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ABTech inc is regularly contracted to engineer and manufacture new customized motion systems using ultra-precision air bearing technologies. Here are some recent projects ABTech has successfully delivered:

Multi-Function Air Bearing Lathe/Grind Machine

ABTech inc developed and produced these custom multi-functional machines for manufacture and assembly of the X-ray optics-module for NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) project.

Each machine utilizes ABTech's linear boxway air bearing slides to provide smooth and precise X and Z axis movement. The customer's flatness and straightness specification of <1 micron over 600 mm of travel was met without the need for software compensation!

Mounted on the stacked stage is a pivoting turret assembly which the technician can easily switch between three tools; a high speed air bearing grinding spindle; a diamond tool; or an air bearing LVDT probe.

The optics-module is held between centers of a work holding spindle and tail stock spindle parallel to the Z axis.

Controlled by a Delta Tau CNC controller the machine is a turnkey system for this unique application.

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    NuSTAR Optics Module Machine (A)

    ABOVE: Multi-axis air bearing machine for turning, grinding measuring and assembly of X-Ray telescope optics (optics module work holding side view)

    Delta Tau CNC controller and electrical cabinet positioned on end of maachine with remote control pendant and swing-arm touch screen display for accessibility from all sides of machine.

    BELOW: View showing multi-position turret assembly mounted on stacked linear air bearing stages
    NuSTAR Optics Module Machine (B) 

     


    2-Axis Air Bearing Lathe Platform

    ABTech designed and manufactured an air bearing based 2 axis lathe for a leading OEM automotive parts manufacturer. Once again representing the clean and compact design that ABTech machines are noted for this system combined 3 servo driven air bearings for ultra-precision and repeatable movement.

    Features:
    		   
    Air Bearing 2 Axis Lathe

    5-Axis Optical Metrology Station


    OptiPro Systems, a respected optical machine manufacturer approached ABTech to supply air bearing stages for their prototype metrology station. Using the customer’s concept as the framework ABTech applied its expertise in multi-axis motion and its understanding of geometric measurement principles to propose the design, manufacture and certification of a complete motion platform.

    Don’t let the simplicity of the design fool you, this system incorporates six ultra-precision ABTech manufactured air bearings providing five axes of motion each with direct drive motors and high resolution encoders.

    Features:
    • Compact and uncluttered design with 5-axis motion:
      • A 10” rotary air bearing with dual read heads mounted on stacked X-Y linear air bearing stages
      • A vertical Z-axis linear air bearing with ceramic rail supports a face mounted 4” rotary air bearing and is counterbalanced over an air bearing roller sleeve
    • A bi-level precision granite base suspended on air bags on a vibration isolation stand reduces outside interference
    • Granite, ceramic and steel materials and Invar linear scales for thermal stability
    • X-Y linear stages with vertical stiffness > 1 million pounds/inch
    • Accuracy: +/- 1 µm over 8” linear travel in X, Y and Z directions
    • Rotary error motion: +/- 1 arc second total over 360° move
    • Renishaw linear and rotary encoders and dual Signum 5 nm resolution read heads eliminates odd error harmonics
    • Made in the U.S.A. 
    • Download a printable datasheet 
    • Request proposal from ABTech to engineer your prototype system
    		  
    OptiPro 5-Axis Optical Metrology Station

    See ABTech's system featured in articles in these trade magazines and websites:

    Design World Magazine (Nov 2008)
    Automation.com 
    AllBusiness.com
    Society of Mechanical Engineers - Manufacturing Engineering (Jan 2009)
    Fabricating & Metalworking (Feb 2009)
    Renishaw.com (Download Renishaw's Case Study)

    High Speed Air Bearing Spindle with Touch Pad Motion Controller


    This ultra-precision air bearing spindle was developed by ABTech as a component for a customer's fly cutter/ruling machine. The customer wanted a new level of performance so they could produce a more accurate part right off their machine. ABTech designed this 5" high speed spindle with 50% better stiffness than their previous option and met their challenging requirement.

    The controller was programmed for easy operator input and monitoring of speed set points with digital readout and "start", "stop" and "coast" buttons. A built in pressure sensor prevents the motor from turning the air bearing if a drop in air pressure is detected.

    Features:
    • Rotary air bearing spindle with 5" diameter thrust plate
    • 3.125" diameter x 7.0" long main shaft
    • Flange mount design
    • DC brushless servo motor drive
    • High resolution rotary encoder
    • Digital amplifier and preprogrammed controller with DRO
    • Max speed: 6,000 rpm
    • Radial error motion: < 4.0 µ" @ 1" from spindle nose
    • Axial error motion: 1.15 µ" 
    • Radial asynchronous error motion: < 2.0 µ" @ 1" from spindle nose
    • Air consumption: 1.5 scfm @ 60 psi
    • Download a printable datasheet 
    • Request information on this product
    		 
    sp125_air_bearing_spindle.jpg

    Check Back Again Soon!

    ABT ech inc is currently developing additional new ultra-precision motion projects. Bookmark this page for upcoming press releases with more details our latest developments.

    Don't see what you need? ABTech welcomes the opportunity to meet your unique motion challenges. We have a successful track record for high quality custom design and manufacturing of air bearing, oil hydrostatic, and mechanical bearing systems for the most challenging motion and geometry applications. Contact us today so we can provide you with a solution to your demanding precision motion applications!

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    ABTech, Inc. • PO Box 10296 • 126 Monadnock Highway • Swanzey, NH USA 03446
    info@abtechmfg.com • Tel: 603-358-6431 • Fax: 603-358-0196