Manufacturing Automation: Developing motion control and positioning for vacuum applications
by Stefan Vorndran
How motorized positioners meet requirements of vacuum applications through manufacturing and quality control processes
Figure 1: Four-axis system for an ultra-high vacuum application. Photo: PI
Applications in scientific research and industrial production often require motion and positioning in a vacuum.
Several factors influence the quality of the vacuum environment. One of the main challenges is outgassing of the components used. Manufacturers address this by providing standardized vacuum-ready or customized products that meet the requirements of high-vacuum (HV) and ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) applications.
This article focuses on motorized positioners for vacuum applications and describes how those are designed, manufactured and tested regarding their specific requirements.
Read more on Manufacturing Automation, one of Canadian Manufacturing‘s sister publications.
