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16 April 2007

Aerotech's on-line webcasts provide motion control learning resource

Pioneering web based interactive presentations for motion control theory and application information, Aerotech have recently released two new webcasts covering inertia matching for high load systems and an application for high-speed laser welding of fuel cells.

The Design News E2E Webcast features a subject heading of Inertia Ratio Analysis for Coupled and Direct-Drive Systems, addressing the implications on system performance for large inertial mismatches and how stiffness in combination with inertia dictates the resonant mode of a motion system. Expelling the premise that a matched load and motor inertia of up to 10:1 was the ideal scenario, Ron Rekowski M.S.E.E, Aerotech's Laser and Medical Systems Group Director explains how systems should be analysed as a number of spring elements rather than a single inertial load. The tutorial explains how Aerotech's own A3200 Automation Platform features a loop transmission analysis tool to analyse and calculate motion system resonance and provide filters that can dynamically improve performance for load to inertia mismatches of up to 30:1.

The complete presentation was originally broadcast as a live interactive seminar and is now available on-demand using the link: http://www.accelacast.com/programs/design_aerotech_live/

The second Webcast is a fascinating insight into the development of laser welding systems for fuel cell components, typically made up of several layers of thin, stainless steel plates of between 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm thickness. Each plate is welded using continuous fibre-laser technology that delivers 600 W of power in a 9 µm beam with target welding speeds up to 50 metres per minute. Using brushless and cog-free direct drive linear motor based positioning systems to achieve the high-speeds and precision demanded by this challenging application, a typical fuel cell contains up to 400 plates, each requiring around 1 metre of extremely high quality welding. The total future demand is estimated to be in excess of 400 million metres of weld per year - all this at aerospace quality but with automotive industry pricing. Presented by Stan Ream, Fuel Cell Team Leader of The Edison Welding Institute in conjunction with Industrial Laser Solutions magazine, it includes a detailed technical and commercial perspective of this exciting technology which is shaping energy usage for the future generations. Follow http://www.talkpoint.com/viewer/presentation.asp for the presentation.

Aerotech are leading the field in webcasting as a means of interactive training for motion systems and now have a full suite of training modules available for its A3200 Digital Automation Platform. Designed for up to 32 axes of high speed, high precision motion and machine control, this software based system runs on a standard PC and combines Firewire® interfaced servo drives each independently processing position velocity and current loops at closure rates of up to 20 KHz with optional modules for HMI, PLC and vision control. The fully deterministic system is programmable in a choice of languages including Aerotech's own AEROBasic™, RS274 G-code, C, C++, VisualBasic®, Delphi and LabviewTM. The new training modules offer customers up to 10 hours of training from the comfort of their own offices without the need for expensive and time-consuming travel.

For details of forthcoming webcasts and for information on all aspects motion systems theory and applications, users can subscribe to Aerotech's monthly "In-Motion" E-Newsletter via the www.aerotech.com website.

Contact: Cliff Jolliffe
E: cjolliffe@aerotech.co.uk


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