Aerotech, the specialist in motion control and positioning systems, presents its new hexapod. The HEX150-125HL is suitable for high-precision positioning and motion tasks down to the nanometer range. Compared to the predecessor model, it features a more compact design and a lower height. Additionally, structural improvements have been made to the HEX150-125HL that, according to the manufacturer, lead to a significant increase in performance.
The new hexapod from Aerotech offers a versatile solution for users who need to position workpieces with high dynamics and precision. Thanks to its special design, the parallel-kinematic hexapod is extremely robust and stiff. It is therefore particularly suitable for use in automation solutions and is ideal for measurement and testing technology, for example in quality assurance. Aerotech also sees diverse applications for the HEX150-125HL in the fields of electronics, photonics, automotive, mechanical engineering, and medical technology.
Robust, compact, and yet flexible
Compared to its predecessor, the HEX150-140HL, the new HEX150-125HL has a number of improvements: a reduced height of
125 mm and a base diameter of 150 mm with a medium Z travel, a reduction of cables to only two cables, one for motor power and one for feedback, a simplified strut design, and a larger, more robust joint design. 'The joints are directly integrated into the base and the moving platform, which increases the stiffness and load capacity of the miniature positioning system,' explains Simon Smith, European Director at Aerotech. 'Furthermore, our users get more performance for less money: our new HEX150-125HL costs 30 percent less than its predecessor.'
More performance for less money
The unmistakable advantages over other positioning systems lie in the flexible six degrees of freedom, which allow for precise translation in the X, Y, and Z directions as well as rotation around each of these axes while ensuring exact positioning.
With a movable working platform of 130 mm in diameter, the
HEX150 can handle loads of up to 12 kg vertically and 5 kg horizontally with travel distances of 42 mm in X, 44 mm in Y, and 17 mm in Z.
Additionally, it offers a central opening with a diameter of 35 mm.
The new hexapod also increases the number of available positioning paths with a minimal incremental movement of 15 nm. It provides improved repeatability, higher speeds in the X and Y directions of 30 mm/s and in the Z direction of 8 mm/s compared to its predecessor model, as well as improved load capacity, which according to the manufacturer leads to a significant increase in performance in application.
Efficient motion control with XA drive technology
The HEX150-125HL can be moved with the new XA4-DC-AX2 and AX4 drives from Aerotech. These compact single and multi-axis servo drives are suitable for installation in a control cabinet. The XA drive series is an integral part of Aerotech's user-friendly Automation1 motion control platform, which allows systems to be precisely configured and controlled. The platform features its own software-based motion controller that facilitates the control of the servo drives.
The XA drives support multiple feedback device types and feature an on-board memory for high-speed data acquisition
and process control. With the integrated Automation1 control, up to twelve HyperWire motion axes can be controlled and up to nine user tasks can be executed simultaneously. The HEX150-125HL can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack, under a machine base, or on another plate.
Simon Smith summarizes: 'With the new HEX150-125HL, we once again set new standards in precision and flexibility. In combination with the XA drive technology and the motion control platform Automation1, we offer our customers a powerful and cost-effective overall solution that opens up a wide range of application possibilities. Our primary design goal was to improve motion performance while further increasing the efficiency and user-friendliness of our products.'
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