Suggestions on Solving Problem With Stepper Motors and Servo Motors
What is αSTEP AZ Series?
Overview
The αSTEP AZ Series is a positioning motor that can be used as a stepper motor or a servo motor. This is a unique motor that combines the advantages of the stepper motors and the servo motors by hybridizing open loop control and closed loop control based on the stepper motor. Equipped with a battery-free absolute encoder.
Adoption Results
Since its release in 2013, the αSTEP AZ series has been adopted in a wide range of applications, primarily in FA (factory automation). Examples include wafer transfer in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, adjusting camera focus in inspection equipment, precision stage drives used in electron microscopes, and driving medical dispensing equipment and analyzers.
Time-saving Solution for Stepper Motors
The AZ Series solves the problem of "Time-consuming equipment design and production." The AZ series eliminates the need for position detection sensors, is closed loop control and high-speed return-to-home operation that can be reduced equipment design, manufacturing time and time for return-to-home operation time compared to stepper motors. In addition, easy to replace that structure is based on the stepper motor.
Troublesome Home Sensor or Limit Sensor are Not Required
The AZ Series is equipped with a battery-free absolute encoder, which enables position information to be retained even when the power to the motor is turned off. This eliminates the need for a position detection sensor such as a home or limit sensors. As a result, reduces equipment design time, production time, and maintenance time. For example, for a 3-axis linear motion mechanism, the use of the AZ Series reduces the nine position detection sensors (when using a total of three sensors per axis). It also eliminates the need for sensor cable routing and wiring.
Avoid Abnormal Stop Due to Overload
The AZ Series controls the motor so that generated torque increases when overload occurs. Equipment downtime is reduced because problems caused by insufficient torque can be avoided.
Overwhelmingly Fast Return-to-Home
In general return-to-home operation takes time, because the motor moves at low speed while sensing the limit sensor (±LS) or home sensor (HOME). The AZ series, return-to-home operation can be performed at the same speed as normal positioning operation because the home position can be set on the battery-free absolute encoder. The production capacity of the equipment is improved.
Easy to Monitor Motor Status and Test Runs
The AZ Series can be motor test runs, I/O signal test, alarm monitor, and status monitor (position, speed, load factor, temperature, etc.). This reduces the time required for checking or adjustment work during equipment production. In addition, effective in estimating the cause when a problem occurs. Operation can be performed using the support software MEXE02.
Space-saving Solution for Servo Motors
The AZ Series solves the problem for "Space saving is necessary due to an increase in the number of equipment parts." The AZ Series provide easier to space saving and downsize equipment compared to servo motors by the feature of the compact driver and motor. The AZ Series are available in an equivalent to servo motors of 50W to 400W.
Ultra Compact Size Driver
The AZ Series DC input type has a very small driver size compared to servo motors. Contributes to space saving for equipment and control cabinets. This is effective when the number of components or motors to be mounted on the equipment needs to be increased, but the footprint cannot be enlarged.
Compact Geared Motors and Actuators With Integrated Structure
The AZ Series offers a wide range of products integrated with gears, rotary tables, ball screws, and other mechanical components. Integrated structure reduces the number of components and makes the size compact. This contributes to space saving and size reduction of the equipment.
Can Be Controlled by the Same Industrial Network As the Servo Motors
The AZ Series similar to servo motors, can be controlled via an industrial network. The wide variety of supported network types enable flexible support by "Reusing the existing design for the mechanism and changing the network type for the driver to meet the required specifications." This allows reusing of equipment designs becomes easier, reducing design time. It also using an industrial network reduces the number of signal wirings, which also contributes to space savings.
AZ Series Product Line
The AZ Series offers a lineup that can perform a wide range of rotational and linear motion required for equipment.
Motors and Geared Motors
The optimal type can be selected based on torque, stopping accuracy (backlash), and price. Geared motors are available with planetary gears, spur gears, right-angle shafts, and harmonic gearhead.
Electric Actuators
Line up with wide range of electric actuators, consisting of motors and mechanical components. Electric linear slides, hollow rotary actuators, rack-and-pinion systems and grippers etc. are available.
Drivers
In addition to being compatible with a wide range of industrial networks, a variety of power supply input types (AC, DC) and shapes (single-axis drivers, multi-axis drivers, compact drivers) are available.
Robots
Compact, lightweight robot, uses the AZ Series as its power source. Vertical articulated robots, SCARA robots, and cartesian robots etc. are available.
