Miniature M3-FS Focus Module and M3-LS Linear Smart Stage with built-in controllers have new, dramatically improved lifetime specification of >10 million moves.

M3-FS Focus Module and M3-LS Linear Smart Stage now specified for >10 million random moves within total 1.2 km travel distance

Victor, NY — June 9, 2016 — New Scale Technologies has significantly increased the lifetime specification for its M3-FS Focus Module and M3-LS Linear Smart Stage. The new specification of >10 million random moves within 1.2 km of total distance traveled further boosts the utility of these tiny, all-in-one systems for commercial and industrial OEM product applications.

“These precision micro-mechatronic devices have already proven their value in OEM products from handheld microscopes to industrial robotic vision systems,” said New Scale CEO David Henderson. “Now our ability to confirm this robust lifetime specification makes them an even easier choice for OEM engineers who need to embed small, battery-powered motion in their handheld and portable devices for commercial, medical and industrial applications.”

The lifetime specification of >10 million moves is a 10x improvement for the M3-FS Focus Module and a new specification parameter for the M3-LS Linear Smart Stage. It is based on months of performance testing, in which standard M3-FS modules achieved more than 56 million movements of approximately 21 µm each for a total distance moved of 1.2 kilometers, with no performance reduction or sign of failure at teardown. Testing conditions included vertical motion and a 10g load. Actual performance will depend on the application and use case.

The M3-FS Focus Module was introduced in 2014 as a higher-performance alternative to the company’s original M3-F Focus Module. It incorporates improvements, such as harder-grade steel in the internal SQUIGGLE motor, that contribute to the longer lifetime. The M3-LS Smart Stage, also introduced in 2014, has the same improved materials and design.

New Scale’s M3 Micro-Mechatronic Modules incorporate piezoelectric motors, position sensors, bearings, drive electronics and embedded firmware into miniature housings with precision bearings, slides and other mechanisms. With only 3.3 VDC input and new longer lifetime specification, the modules are ideal for integration into handheld and portable instruments.

Download updated data sheets (PDF)

Availability

Developer’s Kits are available now on Digi-Key and Mouser

M3 “micro-mechatronic module” platform delivers key benefits

New Scale’s M3 “micro-mechatronic modules” are the smallest, highest resolution, most repeatable closed-loop positioning solutions available. Each M3 smart module integrates New Scale’s patented and proprietary SQUIGGLE® or UTAF™ piezoelectric motors, drive electronics, position sensors, micro mechanical guides and control technologies. These “all in-one” smart modules plug-and-play directly with an embedded processor and provide the fastest time to market with the lowest total cost.

About New Scale Technologies

New Scale Technologies develops small, precise and smart motion systems for critical adjustments of optics in imaging devices and many other micro positioning applications. Our simple and elegant solutions deliver best-in-class performance in handheld, portable and mobile instruments for medical, scientific and industrial applications. We design and manufacture custom products and license our technology to manufacturers worldwide. Our customers benefit from complete, “all-in-one” motion solutions that are tailored to their unique requirements and easily integrated into their next-generation instruments.

SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark, and New Scale Pathway and UTAF are trademarks of New Scale Technologies, Inc.

Please note: Press releases are current as published, but are not updated after posting. Refer to our main pages for current information including specifications.