Positioning Systems & Actuators
Motion control positioning systems and linear actuators are the part of a motion control system that produces the desired motion.
An actuator is a device that creates physical movement by converting various forms of energy to rotary or linear mechanical motion.
A linear motion actuator is defined as a device that converts various forms of energy into linear motion. Actuators (electric cylinders) are mainly thrust producing devices that use either an acme or ball screw as the driving mechanism.
Positioning systems are compact, easy to use, and are designed for turnkey operation. Most preconfigured positioning systems employ a rigid base, ball/acme screw, and servo/stepper motor with integral controller + drive for rapid machine commissioning and ease of operation.
Rotary Stages use a precision machined worm gear assembly and either ball, cross roller, or angular contact bearings to support the table top load. The selection of different gear ratios allow for either high resolution or high speed in a low profile package. The use of any step motor or servo motor system to drive rotary tables is a key advantage since it allows the use of a preferred motion control system.
Positioning Systems Comparison Chart:
| Attribute | Hydraulics | Pneumatics | Electric |
| Power Density | High | Low | Med. to High |
| Precision | Medium | Low | High |
| Energy Efficiency | Low | Medium | High |
| Cleanliness | Low | Medium | High |
| Maintenance | High | Medium | Low |
| Installation Costs | Med. to High | Med. to High | Low |
| Scalability | Low | Medium | High |
| Component Cost | Medium | Low | Med. to High |
| TCO* | Medium | High | Low |
Positioning Systems & Actuators We Provide:
Linear Actuators
Part of a motion control system that produces the desired motion. An actuator is a device that creates physical movement by converting various forms of energy to rotary or linear mechanical motion. A linear motion actuator is defined as a device that converts various forms of energy into linear motion or straight push/pull movements. Actuators (electric cylinders) are mainly thrust producing devices that use either an acme or ball screw as the driving mechanism.
Nano Precision Stages
Used in applications where high accuracy and repeatability and/or smoothness are critical. All sub-assembly components are machined to very tight tolerances in order to achieve the required accuracy and repeatability. Typical precision for these types of stages is measured in the sub-micron or nanometer range.
Rotary Stages
A mechanical component of a motion system used to rotate an object in a single axis or plane of rotation. The terms rotary stage or rotary table are often used interchangeably with rotary stage. All rotary positioning stages consist of a platform and a base, joined by some form of bearing or guide in such a way that the platform is restricted to rotation about a single axis or plane with respect to the base.
Table Top Type Robots
SCARA and Table Top Type Robots ideal for high speed, precision operations such as sealing, dispensing, parts insertion, assembly, and more. With a current maximum horizontal reach of 800 mm and a maximum vertical reach of 300 mm, the IX Series SCARA robots features a maximum payload capability of 10 kg and a maximum speed of over 7000 mm per second.
Belt Driven Motorized Stages
Combines high moment load capacity with high speed capability, producing a positioning actuator with exceptional torsional rigidity and reliability. Features an AC Servo Motor with a max stroke length of 2500 mm and speed of 1750 mm/sec. It has a high rigidity base structure, a double slider option for large moments and overhang, highly durable urethane composite timing belt, and high base resistance to torsional deformation.
Unmotorized Belt Driven Stages
Used in high speed (and/or long travel) positioning applications where a screw driven stage is not practical, usually in stroke lengths over 6ft. The belt & pulley drive mechanism, along with either round rail or square rail linear bearings, provide a modestly repeatable high speed positioning table. Unique to belt driven linear stages is their ability to provide the same speed capability independent of travel length.
Motorized Screw Driven Stages
Programmable cylinder electric actuator that are flexible, intelligent, and economical. Combine high moment load capacity with high precision capability producing a positioning actuator with exceptional torsional rigidity and reliability.
Unmotorized Screw Driven Stages
Used in applications where accuracy & repeatability are more critical than axial thrust forces. The base, carriage, and all sub-assembly components are precision machined which contribute to the accuracy and repeatability of the stage. These positioning tables use either an acme or ball screw as the drive mechanism. Square or round rail linear bearings are used to carry the user load. These custom configured linear positioning stages & actuators allow the user load to be positioned very accurately & repeatedly.
