The design requires a machine to dispense radioactive fluid into capsules. After the fluid is dispensed, it is inspected and the data is stored on a PC. There is a requirement to increase throughput without introducing spillage.

Machine Objectives:

• Increase throughput
• No spilling of readioactive fluid
• Automate two axes
• PC compatible system control
• Low-cost solution
• Smooth, repeatable motion

Motion Control Requirements:

• Quick, accurate moves
• Multi-axis controller
• PC bus-based motion control card
• Open-loop stepper if possible
• High-resolution motor/drive (microstepping)

Application Solution:

The multi-axis indexer is selected to control and synchronize both axes of motion on one card residing in the IBM PC computer and the integral I/O capability activates the filling process. A linear motor drives the horizontal axis while the vertical axis is driven by a microsteping motor and a lead screw assembly.

The multi-axis indexer is selected to control and synchronize both axes of motion on one card residing in the IBM PC computer. An additional feature is the integal I/O capability that's necessary to activate the filling process. The horizontal axis carrying the tray of capsules is driven by a linear motor. The simple mechanical construction of the motor makes it easy to apply, and guarantees a long maintenance free life. The vertical axis raises and lowers the filling head and is driven by a microstepping motor and a leadscrew assembly. A linear motor was also considered for this axis, but the fill head would have dropped onto the tray witha loss of power to the motor. Leadscrew friction and the residual torque of the step motor prevents this occurance.

Product Solutions:

• Indexer - AT6200
• Drive - Axis 1 : ZETA Drive
• Drive - Axis 2 : ZETA Drive
• Motor - OS21B, L20-Forcer, and PO-L20-P18-Platen