Aim Lab PathFinder 350S Service Manual page 23

PathFinder 350S Service Manual
Like the Theta and X axes the Z-axis consists of a stepper motor and encoder that
drive the gripper mount block via the drive belt.
The encoder feedback is provided by the Z-axis PCB. The Z-axis PCB also routes the
gripper sensors and gripper control signals to the Z axis FFC cables.
The grippers are driven by a pneumatic cylinder mounted on the Z-axis mount block.
The compressed air for the cylinder is switched by a valve mounted just above the
stepper motor.
Air supply for the valve is provided by a 2mm air line that runs continuously from
the tombstone air inlet, along the X-axis, through the X-axis carriage, and down into
the gripper arm.
'Reed' Hall Effect sensors on the cylinder provide feedback on the position of the
gripper arms.
Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 23