Pittsburgh, PA - Aerotech has introduced the AGR series of motorized rotary stages, which provide improvements in speed, load capacity and long-term positioning performance over previous generations of worm-gear-drive stages. They address a wide range of applications for general purpose positioning in laboratory and industrial uses, in a robust and economical package.
The performance specifications for the AGR series are a step above the typical worm-drive rotary stage. Accuracy is to 20 arc seconds, with 8 arc seconds bi-directional repeatability, 30 rpm maximum speed, and 360 degrees continuous or optional limited travels. Tilt error motion is 10 arc seconds, axial error motion is 5 micron, radial error motion is 10 µm and maximum axial load is to 425 kg.
The addition of a larger clear aperture is a key enhancement over previous generations of worm-gear-driven stages. Apertures are available from 50 to 200 mm diameter. This feature allows the AGR series to address applications requiring a through-hole or accommodations to mount an optic, including articulation of beam polarizing lenses, through-holes for cabling and/or air lines, or vision/camera/inspection applications.
The AGR stage base is fabricated from an aluminum alloy that offers significant weight savings in multi-axis arrangements and other weight critical applications, while providing high structural stiffness and long-term stability. Each stage is designed with two high-precision angular contact bearings with optimal spacing to provide excellent error motions coupled with high load capacities in a small, compact package.