Measuring and positioning cycles synchronise exactly

Trade fair Control, focusing on quality assurance, could only take place virtually last year, but will open its doors again in Stuttgart from 3 to 6 May. The motion control experts from Aerotech will be there, presenting a whole range of new product innovations in measuring and testing technology.

In addition to high-precision positioning systems and laser scanning and measuring technology for quality assurance, trade visitors will be able to see the ‘small’ Hexapod HEX150 as well as extensively test the extended functionalities within the Automation1 control platform. The SMP multi-axis motion platform for surface measurement applications will also be on display. New Aerotech subsidiary Peak Metrology will also be represented and will present a high-performance positioning system from the cooperation with measurement technology specialist Keyence.

“For us as a supplier of high-precision positioning solutions, Control is by far the most important trade fair event in the field of quality assurance,” said Simon Smith, European director at Aerotech. “That’s why we’re all the more pleased that we're not only able to meet our customers, partners and interested parties virtually, but also to finally welcome them back to our trade fair stand. And since our solutions have always been widely used in the medical industry, we are also hoping for a synergy effect or two from the MedtecLIVE/T4M medical technology trade fair taking place at the same time.”

The HEX150-140HL is a miniature hexapod positioning system with six degrees of freedom (DOF) that enables precise translation in the X, Y and Z directions as well as rotation around each of these axes. “The HEX150-140HL offers not only significantly better minimum incremental motion, but also greater linear travel than any of its competitors – all in a compact yet rigid platform,” said Smith.

“The combination of small size, high precision and excellent load capacity also allows for a much higher degree of flexibility. Users can rely on consistent, reliable six-DOF movement in every application.”

The HEX150-140HL is said to be ideal for space-constrained applications with multiple DOFs that require fine positioning resolution, such as alignment, assembly and interconnection of photonic components, optical inspection and alignment, optical wafer probing, aerospace and satellite sensor testing, and sample alignment in synchrotron and beamline applications.

Other important features are the high load capacity of up to 7.5 kg with the ability to resist backdriving with force up to 100 N, the large range of motion for easy integration into complex applications, and the simple control and programming with virtual pivot point adjustment.