Aerotech: Linear Motor Drive Precision Stage (ALS5000WB 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.

ALS5000WB Mechanical-Bearing Direct-Drive Linear Stage

Design Features

The ALS5000WB is a large-base version of the popular ALS5000 series stage. The wider bearing spacing makes the ALS5000WB ideally suited for applications with large offset loads and is commonly used as the lower axis in XY stage systems with large travel. The ALS5000WB also incorporates dual linear motors, effectively doubling the force output of a standard ALS5000 stage.

Rugged Construction

The ALS5000WB shares all of the same rugged design features of the ALS5000. The tabletop utilizes stainless steel Helicoil® inserts to protect mounting holes against thread wear.

The integral metal waycover provides protection from hot sparks or debris. Both the metal waycover and tabletop are treated with a hardcoat (Rockwell 62 hardness) that is scratch-resistant and provides outstanding protection.

To further provide the stage with protection from a caustic environment, the ALS5000WB utilizes Aerotech's unique tensioned side-strap system. The straps are in a vertical orientation that prevents debris from accumulating on top of them and are tensioned to create a tight seal. An optional air-purge is available that allows air to be forced into the body of the stage. This creates a positive pressure that prevents any particulate, no matter how fine, from entering the stage.

To aid in system assembly, the base mounting holes are located outboard of the stage. Therefore, the stage can be mounted without removing the hardcover.

Performance

By increasing the overall width of the stage the spacing between the linear bearings was dramatically increased. This wider spacing allows the ALS5000WB to handle high cantilever loads and still maintain the high accuracy expected of an Aerotech product. In XY systems this wider base translates into greater support for the upper axis, effectively increasing its performance, particularly when handling a heavy load.

Dual Linear Motor Drive

Dual high-power, cog-free, BLM series linear motors drive the ALS5000WB to a peak force of over 2500 N. High accelerations are achievable even with heavy loading.

Since the BLM is a cog-free design, the ALS5000WB is ideal for applications requiring outstanding contour accuracy and smooth velocity profiling. As with all Aerotech ALS series linear motor stages, the linear motor has zero backlash, no windup, zero friction and outstanding system responsiveness.

Model No.: ALS50045WB, ALS50060WB, ALS50075WB, ALS50090WB, ALS50100WB