PI's new high performance linear translation stages are designed
for 24/7 operation.
AUBURN,
Mass., March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- PI
USA, a premium supplier of
in-house designed and manufactured air bearings for precision
motion, metrology, and automation, offers the PIglide A-123 family
of wide-bod, high performance linear stages. The low-profile
precision positioning stages are equipped with preloaded air
bearings, integrated linear encoders, and cogging-free,
direct-drive linear motors. The combination of these noncontact
components produces a motion platform that operates without
friction, delivering exceptional performance, quality, and
longevity.
Thanks to the high-force linear motor, the precision translation
stage can reach peak velocity in mere milliseconds, while the
high-capacity air bearings can support payloads of up to 60 kg
(130lbs). The A-123 series features a laterally opposed bearing
design, with actively preloaded air bearings that allow for
mounting in any orientation. The A-123 wide-body linear stage
family is available with travel ranges from 50mm to 750mm, can
achieve 30m/s² acceleration and reach
a maximum velocity of 1000mm/s. Stages are available with optional
absolute encoders with 1nm sensor resolution and can achieve
bidirectional repeatability of 0.1µm and calibrated position
accuracy of 0.3µm.
Motion Controllers
ACS-based motion controller with EtherCat connectivity and a
comprehensive suite of easy-to-use software packages help customers
to quickly integrate the linear stages into their application
environment.
Where are Air Bearing Stages Used?
Air bearing stages are used in precision engineering, test and
manufacturing applications in fields such as metrology, photonics,
and precision scanning in semiconductor or flat panel display
manufacturing, where extremely precise and accurate movement is
required.
How Do Air Bearing Stages Work?
Air bearing stages utilize a cushion of air instead of traditional,
contacting roller or ball bearings, eliminating friction, and
allowing for smooth, controlled movement with exceptional guiding
accuracy.
Advantages of Air Bearings over Mechanical Bearings
There are several advantages to using air bearing stages:
- Zero wear and maintenance: Air bearings require no maintenance,
as there are no mechanical components to wear out or lubricate.
This makes them cleanroom compatible and a very reliable and
cost-effective solution for high-throughput 24/7 applications.
- High precision and accuracy: Air bearings have no physical
contact with the surface they are floating on, which means there is
no friction, stiction, or wear. This allows for extremely precise
and accurate movement, with positioning resolutions down to the
nanometer realm.
- Smooth and vibration free motion: Because there is no physical
contact, air bearing stages are not subject to the same vibrations
and disturbances that affect traditional mechanical stages. This
results in smoother motion with better velocity regulation.
- High speed and acceleration: Air bearings can support very high
speeds and accelerations over virtually unlimited operating times,
making them ideal for applications that require fast and precise
movement, such as semiconductor wafer processing and surface
profiling.
Overall, air bearing stages offer a range of benefits that make
them ideal for applications that require extremely precise and
accurate movement.
About PI USA
PI's in-house engineered precision motion solutions have enabled
customers around the world to increase their productivity and
technological advantage for 5 decades. With a large basis of proven
motion technologies and methodologies, PI is in the position to
quickly modify existing designs or provide a fully customized OEM
solution to fit the exact requirements of your application,
including fast photonics alignment engines, multi-axis automation
sub-systems, nanopositioning stages for semiconductor
manufacturing, microscope scanning stages, and piezo transducers /
sensors.
PI Americas
http://www.pi-usa.us | info@pi-usa.us | (508) 832-3456
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Media Contact
High performance 24/7 operation solution, PI (Physik
Instrumente) LP, (508) 832-3456, press-release@pi-usa.us
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SOURCE PI (Physik Instrumente) LP