More throughput and quality for high-precision laser processes

Laser production of stents in medical technology: laser cutting on the left and tube laser processing on the right

The demand for laser processes with higher throughput is increasing across all industries, while quality standards are being tightened at the same time. Conventional laser scanning systems quickly reach their limits. The motion control experts at Aerotech are therefore offering their users an upgrade in scanner performance with an extended controller function: the "enhanced scanner control" (ESC-Enhanced Scanner Control) can be used without additional set-up or programming effort and ensures fewer errors with more throughput.

Aerotech's highly dynamic 2-axis laser scan heads, controlled via the Automation1 motion control platform, offer a unique benefit to laser process engineers and equipment manufacturers by bringing an additional level of performance to their automation processes. The enhanced control function ESC is now an optional upgrade to the hardware, firmware and controls, designed to provide significant added value to customers with more stringent requirements.

Simon Smith, European Director at Aerotech, summarises the advantages: "Motion profiles can be achieved more quickly and with the desired precision. Throughput gains in the process are increased and the machine performance allows cost targets of manufactured products to be improved."

With the new ESC control function, users can now achieve a lower total cycle time for their parts to be machined with higher quality without costly set-up work. Companies from a wide range of industries can now process their orders faster and with fewer errors without ever having to leave the processing window again. Time lost due to skip delays is eliminated and higher scan accelerations and speeds can be applied.

According to Aerotech, various applications are already benefiting from the new control functions. These include deep-hole laser drilling, which enables the creation of deep holes, vertical profiles, and multiple processing at the same location. Circular contouring has seen improvements with lower circularity error and higher constant speeds. In corner contouring, reduced tracking errors and increased speeds without tracking error limits have been achieved. Laser cutting and micromachining now offer faster cutting, higher quality, and greater throughput. Additionally, the laser welding of medical devices has resulted in more parts produced per hour with a higher yield.

Product implementation and schedule

ESC is now being introduced with the current version 2.7 of Automation1. The extended control function is standard for the AGV-XPO laser scanning head (galvo scanner) and as an additional option for the AGV-HP(O). According to the manufacturer, this is a controller function that does not require any hardware changes or further training. Simon Smith concludes: "We want to further consolidate our pioneering role in the motion control environment, which is why we are constantly developing new ideas together with our customers in order to create high-performance processes with maximum precision. The improved scanner control is another milestone on this path."

Aerotech Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, is a medium-sized, employee-owned company founded in 1970 by Stephen J. Botos. Specializing in the development and manufacture of the world's most powerful motion control and positioning systems, Aerotech serves a diverse clientele in industry, science, and research. Emphasising the values of a family business, Aerotech maintains open and trusting relationships with customers, business partners, and employees.

In Germany, Aerotech GmbH, located in Fürth, Franconia, represents the company. These subsidiary handles sales, service activities, and the customised assembly of positioning systems for the European market. Aerotech's innovative and high-precision motion solutions meet the critical demands of modern applications, delivering high throughput required in fields such as medical technology, life sciences, semiconductor and flat screen production, photonics, automotive, data storage, laser processing, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, inspection, testing, and assembly.

With advanced analysis and diagnostic capabilities, Aerotech ensures first-class technical support and service worldwide. When standard products do not meet specific application needs, Aerotech leverages its extensive expertise to provide specialised motion components and systems. The company's capability to manufacture customised applications is enhanced by its experience in supplying systems for vacuum and clean room operations.

Aerotech operates full-service subsidiaries in Germany (Fürth), the United Kingdom (Ramsdell), China (Shanghai), and Taiwan (Taipei), and employs approximately 500 people globally.

Source: Aerotech