MOTION SYSTEM TRENDS
Stages, Cartesian robots, and tables for complete motion designs N
ew trends in multi-axis motion designs abound. Consider the rise of metrology reports to accompany designs — which serve as “birth certificates” in the form of well-informed simulation models and Excel spreadsheets that quantify the accuracy and capabilities of pre-engineered builds. In some cases, such reports give OEMs and end users accurate data on how the stages and other motion designs will perform — and sometimes even how the design will respond to changes. As Matt Price, technical manager of micropositioning applications at Physik Instrumente (PI) explains, “As a provider of motion gantries, XY tables and sub-assemblies, we think there’s great value in preconfigured motion subsystems calibrated and tuned in the structures in which they are integrated and assembled. This is a critical part of motion control — and a core competency of our systems groups. With a complete (built and characterized) gantry or assembly, you can be assured of performance of the motion system as a whole and avoid many issues that can arise from not proper considering their combined performance.” Other trends that have continued unabated are the move to stages, Cartesian robots, and indexing tables (with turnkey operation for very specific applications) as well as the outsourcing by OEMs and plant engineers of table and stage design to high-tech distributors and motion suppliers. Following are additional details on these trends from several industry experts. Read more on this topic at linearmotiontips.com.
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One major trend is that of new processes for outsourcing the design of motion subassemblies. RJ Hardt | Business development manager • Aerotech: Outsourcing motion subassemblies has become a hot topic as markets become saturated and more competitive. Outsourcing lets companies put more effort into their core competencies while offloading parts of their offering to partners to add value. The process of outsourcing starts with a consultative supplier that works with you to determine your needs before proposing a solution. Afterwards, engineering and technical resources must be delivered, and then the vendor’s manufacturing resources need to be aligned with your market. In fact, we’ve deployed a directconsultative field sales staff that walks customers through welldefined design engineering and manufacturing processes to help them capture targeted market opportunities. William Land | Business development manager • Aerotech: We’ve always aimed to offer more value through higher levels of system integration. Case in point: By adding localized memory on certain mechanical offerings, we can store mechanical productspecific setup parameters and user settings on each device. This allows dynamic interoperability between electrical and mechanical component categories, because the mechanical products now carry with them the relevant information to successfully connect to and operate them.
motioncontroltips.com | designworldonline.com
3/12/19 9:20 AM
