Aerotech (Pittsburgh, PA) has debuted the HEX500-350HL hexapod for use in x-ray diffraction, sensor testing, and high-force device manipulation. It is actuated with six high-accuracy struts that are built with precision preloaded bearings, ball screws, and drive components, and driven by AC brushless, slotless servomotors directly coupled to the actuator ball screw. It offers minimum incremental motion (20nm in XYZ and 0.2μrad for θxθyθz) when compared to designs that use belts or compliant couplings, and the strut pivot-joints are engineered to provide low friction and high stiffness. A 150mm-diameter clear aperture in both the platform and base allow for workpiece access from the bottom. The base is designed with mounting holes to adapt directly to English or metric optical tables. The hexapod can also be vacuum prepared for demanding applications in synchrotron sample or optics adjustment, semiconductor manufacturing and inspection, or satellite sensor testing.
For more information, please visit www.aerotech.com.