Precision Motion Stages

Accuracy and repeatability are important, but engineers should also consider minimum step size, stiffness, load, travel, speed, feedback, operating environment and performance across all six degrees of freedom. The right stage depends on how the system will actually be used.

A stage can experience straightness, flatness, pitch, yaw and roll errors even when moving along a single axis. Evaluating all six degrees of freedom gives a more complete picture of positioning performance at the point that matters in the application.

Minimum step size depends on where it is measured. Sensor location, force delivery, bearing type and load-point offset can mean the motion achieved at the load is different from the value measured at the actuation point.

A  custom system may be needed when standard stages cannot meet the required motion, packaging, load, environment or integration requirements. Allient can adapt motion technologies around the needs of the application rather than forcing the application around a standard platform.

Precision depends on more than the stage specification alone. Mechanical architecture, feedback location, control strategy, structural stiffness and integration can all affect the position achieved at the actual point of work.