The Challenge
Metrology surface inspection is typically used for the observation of micron or sub-micron accuracy, identifying and eliminating defects at the earliest opportunity, and for carrying out quality control procedures of the overall system throughout manufacturing.
If readings are false or imprecise, defects may get past quality control procedures. Furthermore, higher defect rates can have damaging consequences such as increases in rejected material, or worse still, complete system failure in field units. Therefore, precise and accurate motion control is extremely vital for metrology applications in order to identify defects early on in the manufacturing process. This avoids a loss of time and also prevents any additional expenses that often come with the reworking of material and complete failure of systems. Thus, smooth motion is absolutely necessary for accurate results and quality assurance.

Image Credit: Celera Motion
The Solution
Designed with ZeroCog™ slotless motor technology, Agility Series motor kits eradicates any cogging torque. The precise, smooth motion allows for imaging of the highest quality and collection of accurate scanning data. Therefore, reducing material rework with rapid settling times – enabled by the direct-drive stages – allows the system to quickly gather a large amount of accurate data, thus, saving on manufacturing operation time.
Optira Series encoders offer exceedingly high accuracy and excellent resolution, which allows highly accurate positioning in the scanning system resulting in precise measurement results. Everest Series servo drives provide the highest PWM switching frequency and efficiency whilst also limiting the motor’s heat. When coupling the Agility Series motor and Everest Series servo drive, the overall temperature of the system hardware is significantly reduced. This guarantees against increased thermal expansion and ensures fewer errors occur in the target measurements.

Image Credit: Celera Motion
The Benefit
Installing Celera Motion’s ZeroCog™ slotless motor technology in the Agility Series motors, ensures extremely smooth motion with high accuracy. Optira Series encoders offer unparalleled performance with 75M CPR for rotary applications and provide resolutions of up to 5 nm for linear applications.
Everest Series servo drives give industry-leading PWM rates up to 100 kHz while considerably reducing heating of the motor. When combining Agility motors, Optira encoders, and Everest servo drives extremely precise scanning results and ultra-smooth motion, all in one unique compact package is ensured.

Image Credit: Celera Motion
Specifications
Table 1. Agility Series Motors. Source: Celera Motion
. |
. |
Cogging Torque |
Zero |
Through Hole (Rotor ID) |
5.00 to 190.50 mm |
Table 2. Optira Series Encoders. Source: Celera Motion
. |
. |
Resolution |
Up to 75M CPR (rotary) or Up to 5 nm (linear) |
Accuracy |
Up to +/- 2 arc-seconds (rotary) or Up to +/- 1 µm/m (linear) |
Table 3. Everest Series Servo Drives. Source: Celera Motion
. |
. |
PWM Frequency |
10 – 100 kHz |
Standby Power Consumption |
<1.5 W |
Efficiency |
Up to 99% |
Specifications dependent on model and subject to change.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Celera Motion.
For more information on this source, please visit Celera Motion.