Aerotech has released a new range of long-travel XY Cartesian gantry systems with exceptional specifications for high throughput/high precision contouring. With velocity to m/sec and acceleration to 5g, the new AGS15000 combines direct-drive linear servomotors and high load capacity linear motion guide bearings in a planar open frame design that is adaptable for a wide range of applications.
Four travel range options are available from 500mm to 1250mm per axis and a choice of linear encoders offer positioning resolution from 1 micron to 1 nanometre using Aerotech's multiplier technology. Depending upon the travel range selected, axis repeatability is between to ±0.5 to ±1.25 microns and accuracy from ±1.5 to ±3.0 microns.
The AGS15000 gantry can be supplied as a stand-alone system with e-chain cable management and Aerotech motion controls for direct mounting on the customer's machine, or can be delivered on a granite baseplate with optional welded steel machine base. Turnkey motion solutions extend to Z axes and Theta rotary stages, with fixtures and component handling mechanics to suit.
The AGS15000 uses Aerotech's BLM and BLMH series brushless linear servomotors for extremely smooth motion and excellent in-position stability. The motors feature an ironless forcer with zero cogging and generate the highest force per unit volume of any competitive linear motor design. Durable non-contact optical encoders with thermal expansion compensation available at the controller ensure the gantry returns a high accuracy under varying operating conditions. The combination of non-contacting motors and encoder technologies provides a low maintenance and extremely long life capability for the AGS15000.
To maintain the AGS15000's high throughput performance and high precision contouring capability, Aerotech offers a range of motion controls including the A3200 Digital Automation Platform; a decentralised and fully deterministic PC based motion and machine control system for up to 32 axes which is used in combination with FireWire networked Ndrive digital amplifiers.