March 16, 2011 - Operations Technology, Inc. introduces a line of fast, highly accurate three-axis staging/transport systems. OPTEK Transport Systems feature granite bases and bearing ways, are driven by linear motors that generate no heat and position to a small fraction of a micron. In addition, these air-bearing transports are close-looped to advanced, one-tenth micron linear scales that are bonded to granite X and Y axes. OPTEK systems offer accuracy greater than four microns, repeatability greater than three microns and a transport speed of up to 30 inches per second.
The systems also feature a center drive in all three axes, which reduces asymmetric thrust and eliminates the need for a separate (slave) scale. For optimal stability, systems feature split-axis operation. For example, the product being staged moves in the Y-axis and the camera (or other device) moves in the X-axis. The systems’ Y-axis table and X-axis carriage “float” on air bearings, creating a friction-free operation that is extremely smooth and quiet, even at high speeds. This configuration also permits installation in clean room environments, as no lubrication is necessary.
Other design refinements include the absence of expensive, noisy, friction-inducing bellows and pinch points at the front of the machine, which are common in competitive systems. “Our systems are 100% documented in 3D CAD solids, allowing easy configuration changes for customer applications”, said Rich Amon, President of OPTEK. “In addition” continued Amon, “with on-site CNC machining, painting and assembly operations, all systems are fabricated in the USA under one roof, making them a surprisingly affordable solution for OEM’s.” Each of OPTEK’s five transport systems, available in 12” x 12”, 18” x 12”, 28” x 24”, 38” x 30”, and 50” x 36” ranges, are provided with 8” of Z-axis travel.
Systems are provided on floor-standing welded steel frames, with or without amplifiers and computer controllers. Custom fiberglass “hoods” are also available, in addition to a variety of other options and accessories, based on customer specifications. Operations Technology, Inc. has been designing and manufacturing precision metrology systems since 1978.