Modular positioning systems are custom-built for ultrasound test equipment manufacturer
LG Motion works closely with Precision Acoustics, providing the world leading ultrasound test systems manufacturer with modular and expandable gantry positioning system mechanics, motion controls and machine framing for its test tank scanning systems.
Dorchester based Precision Acoustics Ltd is a world leading consultancy for acoustic measurement and a designer and manufacturer of acoustic materials and measurement equipment. Its USM2 range of automated test tank scanning systems are used for the verification and standards calibration of ultrasound components across critical measurement applications in healthcare as well as industrial and research related non destructive testing.
LG Motion Limited is a major supplier to Precision Acoustics, providing motion controls, gantry positioning stages and test tank support frames as an integral and technology enabling part of these scanning systems.
As each test tank system is customised to suit the end users requirements, the resulting positioning dimensions and number of axes can vary considerably – making each system a 'special' for LG Motion. To maintain keen delivery times and competitive for each order, it is important to select modular and adaptable positioning stages, motion controls and support frame components that would suit these changing needs.
A typical specification for a test tank positioning system is a three axis XYZ gantry with a scanning area of up to 1000 mm x 1000 mm x 700 mm, requiring a positional accuracy to <0.05 mm per axis and a positioning resolution to <0.002 mm. Load is around 15 kg and scanning speeds to 20 mm/sec.
The modularity and specification requirements for the positioning mechanics are fulfilled with LG Motion's BiSlide range of low-cost positioning stages configured with stepper motor driven parallel X axes and single Y and Z axes. Accuracy and repeatability is assured with motor mounted rotary optical encoders, providing position verification via Parker microstepping drives. Further modularity is included for the positioning system and test tank support using the MiniTec ProfileSystem – a range of aluminium profiles and machine building components that allow rapid design and machining-free assembly.
