Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If all items in the Operating Mode window are enabled (per the figure below) when the configuration is saved to NVRAM, then when the stage is power cycled, all items in the Operating mode window will still be enabled, and the stage will be servoing.

We recommend that you only save the parameters to NVRAM when the “Axis enable” is enabled.  All other items should be disabled per the following, prior to saving a configuration to NVRAM:

Note that this also applies to saving configurations to files using the Pro-Motion File menu:

Always disable all items in the Operating Mode window prior to saving a configuration to a file.

When the SmartStage L and SmartStage XY products are configured for incremental feedback (GetEncoderSource = 0), then the maximum speed the stage can travel is 150 mm/second. This is a limitation of the feedback source.  If this velocity is exceeded, the commutation initialization is no longer valid, and commutation must be reinitialized.

Dover gantry stages are designed to provide unsurpassed repeatability and excellent throughput under real world operating conditions. Our gantry stages are designed to move such items as inspection cameras, laser heads, or specific customer tooling over either removable substrates or fixtures mounted to the base of the system. The gantry base can be provided with mounting holes for interfacing a customer’s hardware to the stage. Due to its simplicity and ease of assembly, it is the ideal gantry stage configuration for OEMs and system integrators building machines for demanding applications. Many of Dover Motion’s standard screw driven and servo motor linear products can be integrated together as a gantry stage to achieve an application’s required accuracy and travel for XYZ motion.

• Pre-formatted base for ease of integration
• Risers to provide space between the base and moving beam
• Integrated cable tracks and hi flex cable
• All axes tested together and burned in to ensure performance and reliability requirements are met before shipment

The example shown above is run by stepper motors and controlled by the Dover Motion multi-axis stepper controller. Incorporating linear encoder feedback and cabling, it achieves 15 to 300 millimeters of XYZ linear motion travel.

Popular applications for gantry stages include:

• 3D metrology
• Inspection
• Probing
• Pick and place
• Laser machining
• Laser scribing and marking

Dover controllers and external cabling are available to create a complete turn-key motion system for gantries. Our controllers have coordinated motion capabilities for accurate multi-axis lines, arcs, and circles. Optional rotary or linear encoders are available to improve accuracy and repeatability. For the most accurate positioning requirements, two-point and multi-point compensation can be programmed for each axis. Dover Motion’s control options include an intuitive user interface and three-axis joysticks are available for control of the XYZ axes.

Unfortunately, this varies by customer. If you are requesting any specific information on your stage or system, please have the serial number available when you call or email. Examples could be lead screw pitch, stage travel, limit type, and stepper or servo motor.

Our standard switches are typically open.