A new, complete solution with the Proton Motion Stage

Prodrive Technologies introduced a new innovation that is designed to support specialized metrology and inspection applications: its Proton Motion Stage.

Prodrive Technologies introduced a new innovation that is designed to support specialized metrology and inspection applications: its Proton Motion Stage.

So, what makes this new solution unique? And how could it help you?

What is the Proton Motion Stage?

Prodrive Technologies is well renowned for its electronic development and manufacturing capabilities. However, developing and manufacturing complex mechatronic solutions, such as the high-precision Proton Motion Stage, is another area of proven expertise.

The new stage is called ‘Proton’ as it is the first in a new line of high-precision motion stages that will all be named after subatomic particles.

The Proton Motion Stage is built from a unique combination of Prodrive Technologies’ diverse range of OTS (off-the-shelf) products and customized to particular requirements, providing a complete solution.

This simplifies the integration process for customers, with no compromise on quality or precision, and may help to reduce overall costs.

A unique approach to design – for atmospheric pressure or vacuum

Motion Stages are increasingly in demand. Interest is growing, especially with Prodrive Technologies' customers in metrology applications, such as those scanning electron microscopes or conducting wafer inspection.

The Proton Motion Stage is a stage in which the design principles are properly followed; it has a unique statically determined preload mechanism to ensure highly smooth motion and great robustness for temperature variations and other disturbances. As a result, it has the flexibility to be used for any metrology application where high (sub-micrometer) accuracy and repeatability are required. In addition, the stage is designed for high vacuum compatibility. This makes it ideal for scanning electron microscopes.

Configurable for the application

Applications all have differences in system requirements and processes, from velocity and stroke to throughput. That is why the Proton Motion Stage has been designed to be configurable depending on the customer requirements.

Using the innovative platform as the basis, it can be scaled using off-the-shelf Prodrive products as building blocks to meet specific needs, including those from the powerful Motion and Mechatronics range. For example:

- The Gryphon Linear Actuator – vacuum compatible ironless linear motors with an improved design for heat dissipation in a vacuum environment.

- The Iris Actuator – is typically suited for providing vibration isolation for applications requiring a high positioning accuracy

- Servo Drives – such as the Apogee and Kepler series, used in combination with actuators in a motion control system.

- The Poseidon CFL Motion Controller – well suited to demanding, industrial motion applications.

- The Prodrive Motion Platform (PMP) – Motion control software with real-time performance and tooling to take motion systems to the next level.

- Pinpoint – a high accuracy interferometer, with a laser-based position measurement solution for precise motion systems, ideal for vacuum stages.

Built with manufacturing excellence

Prodrive Technologies manufactures all of the main elements of the Proton Motion Stage in-house at its facilities, whether using tried and tested standardized manufacturing processes, or customized production solutions tailored for the specific end customer.

To meet the needs of highly specialized metrology and medical applications, this includes clean room assembly and production to international quality standards.

Learn more about the Proton Motion Stage

This solution will also be on display at the following events – register now to make sure you see it!

- SPS 2022

- Semicon Europa / Electronica 2022

- Semicon Japan 2022