User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 18 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: 508-832-3456 Fax: 508-832-0506
Email: air@pi-usa.us
7.
Startup and Operation of the Stage
See the user’s manual of the controller being used with the A-311 stage for instructions about startup and
operation.
Note that the servo tuning values may need to be adjusted if the payload mass or size changes. If PI was not
given user application information at the time of order, the servo was tuned with no payload mass.
Moving parts of the stage can cause crushing or shearing injuries. All personnel must remain clear
of any moving parts.
Collisions can damage the stage and the payload.
➢
Take care when operating the stage to ensure that no collisions are possible between the
stage, the load to be moved, and the environment in the motion range of the stage.
➢
Do not place any objects in areas where they can be caught by moving parts.
➢
Stop the motion immediately if a controller malfunction occurs.
Do not attempt to operate the stage with the shipping lock installed.
The A-311 can develop high forces and accelerations. If the stage has been improperly or
incompletely installed, the stage, the payload, and the environment can be damaged during
operation.
The stage table should never be moved without the air supply turned on. Moving the stage table
with no air supply, causing sliding metal-to-metal contact, may damage the bearing surfaces.
The drive mechanism of the A-311 is not self-locking. The stage can therefore unintentionally move
in the following cases:
▪
Switching off or restarting the controller
▪
Switching off the servo mode for the axis
Unintentional displacement can damage the stage, the payload to be moved, and the environment.
➢
Only operate the A-311 with a horizontally aligned motion axis.
➢
Before switching off or rebooting the controller, take suitable measures to ensure that no
unintentional displacement of the stage table is possible.
Do not exceed the operating voltage range for which the A-311 is specified.
Causing the stage table to hit the hard stop with maximum speed and force can cause damage to
the stage and the payload.
➢
Stop the motion immediately if a controller malfunction occurs.
➢
Ensure that the end of the travel range is approached at low velocity.
➢
Setup the motion controller to observe end of travel limits (if applicable).
➢
Determine the maximum velocity for your application.
➢
Set suitable soft limits for closed-loop operation on the controller.
