Aerotech debuts FiberMaxHP Photonics Alignment Platform

Aerotech Inc. has unveiled FiberMax_HP, a second-generation 3-6 axis photonics alignment platform. It is designed for automated, 24/7 production environments that require speed, accuracy, and resolution.

The company asserts the system’s drive and control technology ensures many years of maintenance-free service. The noncontact direct-drive technology enables both high-precision alignment and high production throughput, Aerotech asserts. It is capable of 2-nm linear and 0.05-µrad rotary minimum incremental motion, with speeds to 400 mm/s, the company says.

Aerotech says its controllers work with a variety of smart cameras and machine vision systems to help facilitate first light. Power servo scanning algorithms can be called to optimize power coupled through the devices. Standard scanning routines include fast align, hill climb, spiral, and raster searches in up to six axes of motion.

The FiberMax_HP platform enables creation of a virtual pivot point, in which rotation can occur at any user-defined point in space rather than the physical rotation point of the FiberMaxHP axes. This capability assists the speed and accuracy of active alignment. The platform also is available with an array of software and hardware options for application customization.

Many applications require manual adjustment of fixtures and parts for a one-time initial alignment, according to Aerotech. With this in mind, the FiberMax_HP comes with 1-3 axes of manual angular alignment with ±2° of motion. These manual adjustment axes mount directly to the direct-drive platform and offer a more economical approach to alignment when adjustment is not frequently required, Aerotech says.

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