The ILS Series is a robust line of fast, sub-micron resolution linear stages constructed with a light, stiff aluminum body and reliable components that prevent thermal bending effects. They provide 50-250 mm of travel and are capable of high-duty cycles in light industrial applications. Stepper motors are a lower cost alternative to DC servo systems for less demanding applications. These stages feature micro-stepping and a screw-mounted rotary encoder to improve resolution and smoothness of motion.
Stiff, FEM optimized extruded aluminum body prevents thermal bending effects
For less demanding applications, a stepper motor can be a more economical solution than a DC motor. A stepper motor operates using the basic principle of magnetic attraction and repulsion, converting digital pulses into mechanical shaft rotation. To improve the resolution and smoothness of motion, these stages feature micro-stepping, a method of electronically dividing a full-step of motion into a high number of partial steps.
Basic working principle of a micro-stepping stepper motor
ILS Stage Motor Options
ILS Series stages are available with the following motors:
Stepper Motor (ILS-BPP) - For less demanding applications, a stepper motor can be a more economical solution than a DC motor.
High-torque DC motor (ILS-CC) - Best characterized by their high speeds, smooth motion, good efficiency and a high power/weight ratio, DC motors are preferable to stepper motor stages for applications requiring high dynamic speed and tight repeatability.
Linear Motor (ILS-LM) - The ILS-LM employs a centered, high efficiency 3-phase, synchronous ironless, linear motor. This drive system is noise-free and provides higher speed, acceleration and system responsiveness without the wear associated with motor brushes or drive screws.
Finite element method (FEM) was used to optimize the structural design of the ILS Series stage aluminum body allowing for extreme stiffness and minimizing bi-metal bending without compromising weight. The rigid body design reduces deflection under load allowing for the highest performance possible in an aluminum stage design. FEM optimized IMS stages are also available which offer longer travel ranges, higher load capacities, and larger moving platforms.
Rotary Encoder for Improved Performance
Stepper motors are often run open-loop, with position attained by the number of commanded steps and micro-steps. This works reliably when used within their specified torque and speed range; however, the motion of a stepper motor becomes unpredictable outside their specified range. To avoid screw/motor coupling errors, position measurements of these stages are read on a 4000 cts/rev. rotary encoder located directly on the screw.
Recirculating Ball Bearing Slides
The recirculating ball bearing slides provide excellent payload capabilities and longer life with accurate linear trajectory. It mitigates the issue of ball cage migration, which is typically found on linear ball bearings or crossed roller bearings.
Backlash-free Precision Ground Ballscrew
These motorized linear stages include a preloaded, backlash-free, precision ground ball screw, which provides smooth, rapid motion with short step and settling time. The screw profile is designed to reduce heating effects, extending the life of the stage.
Other ILS Stage Features
A rigid top cover prevents damage to the drive train and protects it from dust and debris. ILS Series stages also feature an origin located at the center of travel for repeatable initialization, limit switches to prevent over travel, and elastomeric end-of-run dampers for smooth emergency braking.
Multi-Axis Assemblies
Newport's standard motorized stages and components can be easily combined to create hundreds of possible multi-axis systems. Depending on the products and application, our standard assemblies are available with the following precision alignments:
Orthogonality to 50 μrad
Axes Coincidence to 20 μm
XY Assembly Example
An IMS300 linear stage (X-axis) and ILS150 linear stage (Y-axis) mounted directly to each other for high precision and accuracy in two axes of linear motion.
X-Θz Assembly
An ILS150 linear stage (X-axis) and a URS100 rotation stage (Θz angle) mounted directly to each other for high precision and accuracy in one axis of linear motion and one axis of rotary motion.
XYZ Assembly Example
An IMS linear stage (X-axis), an ILS linear stage (Y-axis) mounted directly to the IMS, and an ILS linear stage mounted on an EQ120
right angle bracket for high precision and accuracy in one axis of linear motion and one axis of rotary motion.
XZ-Θz Assembly
An ILS250 linear stage (X-axis), a GTS30V vertical stage (Z-axis) and a URS100 rotation stage (Θz angle) mounted directly to each other for high precision and accuracy in two axes of linear motion and one axis of rotary motion.
XY-Θz Assembly Example
An IMS300 linear stage (X-axis), an ILS150 linear stage (Y-axis) and a URS100 rotation stage (Θz angle) mounted directly to each other for high precision and accuracy in two axes of linear motion and one axis of rotary motion.
Individual Stage Metrology Report is Included
Newport guarantees specification values which are measured and recorded following ASME B5.57 and ISO 230-2 standards. The typical performance values are two times better than the guaranteed specifications.
ILS Stage Load Characteristics
Compatible motion controllers for these stepper motor driven stages are shown below:
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