Aerotech, Pittsburgh, Penn., has brought out the AGS1500 series Cartesian gantry systems that are designed for ultra-precision, high-dynamic contouring.

The gantry can be used in precision micromachining, stencil cutting, fuel cell manufacturing, solder-ball placement, printed electronics, high-speed pick-and-place, automated assembly, vision inspection, dispensing stations, and high-accuracy inspection.

The gantry has high power brushless linear servomotors for smooth, backlash-free motion and travels up to 500 mm by 500 mm.

The AGS1500 is based on Aerotech's AGS15000 gantry, and maintains many of the same characteristics but in a more compact footprint. The planar design minimizes dynamic pitch errors at the work point. The design also keeps the linear motors and linear encoders to the outside of the work area, making the gantry less susceptible to debris-induced damage.

Aerotech’s high-performance brushless linear servomotors drive the AGS1500 to speeds of 3 m/s and accelerations of 5 g. Dual linear motors and encoders are included on the lower axis. The bearings are preloaded linear motion guides with wiper seals and grease fittings. The rugged noncontact optical linear encoders offer resolutions to 1 nm when coupled with Aerotech’s controllers.

Large bend radii and high-flex cables ensure that the AGS1500 provides millions of cycles of maintenance-free operation. The AGS1500 has a modular design.

All customer cabling and pneumatics can be routed through the system e-chain. Connectors are provided at the work piece and at the opposite end of the e-chain, greatly simplifying final machine integration.

For further information, please contact Steve McLane via e-mail at smclane@aerotech.com.