Arun Microelectronics Ltd is proud to share our latest custom UHV stage.
A customer contacted AML about a unique application that required a UHV compatible rotation stage with a centred load capacity of 220kg and 0.005° resolution. This is beyond the specification of any existing AML rotation stage, so a custom design was required. The design process began and AML worked in close collaboration with the end user to ensure their full requirements were being met throughout this process.
The stage features a rigid design allowing for high moment loads. The size of the sample being applied to the stage necessitated a 300mm diameter table that can be seen in the final version of the stage. Due to the large size of the stage, a combination of stainless-steel and UHV-prepared alumnium has been used to reduce mass. Additional weight-saving design features can be seen throughout the stage. For ease of connectivity, a D-sub connector was designed into the body of the stage. A constant force spring is included in the design to achieve a backlash less than the resolution of the stage. The stage was designed with the inclusion of an incremental encoder for position feedback and control.
- Vacuum: 1x10-10 mBar
- 0.005° resolution
- 220kg centred load capacity
- 300mm diameter table to coordinate with large load
- Features an incremental encoder
Once assembled, the stage went through rigorous load testing at the AML factory to guarantee the stage conformed to every requirement of the original application. This included applying loads of up to 220 kg to the stage and testing a varying speeds and accelerations.
Application Example
The custom high load rotation stage has already been used in a new mechanism designed by AML. The rigid design and load capacity of the custom rotation stage made it an optimal solution for the rotation axis of this mechanism with a large 850 mm length rotating cantilever beam. This mechanism exemplifies the versatility of AML's VSM stages and how they can be incorporated into designs as standard and in conjunction with custom stages.
High Load Stage
Features high specification bearings to increase load capacity. 300mm diameter table from the original rotation is replaced by a mounting table for the cantilever beam.
Cantilever Beam
Large 850mm length cantilever beam mounted on the custom rotation. The beam was designed specifically for this mechanism. It features a weight-saving design and is constructed with UHV-prepared aluminium.
VSM17 Stages
Fine sample manipulation is achieved with standard VSM17 stages. A VSM17-X-150-HR-LS is used for the Z-axis. A VSM17-G euler goniometer is mounted to the VSM17-X.
| Axis | R (Custom Rotation) | Z (VSM17-X-150-HR-LS) | G1 (VSM17-G-114-LS) | G2 (VSM17-G-070-LS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | D42.2 | D35.1+SG35-005 | D35.1 | D35.1 |
| Stacking Order | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Lubrication | Nyetorr® 6300 | Nyetorr® 6300 | Nyetorr® 6300 | Nyetorr® 6300 |
| Guide type | Crossed roller | Crossed roller | Crossed roller | Crossed roller |
| Load | - | - | - | 5kg |
| Travel | 0 -360° (not for continuous rotation) | 150mm | ±90° | ±15° |
| Resolution (per step) | 0.005° | 1µm | 0.005° | 0.005° |
If you would like to discuss you in-vacuum motion requirements, or are interested in learning more about our high load UHV rotation stage, please contact our dedicated team at sales@arunmicro.com.