Customer-specific 8-axis positioner

The 8-axis positioner from Steinmeyer Mechatronik allows for tangential probing in eight degrees of freedom with very high repeatability. (Copyright: Steinmeyer Mechatronik GmbH)

The highly precise 8-axis positioning system from Dresden-based positioning specialist Steinmeyer Mechatronik offers a wide range of adjustment options and can be customized 100% to the customer's specific application. An ideal solution for measuring optics, for example for quality assurance or in production.

If precision, space constraints, and environment are specified, rarely does an existing positioning system fit. Dresden-based positioning specialist Steinmeyer Mechatronik has made individuality a standard and implements 100% customer-specific positioning solutions. An example is the 8-axis positioner for inspecting optics. The positioning system is characterized by an extremely high level of precision as well as a stable and rigid construction, and offers a variety of options for individual customization. It is ideally suited for flexible assembly of compact inspection systems — whether for cleanrooms, laboratories, or production.

High-precision inspection from every viewing angle

The positioning system performs a rotating scan movement of rotationally symmetric optics and has a free aperture of 45 mm. Alignment and measurement are carried out along the active beam path. A special feature of the system is that the lens position on the turntable can be tilted in two axes perpendicular to the optical axis and also laterally corrected in two axes. Tilts up to 1.5° and lateral offsets up to 2 mm can be corrected. The position of the measurement sensor can be adjusted in angle and distance (focus). This allows second-order errors to be minimized or an optical element with the optimal beam path to be measured even if the mount is not perfectly concentric. A global vertical adjustment of the sensor enables measurement of optics of different thicknesses. All of this is achieved with sub-µm repeatability. Thanks to air bearing technology, the turntable reaches accuracies of up to 0.0005°. A very rigid vertical lift supports the manual angular adjustment with motorized distance adjustment for the sensor. This allows relatively heavy measurement technology, such as confocal sensors or digital microscopes, to be used universally.

Customer-specific customization and development

The 8-axis positioner can be tailored to your inspection task — from integrating various measurement sensors and sample holders, to a custom setup with frame, vibration isolation, and enclosure, to wireless power and signal transmission, and integration into workflows via PLC or PC control. Developing a completely custom solution with 3D design is also part of Steinmeyer Mechatronik’s engineering services.

Competent and experienced partner for the optical industry

Highly precise, 100% customer-specific, and compactly built: With the 8-axis positioner, Steinmeyer Mechatronik offers a unique solution for extremely accurate measurement of optics for quality assurance or production support. As a competent and experienced partner in the optical industry, the positioning specialist knows the industry’s requirements precisely and implements tailored concepts that are exactly aligned with each customer's needs. All departments — development, mechanics, electronics, software, manufacturing, assembly, measurement laboratories, testing center — work together under one roof at the Dresden location. This enables optimal synergy and quick, straightforward realization of specific customer requirements. All departments are involved in the solution development process.