From the 26th to the 28th of November,Aerotech will present itself at the “SPS - smart production solutions” in Nuremberg. The manufacturer of high-performance motion control and positioning systems focuses on its “Automation1” control platform, which,among other things, demonstrates in a demo system force regulation with the ACT115DL linear high-performance actuator. The motion control platform functions as a complete machine control with all components and thus offers much more than a pure “motion control”.
Aerotech develops motion control and positioning systems and associated software solutions. These are used wherever high throughput is required with absolute precision, for example in laser processing. “High-precision control of motion components has been our know-how for decades. Whether in the industry or in research facilities, wherever something in the micro and nanometre range is to be repositioned accurately, our solutions and systems are used”, explains Norbert Ludwig, General Manager of Aerotech GmbH.
Anyone who uses an optimised control platform reduces the non-value added development effort and can sometimes supply their customers faster. Aerotech revolutionises precision motion and machine control with the “Automation1 Precision Machine and Motion Control Platform”. “With Automation1, we have brought the control of positioning systems and connected components on a platform that is specially equipped with a new software-based motion controller”, explains Norbert Ludwig the main advantage over previous solutions. "We can drive servo and stepper motors, galvo scan heads,piezoelectric actuators, and a variety of other devices." The drives are connected via the HyperWire bus, the most powerful communication bus in the motion control industry.
At the exhibition stand, Aerotech uses a concrete example to show how the force control can be set up and used with Automation1. For this, the linear high performance actuator ACT115DL is installed in combination with a force sensor.The exhibition stand visitors can see for themselves how easy it is to start the positioning mode, then use the force smoothly and shock-free and then switchback to the positioning mode. It is demonstrated how the rigid mechanical structure of the linear actuator enables excellent dynamic performance with significantly reduced settling times. Since the non-magnetic rotor is cogging-free and has sufficient power, extremely uniform speed, position and force control can be ensured. This is of great advantage, among other things, in die or chip bonding, pin insertions and test applications.
According to Aerotech, the new Automation1 platform supports today's growth markets for precision machinery and motion control, and is particularly well suited for automation systems, precision laser processes, test and inspection processes, and other applications where process control is closely linked to motion control. Thus, the new control and drive development offers even greater optimisation potential for faster motion and settling times, betterposition stability and increased contour accuracy. Norbert Ludwig even speaks of a revolution in the motion control world: "Automation1 is the future of motion control: It is the first motion control development environment that simultaneously puts years of user experience with the latest technology for precise and fast motion sequences into the forefront of product design."