IMTS 2012: Resolute UHV from Renishaw are ultra-high vacuums that offer true-absolute position feedback and sub-micron accuracy for semiconductor and scientific applications that require vacuum compatibility.

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Resolute UHV is an ultra-high vacuum compatible readhead from Renishaw, offering true-absolute position feedback, sub-micron accuracy and resolutions to 1 nm for both linear and rotary applications. Renishaw said this is the world's first true-absolute optical UHV encoder. The new range of Resolute UHV encoders are constructed from clean vacuum-compatible materials and adhesives to give low outgassing rates and proven clean residual gas analysis (RGA), making them suitable for high performance, semiconductor and scientific applications requiring vacuum compatibility to 10-10 Torr.

The ultra-high vacuum variant determines position immediately upon switch-on, without the need for any movement or battery backup. Instant commutation means axes are immediately under control after power loss. This eliminates risks of unchecked movements or collisions, an advantage that is essential in applications such as wafer handling, where safe extraction of high-value wafers is critical.

Safety is assured via a built-in, independent position-checking algorithm that actively checks every reading, ensuring any potential problem is flagged before it reaches the controller. Resolute UHV uses pure serial communications with CRC (cyclic redundancy check), which eliminates the need for auxiliary 1 Vpp signals, offers higher noise immunity and detects data corruption. Resolute UHV is compatible with industry standard controllers.

All UHV encoders are supplied with an RFI-screened, UHV compatible cable. They are manufactured in clean conditions and shipped in specially designed packages to avoid contamination.

Resolute UHV systems are available for linear and rotary position feedback, and because the Resolute system uses a single-track scale code, each installation is compact with wide set-up tolerances for quick, easy fitment and long-term operation. All scale formats are coating-free and can be subjected to specialist cleaning and degreasing, if required.

Designers can choose from a variety of linear scales in either stainless steel or ZeroMet low thermal expansion alloy, with accuracy to better than ±1 µm on lengths up to 1.13 m. Mounting can be either self-adhesive, mechanical or track-mounted. The self-adhesive scales also have proven clean RGA spectra. Stainless steel rotary rings feature large through-holes and patented taper mounting for quick, easy and precise adjustment of eccentricity, while minimizing shaft preparation costs.

Renishaw Inc.

www.renishaw.com 

Renishaw will exhibit at IMTS 2012 in E-5530 and N-650. www.imts.org 

- Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com