By Brian Fink, Product Manager, Aerotech
Optimizing motion systems to transform cylindrical tube stock into life-saving medical devices can be challenging, especially when the process needs to be both fast and precise. The key to success lies in identifying and optimizing machine design elements so the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
In precision machine design everything matters, and some aspects matter more than others. It’s crucial to identify the on- and off-axis error motion sources, particularly those that significantly contribute to dynamic errors, and use clever design techniques to minimize their influence. This involves identifying and understanding error sources; selecting machine components such as bearings, motors, collets and more that lessen the contribution of these errors; and applying advanced control techniques to further optimize performance.
Key to achieving both excellent precision and high speed simultaneously are:
- Identifying and mitigating error sources
- Making design decisions that enable high-dynamic performance
- Selecting an optimal workholding mechanism
- Pairing the mechanics with a controller that has performance-optimizing features and technology
- Recognizing that a purpose-engineered motion system will nearly always outperform individual stages and drives that are pieced together as components
By addressing these considerations, manufacturers of cylindrical medical products and devices – whether they are OEM machine builders, system integrators or job shops – can increase production rates while maintaining or even improving part quality and consistency, enabling them to better compete in the market.
Read the paper: https://bit.ly/3VNC8C5
Sponsored content by Aerotech
