Leading nanometer-precision motion control specialist, ALIO Industries, has developed motion control solutions perfectly matched for a range of exacting laser processing applications.
Today, laser processing machines can cut extremely complicated shapes, but they are typically limited to working in two dimensions. This means that when more complex geometries or cuts are needed, it is necessary to cut in one dimension, turn the part, and cut again. This often makes the process prohibitively time consuming and expensive, and plays to the fact that motion control systems for laser processing would benefit from 6D repeatability performance validated by 6D Point Precision® performance specification.
These systems can achieve highly accurate positioning, with sub-micron level precision and repeatability. This level of precision is crucial in many industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing, where the accuracy of the laser processing can have a significant impact on the quality and safety of the final product. They enable manufacturers to produce high-quality, intricate parts with speed and precision, improving their competitiveness and profitability.
Bill Hennessey, President of ALIO Industries says, “Laser processing is often faster and more cost-effective than traditional machining methods, and with increasing demand for miniaturization, customization, and automation, laser processing technologies are poised to play an even more significant role in the future, driving innovation and improving productivity in various industries. With this in mind, and to achieve the manufacture of high-quality, often extremely complex parts with both accuracy and speed, at ALIO we use 6D point precision to validate the 6D repeatability performance on our single and multi-axis motion control systems. Point Precision® in multi-axis movement allows for the creation of more complex shapes, industry-leading flatness, and straightness which decreases the risk of burning the material being processed.”
As a manufacturer of high-precision motion control systems, ALIO Industries uses 6D Point Precision® to validate the 6D repeatability performance of its single and multi-axis motion control systems used in laser processing applications. The Point Precision® methodology involves taking measurements at six different points in space, including x, y, z position, pitch, yaw, and roll. By taking measurements at these six different points, ALIO Industries can ensure that its motion control systems can achieve high-precision positioning and repeatability across all six degrees of freedom. NIST has now produced the ASME B5.64 standard “Methods for the Performance Evaluation of Single Axis Linear Positioning Systems” which advocates a new method for defining the precision of advanced motion control solutions similar to suggestions made by ALIO Industries moving away from conventional planar methodologies.
By validating its motion control systems using 6D point precision, ALIO can provide its customers with a high level of confidence in the performance and reliability of its products for laser processing applications.
Specifically, ALIO has a number of motion control solutions suited to laser processing. Its Hybrid Hexapod®, for example, is a multi-axis motion control system that combines the precision and accuracy of a hexapod with the long travel range of a linear stage. It provides six degrees of freedom, including x, y, z position, pitch, roll, and yaw, and can achieve sub-micron level precision and repeatability vital for an array of laser processing applications.
Hennessey continues, “We have also developed True Nano® precision rotary motion stages, with sub-arc-second resolution, making them ideal for a variety of laser processing applications where nanoscale precision is required such as laser cutting, welding, and marking, and can also be integrated into larger motion control systems to provide multi-axis control, further expanding their applications. In addition, we offer a range of linear motion control stages, including air-bearing and mechanical bearing stages, that can provide high-precision linear motion control for laser processing applications. These stages offer a variety of features, including sub-micron level precision and repeatability, long travel ranges, and high load capacity, and are designed to provide a high level of accuracy and reliability, even in harsh industrial environments. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of each laser processing application.”