Highly precise and industrious ants for nanopositioning

Precision motion control and automation specialist Aerotech has launched the second generation of its ANT nanopositioning stages. Building on the proven previous model, the high-precision ANT95 and ANT130 nanopositioners deliver even better dynamics and precision.

“We’ve made ANT nanopositioning stages even better, offering our customers options with impressive dynamic capabilities, industry-leading positioning performance, new travel ranges and more,” said Brian Fink, product manager at Aerotech. “Our second-generation ANT stages provide positional stability and minimal incremental motion in the sub-nanometer range.”

This is ensured by non-contact direct drive technology, extremely precise guides and incremental movements in the sub-nanometer range while maintaining high product throughput. Users whose processes require repeatable and highly accurate alignment of optical components will find the ideal solution in the ANT series, according to Aerotech.

The new ANTs are said to be particularly suitable for single and multi-axis applications that require high-precision movement with high throughput. Aerotech cites a wide range of applications, including photonics assembly and inspection, fibre alignment and optimisation, optics manufacturing, testing and inspection, sensor testing and qualification, semiconductor manufacturing and inspection, and research and laboratory applications.

The new ANT95 and ANT130 nanopositioners are available as single-axis, dual-axis, as Z-axis or low-profile Z nanopositioning stages and feature a combination of resolution, accuracy, repeatability, size and reliability.