ACS Motion Control – now part of Physik Instrumente (PI) – is a global provider of EtherCAT® network-based high performance control systems for motion-oriented applications. Established in 1985, the company has a strong reputation for sophisticated motion control – particularly for synchronised control of multiple axes – and its versatile, modular product range is used across a variety of sectors.
ACS combines proven technical expertise and over 30 years of experience working with world-leading manufacturers – such as GE, Philips, Applied Materials, Samsung and LG – to provide enhanced accuracy and throughput through superior motion and I/O control, robust user-friendly software and application development support. Partnering with PI has enabled the company to further improve its offering by seamlessly integrating its control technologies with PI’s mechatronics. This provides enhanced functionality to existing customers and enables the development of innovative solutions to tackle challenges in new areas, offering a true competitive advantage.
Multi-axis synchronised control – an area in which ACS excels – is perhaps the most important functionality gained by such close integration of the two companies. This is enabling the development of far more sophisticated applications than is currently achievable and offers customers the option of true curvilinear motion – an essential element in precision automation. The ability to move precisely in multiple dimensions, delivering finely controlled curved motion, provides a brand-new precision toolset to many rapidly developing sectors, such as photonics, laser processing, metrology and 3D printing.
Another major advantage of this alliance is the ability to offer complete solutions to customers. This avoids the need for the time-consuming and complex assembly of multiple components from various sources, and ensures products are even more specifically tailored to individual needs. These professionally integrated systems benefit from the proven reliability and excellence of PI products and the enhanced functionality of ACS control systems, backed by an ISO9001-certified design and manufacturing facility with an ongoing commitment to quality control and reliability testing. Customers benefit from a sole point of contact with expertise and insight across the whole motion solution – from system design and problem solving to commissioning and maintenance – which helps to avoid the many pitfalls of maintaining complex equipment composed of components acquired from multiple sources. This combined expertise will undoubtedly prompt new research and development across multiple sectors, further expanding the joint product range and inspiring customers by developing the technologies that they don’t yet know they will need.
