performance linear stages family with ball screw and linear motor options
Compared to the competition, these PI-engineered stages offer higher load capacity, allowing for higher dynamics, often required by industrial applications. The new reference-class linear stages family, L-417 and V-417, from precision nanopositioning global leader PI (Physik Instrumente), are available in ball screw and linear motor configurations, both cost-effective designs, offering high resolution with improved tracking […]
Hollow rotary actuators from Intellidrives simplify equipment design
The RTGA hollow shaft rotary actuators from Intellidrives feature a large diameter hollow hole (through-hole) that helps reduce the complexity of wiring and piping, simplifying equipment design. Hollow shaft diameters vary from 28 mm to 100 mm depending on the frame size of the actuator. Equipment tables and arms can be installed directly on the […]
Profitable design of linear motion: Choosing between DIY or turnkey builds
Engineers building linear motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable. By John Brokaw and Kent Martins | Valin Corp. How should designers pick between building linear-motion designs in-house or purchasing pre-engineered assemblies? What is there to consider when determining the best […]