Control solution for highly dynamic.
July 2025
Motion Control & Drives
With DrillOptimizer, motion control specialist, Aerotech, is expanding its Automation1-iSMC control solution with a powerful feature for highly dynamic laser drilling with galvo scanners. The programme, which has been specially developed for drilling large quantities of vias, noticeably reduces cycle times when drilling several million holes, while at the same time ensuring consistently high processing quality. DrillOptimizer is part of the AeroScriptPlus library and is available both as a user-friendly interface in Automation1 Studio and as a .NET DLL which enables seamless integration into existing machine HMIs. “The optimisation of point-to-point movements for complex drilling patterns has long been a bottleneck. DrillOptimizer automates these steps, reduces process time and ensures maximum precision,” explains Bryan Germann, product manager at Aerotech.
Intelligent motion logic for demanding drilling applications
DrillOptimizer is part of the AeroScriptPlus functionality and uses a two-stage optimisation approach that takes into account both path planning and movement parameters:
• Optimisation of motion sequences: DrillOptimizer calculates the shortest path through the entire drilling pattern within a single field of view (FOV) or in combination with a servo table system for an infinite field of view (IFOV). This saves travel time and increases the overall throughput.
• Optimisation of steps and settling: Individually suitable control parameters are determined for each specific step distance – without the galvo scanner leaving the predefined settling window. As soon as the scanner is in the so-called settling window, the laser can be triggered without delay. This eliminates unnecessary downtimes between drillings.
Technical advantages at a glance
• Shorter cycle times thanks to intelligent path and movement optimisation.
• Maximum utilisation of galvo hardware performance with consistent precision.
• No delay in laser triggering, thanks to dynamic parameter adjustment.
• Support for large quantities with minimal setup effort.
• User-friendly integration via Automation1 Studio or .NET DLL.
• Compatibility with the AGV-HPO and
AGV-XPO galvo heads from Aerotech.
Partner for demanding laser processes
DrillOptimizer is aimed at equipment manufacturers who realise laser drilling processes with maximum efficiency and precision, for example in PCB production, micro material processing or semiconductor technology. Aerotech has been developing high-precision motion control systems for applications in laser material processing, medical technology and is recognised worldwide as a specialist for sophisticated motion control applications.
For more information contact Aerotech, +44 1256 855 055, ufischer@aerotech.com, www.aerotech.com
Further reading:
Rapid headframe replacement for Canada’s biggest potash mine
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet has supported Ledcor with the construction of BHP’s new Jansen potash mine.
Read more...
Humanoid robots are moving faster
Motion Control & Drives
A humanoid robot has exceeded the world’s best human half marathon time, offering a glimpse into the industrial potential behind this spectacle.
Read more...
WearCheck strengthens onsite sampling capabilities
Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
The precise accuracy of taking an oil sample from a machine component is one of the most critically important steps in the scientific analysis of oil as part of a condition monitoring programme.
Read more...
Enhancing carbon capture drilling efficiency with PowerFlex drives
Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
To meet the growing demand for carbon capture and storage, Drillmec needed to make drilling ingress points for carbon capture faster, safer and more cost efficient.
Read more...
Investment in training is key for the lubrication industry
Motion Control & Drives
Lubrication management has grown more sophisticated in recent years, yet equipment failure rates linked to lubrication problems remain stubbornly high. The reason for this is that technology can only go so far without the people behind it being properly trained.
Read more...
Konecranes modernises paper roll warehouse with four automated cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Konecranes received a contract from Palm to modernise an automated paper roll warehouse at its Wörth facility in Germany. The project includes the delivery of four automated cranes equipped with vacuum lifters to replace existing units, along with extensive software upgrades and new crane runways.
Read more...
Servo drives for washdown and hygienic environments
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen has expanded the application range of its Kollmorgen Essentials servo drive to include hygienic and washdown environments.
Read more...
Oil analysis is an investment that pays a cost-savings dividend
Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
The majority of organisations implementing oil analysis face the challenge of maximising operational cost savings against the pressure to achieve full production and enhance shareholder value. An organisation may, or may not, achieve the intended benefits for several reasons, chief among them being the failure to implement a sound corrective-action strategy.
Read more...
Rollers excel where profits balance on a knife edge
igus
Motion Control & Drives
Polymer component specialist manufacturer, igus has developed a range of lubrication-free long-life knife edge rollers designed to improve the transfer of products between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments.
Read more...
Smart farming
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Smart Farming agricultural team works closely with farmers throughout southern Africa, assisting them with the selection, installation and operation of new electromechanical systems.
Read more...