Sinusoidal Scanning Motion Performance: Air Bearings vs. Mechanical Bearings
sub-nanometer resolution (Image: PI) A flexure guided, compact linear scanner with voice coil direct drive, 4mm motion range. (Image: PI) Mechanical Bearings vs. Air Bearings Air bearings provide superior [...] order to achieve the speeds and accelerations needed for sine scanning motion, a properly-sized direct-drive solution is necessary; in this case, a voice coil or a 3-phase linear motor. Voice coils work [...] Performance The product we tested was the PIglide A-131 with 25mm of travel. The stage features a direct-drive voice coil motor, optical linear encoder, and a fully preloaded 4-sided air bearing design. The