A short throughput time brings a competitive advantage. That’s why manufacturers are keen on continuously improving it. One option to achieve this, is to increase the speed in which a motion control system operates. However, this can cause a loss in quality. In this blog, I will show you how to prevent this.
Accurate positioning with high throughput: a popular demand
High throughput in precision motion: it’s an ever-increasing demand of our customers. In a field like industrial automation, clients require robustness combined with the highest possible accuracy. It sounds complicated to achieve this, but with the right techniques, it can be done.
It starts with the design
It starts with the design
Positioning systems can be fast, and offer high travel accuracy and stability at the same time as well. How? Start at the heart of a system: the design. When you take on a holistic approach, you can entirely match up mechanics, drive technology, and control electronics to each other. By carefully considering each step in the designing process, you will end up with a system that not only has a great throughput rate, but will also deliver in precision motion. Even on a nanometer scale.
Components that complement each other
The best way to illustrate that it is possible to achieve high throughput while maintaining high precision, is PI’s experience with single- and multi-axis systems for laser material processing. A multi-axis system without beam deflection for example. Or, highly customized solutions where the motion of galvanometer scanners and the positioning systems are synchronized and run simultaneously. Both solutions meet multiple requirements and incorporate high throughput and precision. System components such as mechanics, laser control, and laser beam steering complement each other and communicate through a high-performance standard industrial network.
Sub micrometer accuracy
Another great example is a laser system that can engrave an - to the human eye - invisible identification on a surface. Fusing components that reinforce each other in a calculated manner, determines the success of this solution. In the X-, and Y-direction, the motion is controlled by highly dynamic direct drive linear stages. Same goes for the positioning in the Z-direction. Certain linear stages can achieve much higher velocities and scan frequencies than traditional stepper or rotary servo based solutions. The use of crossed roller bearings and motors equipped with highly repeatable and precise linear encoders, make sub micrometer accuracy possible.
Infinite possibilities in high throughput and high-precision
As the laser case shows, challenges in motion and positioning can be solved using infinite possibilities that are readily available. And, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the business of laser material processing, inspection systems, mechanical engineering, assembly, or semiconductor manufacturing: there is always a solution at hand. Curious how I can help you? Get in touch via Linkedin or mail.
