Bearing Gantry System Uses Renishaw Encoder
Steinmeyer-FMD's multi-axis air bearing gantry system is achieving speed and accuracy with the help of Renishaw's Tonic optical incremental encoder. Precision engineering and precision optics company, Steinmeyer-FMD, has introduced the linear-axis gantry system for applications requiring ultra-high precision. Applications include laser machines, dispensing systems, inspection systems, pick-and-place machines and gene chip production equipment. The motion system consists of an XY stage utilising air bearings and a conventional ball-screw-driven Z table, with the Tonic optical linear encoder providing incremental position feedback on all linear axes. The motor concept is based on a wear- and noise-less drive operating at very high speeds. Depending on the application, the XYZ design can be fitted with A and B axes and adapted to the required load, speed and accuracy. Smooth velocity control is achieved as the Tonic encoder incorporates dynamic signal processing within the read ...