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Dover's New AirGlide Air Bearing Positioning System

Date: 03 January 2011

Following Heason Technology's appointment as the exclusive UK distributors for precision positioning system specialist Dover, the West Sussex based motion control equipment and systems integrator has launched the new AirGlide Ultra Precise Air Bearing System.

With positional accuracy to within 3 microns for the standard version and better than 1 micron for the interferometer calibrated version, the AirGlide has a bidirectional repeatability of +/- 0.3 microns over a travel range of up to 1000 mm. The high-stiffness/ultra-smooth bearing system has a space saving shuttle design that features a high-speed linear brushless servomotor and perfectly suits precise velocity scanning as well as nanometre level step and repeat applications in high throughput production systems or research.

A choice of sub-micron or nanometre resolution encoders in single axis or XY configurations from 150 mm to 1000 mm travel are available and AirGlide's impressive standard specifications include an acceleration capability to 5 m/s², maximum velocity to 1 m/s and loads up to 40 kg. These application dependant values may be increased and can be adapted for specific customer requirements with Heason and Dover engineering support teams available to assist customers from initial design through to commissioning and beyond.

AirGlide includes a high flex cable management system with standardised termination connectors for simplified integration. Options include low profile Z-theta assemblies in complementary precision grades and wafer vacuum chucks. Additional signal and air lines can be routed to the top plate, and customised interfacing fixture plates and complete granite machine bed and frame systems can also be provided.

AirGlide's bearing system uses Dover's unique clog-free technology which provides superior reliability whilst eliminating many costly filtration components and the non contacting bearing and motor system combines for almost limitless life with extremely low maintenance.

Dover has a 40-year history in air bearing system design with applications across semiconductor, life sciences, medical instrumentation and metrology as well as emerging technologies such as flat panel display and solar production systems. The decision to appoint Heason as the exclusive UK distribution partner follows a long and successful history with the product line which includes the former NEAT (New England Affiliated Technologies) range of positioning mechanics which are now manufactured under the Dover banner. The decision also reflects Heason Technology's recent appointment of Jason Breslin to head up its technical sales team - a move that further signalled the Company's objective to augment its market position as a premier European designer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronics based motion control systems for manufacturing and research. Jason joined Heason with a strong and successful background in mechanical and electronic motion control following ten years with Newport-Spectra Physics.

The Dover range includes linear and rotary stages in high to medium precision grades that encompass air and mechanical bearing technologies complete with linear or rotary servomotor drive systems. The range also includes air-bearing spindles and drive electronics.

Heason Technology works closely with global distribution partners to provide a comprehensive range of first-class motion control components in combination with its own in-house design and assembly service for superior motion system solutions that help its customers to excel in their own technologies, with the advanced positioning performance they require.

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