Aerotech: Linear Motor Drive Precision Stage (ALS1000 Series)

Linear Stages

Aerotech manufactures a large selection of positioning stages including linear stage models that utilize our own brushless linear direct-drive servomotors, as well as ball-screw models driven with Aerotech brush or brushless rotary motors. Innovators in linear stage design, manufacture and integration, Aerotech builds linear positioning stages for high-performance applications in industrial robots, fiber optics and photonics, vision systems, machine tools, assembly, semiconductor equipment, medical component laser machining, laser micromachining, electronic manufacturing, and other industrial automation applications.

Aerotech linear stages are available in X, XY and XYZ combinations to meet your motion requirements.

ALS1000 Mechanical-Bearing Direct-Drive Linear Stage

Design Features

The ALS1000 is a compact, high-performance stage that is as accurate as it is versatile. It provides a small cross section, cost-effective alternative for precision applications where a small footprint and environmental protection are required. A linear motion guide bearing system, two-axis internal cable management and high-performance brushless servomotor make the ALS1000 the stage of choice in industrial applications such as laser machining, medical component manufacturing and other applications requiring high accuracy in a production environment.

Construction Features

Sealed linear motion guide bearings with integral wipers are incorporated to provide excellent payload capability and long life. Both the metal waycover and tabletop are treated with a hardcoat (Rockwell 62 hardness) that is scratch-resistant and provides outstanding protection in the harshest applications. An optional air-purge fitting is available that allows air to be forced into the body of the stage to create a positive internal pressure that resists particulates from entering the stage. The tabletop utilizes stainless steel Helicoil™ inserts to protect mounting holes against thread wear. Optional stage finishes are available, including electroless nickel plating.

Linear Motor Drive

Aerotech’s high-power, cog-free, BLMC series linear motor drives the ALS1000. The non-magnetic forcer coil provides high force with zero cogging for super-smooth velocity and position control. This zero cogging design is ideal for applications requiring outstanding contour accuracy and smooth velocity profiling. As with all of Aerotech’s ALS series linear motor stages, the linear motor has zero backlash, no windup, zero friction and outstanding system responsiveness.

The magnetic field of the linear motor is totally self-contained within the U-channel design. Most high-performance applications cannot tolerate the stray magnetic fields generated by flat motor magnet tracks.

Cable Management System

Extensive R & D has resulted in an optimized cable management system (CMS) that is designed for millions of cycles of maintenance-free operation. In single- and two-axis systems, the CMS is completely internal to the stages, providing a turnkey system. External CMS is available for three-axis systems. Custom configurations are common and are readily available.

High Performance

Noncontact linear encoders with micron-level repeatabilities are standard on all ALS1000 series stages. Either a line-driver output or amplified sine-wave output encoder is available. Motor power and feedback signals terminate in the stage endplate allowing for a simple, clean interface.

The optional HALAR factory calibration further increases the standard accuracy and repeatability. Aerotech manufactures a wide range of matching drives and controls to provide a fully integrated and optimized motion solution.

Model No.: ALS10010, ALS10015, ALS10020, ALS10030, ALS10045