Feature Robotics & motion control
Motor driven nano positioning transforms laser micromachining
Laser technology solution specialist Altechna Co is basing its Alt-SCA femtosecond laser micromachining system around Aerotech’s ANT130 series linear motor driven nano positioning stages in a customised 3-axis XYZ configuration that includes a granite bridge support structure and a pneumatically counterbalanced vertical axis
T
he synchronisation between the one nanometre resolution posi- tioning system and the laser’s firing pattern is precisely and
crucially controlled with the advanced PSO (Position Synchronised Output) command from Aerotech’s software based A3200 motion controller which is built into Altechna’s SCA (System Control Application) front end soft- ware using .NET class libraries. Altechna has developed its SCA software with C++ and C# to provide a flexible yet powerful control platform for laser micromachining that is capa- ble of three levels of simple-to-com- plex micro-fabrication where, at the basic level, a WYSIWYG equipped GUI is able to convert complex posi- tioning information from BMP or PLT files without G-code programming. Moreover, SCA can be used to pro-
gram multiplex trajectories using mathematical functions. At the highest level, programmers may write micro- fabrication code in C++ and C#. The femtosecond laser machining
system integrates the complete Aerotech motion sub-system including rack mounted linear servo-amplifiers with a 10W Yb:KGW (1030nm) fem- tosecond laser source, machine vision, beam shaping optics and a galvo scan- ning head with fabrication speeds up to 35,0000 pixels per second with 25,400dpi resolution. Combining high processing speed and large area posi- tioning capability with nanoscale reso- lution and sub-micron accuracy, the AltSCA suits research and industrial users for development and/or high throughput manufacture of surface or 3D micro-nano structures from MEMS sensors and optical micro-elements fabrication to microchip repairs and waveguide production. Altechna, based in Vilnius, Lithuania works closely with the Laser Nanophotonics Group at Vilnius University where Aerotech equipment is being used for research involving the fabrication of fully functioning 100m microlenses. Altechna is also working on fully
Above: Aerotech’s ANT130 in a customised three axis XYZ configuration that includes a granit bridge support structure
integrating Galvo-scanners with the ANT130 positioning system by using Aerotech’s Nmark SSaM (Syn- chronized Scanner and Motion module). This will allow wide-format bitmaps to be processed continuously by enabling laser micromachining of structures and patterns that exceed he Galvo scanner’s normal field of view. The AltSCA femtosecond laser
machining system uses an integrated ANT130 XY series low profile X-Y stage that supports the object work- piece and a separate vertically mounted Z-axis stage for laser head manipulation. The Z-axis is fixed to the granite bridge structure and its pneumatic counterbalance is based on a tried-and-tested Aerotech design. The large granite base provides stabil- ity for the positioning system and the complete assembly includes all cabling and provision for air supply. The ANT130 series has a nominal
Aerotech T: 0118 940 9400
aerotech.co.uk Enter 220
Modular robotics kits can be assembled on site
A
n innovative solution from Parker Hannifin looks set to help struggling UK manufacturers cut the cost of production while at the same time
improving both productivity and profitability. The company has launched an extensive range of modular automation
and robotics kits, ranging from simple twin axis assemblies through to inte- grated multiple axis gantry and palletising robots. In addition, Parker is offering a custom design and engineering facility for applications where standard systems are unsuitable. UK platform marketing manager, Andy Parker-Bates, explains: “Our new
range of modular automation kits will enable customers to cost-justify the automation of existing low-volume manual or semi-automated processes, enabling labour to be redeployed elsewhere. Unlike traditional methods the modular automa- tion kits are generally available on a relatively short lead-time and are designed for self-assembly on-site.” A typical modular automation kit incorporates all the components, including framework, motors, gearboxes, drives,
sensors and cables to construct a simple linear handling system. This can be extended with extra modules. Based on standard Parker electromechanical, pneumatic, drive and control technologies, the latest range of modular
automation kits are are said to be capable of delivering exceptionally high levels of performance, accuracy and reliability.
Parker Hannifin
T: 00800 27275374
24
www.parker.com Enter 221
width of 130mm and is available in travel ranges from 35mm to 160mm, in a choice of two accuracy grades up to +/-250 nanometres to suit high or ultra-high precision requirements. The performance characteristics (pitch, yaw and roll etc) ensure the combined flatness, straightness, per- penicularity, abbe error, and all other critical geometric specifications do not compromise the nanometre level machining requirements for this appli- cation. The compact design includes anti-creep cross roller bearings and a centre driven brushless /non-cogging linear servomotor with one nanometre resolution encoders. The three-axis ANT130 is a part of
Aerotech’s nano Motion Technology (nMT) positioning range that brings together linear, rotary and goniometric stages to provide precision, rapid acceleration, high speed and ultra-fine resolution for nanometre resolution positioning. With zero-backlash and hysteresis in combination with high speed encoder feedback processing and real-time axis calibration, the nMT range is providing the enabling technology for many demanding applications where large area/high throughput positioning involves nanometre level structuring – suitable for ultra fast laser micromachining.
MAY 2010 Automation
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44