As equipment and systems in dynamic industries like semiconductor, biotechnology, precision assembly and battery manufacturing continually get smaller and faster, it’s critical that your positioning stages keep pace with the technologies. Your stages must operate at higher speeds, and also provide the micron accuracy these miniaturized applications increasingly require while being compact in size. However, not all positioning stages are created equal. This blog post will describe some of the characteristics to look for in a high-performance positioning stage that delivers the uncompromising accuracy required by present and future advanced motion systems.

Here are some of the advanced features that make a difference between an accurate positioning table and a micron positioning system.

  • Direct drive motors. These motors are characterized by a high torque constant that gives them higher accuracy and repeatability.
  • Ironless construction. Without attraction between the motor and magnets, strokes are consistent and cog-free.
  • Consistent force production. An air gap between the coil and magnet — such as in rod motors — reduces wear and ensures force consistency.
  • Shaft motor design for high efficiency. Motors with a tubular design distribute magnetic flux evenly along the circumference of the stator for greater efficiency. The result: less heat generation and higher accuracy.
  • Optical incremental encoder. Compared to other feedback technologies, contact-free optical incremental encoders provide optimal resolution and higher accuracy.
  • Compact size. Space is typically at a premium in applications like semiconductor and biotechnology equipment.

Taken together, these features contribute significantly to the micron positioning accuracy that motion systems in dynamic industries demand.

An Ideal Module for Rapid Point-to-Point Positioning
Akribis Systems’ SGR Series is an excellent example of a positioning module that is well-suited to provide rapid point-to-point positioning for high-speed, high-precision systems. The unit comes equipped with a high-precision Akribis RDM-A Series coreless direct drive rod motor, linear guide rail and integrated encoder. With strokes from 70 to 720 millimeters and 0.2 µm encoder resolution, the SGR Series delivers 3.1 to 114.8N of continuous force (Fcn) and 9.3 to 344.5N peak (Fpk) with exceptional positioning accuracy and repeatability. Additional applications include glass and LCD panels, medical equipment, printing machines, laser processing and precision assembly.

Akribis’ SGR Series positioning modules offer an exceptional combination of ironless direct drive rod motor technology and optical encoder feedback to deliver submicron positioning accuracy and repeatability for today’s high-speed, advanced motion equipment. To find out if a direct drive rotary rod motors-based positioning module is ideal for your application, be sure to contact Akribis Systems to talk to a technical expert.

For more information about Akribis SGR Series rod motor positioning modules, visit www.akribis-sys.com.