Aerotech Upgrades Automation1 Software-Based Machine Controller

Pittsburgh, US – Aerotech Inc, a world leader in precision motion control and automation, has launched version 1.2 of Automation1, the world’s most user-friendly motion control platform. This upgrade adds gantry control, a C API, and several new drives to the platform.

Automation1 1.2 motion control platform enhancements include:

Linear-Theta Gantry Control – The Automation1 Software-Based Machine Controller (iSMC) now includes Linear-Theta Gantry Control, allowing for greater gantry flexibility and performance.
C API – The new C API library from the iSMC allows for complete flexibility and customization in interface design. Customers can now integrate any or all Automation1 functions into their custom application with ease.
CADFusion Support – CADFusion has been updated to export to AeroScript programming language format from Automation1. CADFusion includes a graphical motion trajectory development canvas as well as the ability to directly convert DXF/DWG files into program code. CADFusion includes a graphical motion trajectory development canvas as well as the ability to directly convert DXF/DWG files into program files. This reduces implementation risk while delivering significant improvements in part quality and throughput.
XC6e Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) Servo Motor Drive – The Automation1 XC6e drive is designed for users who need to move heavy payloads at high speeds while using high voltage, high currents, or both. It has a peak output of up to 100 amps and is available in 240 VAC and 480 VAC voltage options. It controls brushless, brush, voice coil, and stepper motors and includes a safe torque off (STO) safety circuit, a drive data array with more than 67 MB of memory, multi-axis Position Synchronized Output (PSO), an I/O expansion board, and a 65K encoder multiplier for amplified sine wave encoders with input frequencies of up to 2 MHz.
SI4 Stepper Controller – The SI4, a two- or four-axis stepper controller that interfaces with any standard stepper drive via clock and direction signals, allows users to coordinate motion with third-party motors while still reaping the benefits of the Automation1 platform. The SI4 has dedicated axis connectors with encoder feedback (sine +/-, cosine +/-, and marker inputs), two end-of-travel (EOT) limit switch inputs, amplifier enables and fault I/O, as well as optional absolute encoder and multi-axis PSO support.
AutoFocus for Drives – AutoFocus is now a standard feature on all Automation1 drives. AutoFocus is designed to simplify sensor integration and improve system performance in surface profiling and scanning applications. It is especially useful in applications where an external analog sensor is used to maintain a constant offset from a workpoint. It’s also used in sensor-based applications like force control.
Enhanced Throughput Module Support – The Enhanced Throughput Module (ETM), which is now standard for Automation1, improves the positioning performance of high-dynamic motion systems by directly measuring and communicating the unwanted motion of the machine base to the controller. The ETM enables the servo system to execute the desired motion path more effectively.
XL4s High-Performance Voice-Coil Driver – The XL4s digital drive includes a high-performance linear amplifier that is designed to drive single-phase motors while eliminating the non-linearities that are common with PWM amplifiers. Necessary for controlling Aerotech’s AGV3D Three-Axis Laser Scan Head and AGV5D Five-Axis Laser Micromachining Precession Scanner with the Automation1 platform, its 200 kHz update rate makes laser scan heads faster and more accurate.

Aerotech has previously introduced several drives that are compatible with the Automation1 platform, including the XL5e Linear Servo Motor Drive, the XC2e PWM Servo Motor Drive, the XR319" Drive Rack (configurable with up to six axes), the XC4e High-Performance Digital Drive, the XC4/XC2 PWM Digital Drive, the GL4 High-Performance Laser Scan Head Drive, and the XL4s High-Performance Voice-Coil Drive.

Patrick Wheeler, Product Manager, Aerotech, Inc, said, “Aerotech customers know they can count on us to deliver robust product lines that meet their precise, complex motion control needs. With Automation1 1.2, we’re introducing features and drives to the platform that make it even better equipped to control the most demanding applications – all with Automation1’s user-friendly interface.”

Image Source: Aerotech, Inc