Transport Design

VIEW systems achieve high accuracy and high operating speed by integrating proven materials and sound mechanical designs with state of the art motion control systems. The resulting system is highly accurate and repeatable, and is then fine tuned using non-linear error mapping.

All VIEW systems are built on a robust platform using carefully selected materials. Granite and stabilized cast iron form the base and support structures for the X, Y, and Z axis motions. These materials are thermally stable and can be machined to the required straightness and flatness.

Precision guiderails and reciprocating ball-bearing slides are used to guide the X and Y axis tables. For larger travel systems, the X and Y axis motions are completely separate, ensuring that neither influences the other when moving under load.

Direct drive servo motors are used for the Benchmark products, while non-contact linear motors are used for the Summit and Pinnacle systems. Linear motors provide very high acceleration and speeds, but because they do not contact the moving parts of the system, do not influence the straightness of motion.

Assembled systems are error mapped by measuring a certified grid plate with features spaced every 10 or 20 mm. By comparing the measured locations of each feature to their known, certified locations, a 2-dimensional error map is created that ensures the entire range of travel is calibrated and compensated for local variations in the accuracy of the motion system.