At Machine Building 2008 (NEC February 13 and 14), Aerotech will demonstrate its ‘Probot’ automated multi-axis pick and place system. this combines direct drive and ball screw driven linear stages, tightly synchronised by a distributed network of Ensemble panel-mounted intelligent drives and communicating with an Allen Bradley PLC using an Ethernet/IP network. Showing Aerotech’s engineered systems capability to the full, the complete 7-axis system includes a 3-jaw gripper, the machine base with enclosure and full cable management.
Aerotech’s Ensemble CP/MP/CL multitasking, DSP equipped, intelligent servo drives feature deterministic real time Ethernet networking for up to ten axes - allowing tightly synchronised motion and machine control with microsecond level interpolation. The multitasking controller architecture provides point-to-point motion, linear and circular interpolation, electronic gearing, and velocity profiling. A wide choice of programming languages includes Aerotech’s own AeroBASIC, Microsoft .NET, C++, LabVIEW over Ethernet and many more.
The Ensemble CP/MP/CL range comprises 10A, 20 A and 30 A peak current, panel mount intelligent drives available in direct-on-line and separately powered versions. Drive technologies include 20 kHz PWM amplifier stages for brushed or brushless servomotors and stepper motors or linear amplifiers for ultra-high precision/low-noise applications. Also available is the Ensemble Epaq range with the same amplifier and controller specifications but with rack based options suitable for multi-axis configuration in 19in desktop or cabinet mounting alternatives.
The Probot features Aerotech’s new low-cost ATS115 and ATS165 range of medium precision positioning stages with linear motion guide bearings, precision ball screws and durable hard cover/side-seal protection. These high performance servo motor driven stages have nominal widths of 115 mm or 165 mm with a travel range from 50 mm to 600 mm. Maximum speeds are up to 300 mm/sec and bidirectional repeatability is to +/- 1.0 μm per-axis. The ATS range is ideal for Cartesian robot configuration - offering long and trouble-free use in medium duty manufacturing and test applications.
Also featured on the demo are Aerotech’s LMA series linear motor driven, dual-carriage stages which offer micron level positioning accuracy with speeds up to 5 m/s, 5 g acceleration performance and a travel range to 1.5 metres. These stages offer exceptionally long life and low maintenance for high-throughput / high precision pick and place machines, automated test stations and assembly equipment.
Aerotech will also be exhibiting a selection of linear and rotary positioning mechanics along with motion and machine controls demonstrating its extensive capability as an engineered motion and mechatronics systems designer and manufacturer.