Position Control System
Automated Position Control Systems
In advanced testing and targeting applications, precise and repeatable positioning is a necessity. However, manual “lock-in-place” systems can be slow, cumbersome, and lacking in the flexibility and accuracy required for comprehensive data collection. That makes the real challenge not if you should automate, but how to find an integration partner with the expertise in motion control needed to engineer a system that delivers the performance and reliability your application needs.
As a leading automation solutions integrator, Cross Company has been solving these complex challenges since our first automation project in the 1950s. We provide solutions at every scale, from single-axis linear actuators to fully coordinated, multi-axis DUT (Device Under Test) positioning systems. Our goal is to provide a solution that is able to be seamlessly integrated into your existing workflow, streamlining your operations through efficient, strategic automation solutions.
Get Customized Position Control Solutions
Off-the-shelf options not compatible with your process? Need something more customized? Cross can help. Talk to our experts today about custom position control solutions.
A Configurable Platform for Demanding Applications
At Cross, we’ve streamlined positioning system development by creating a standard but highly-configurable electromechanical platform built with industrial-grade controls and mechanics. Our base system includes a dual-axis belt-driven X-axis for smooth linear travel and a robust rod-style ballscrew actuator for the azimuth or tilt axis. This two-axis system, driven by precise stepper or servo motors, offers the flexibility to move a device under test to any position along a single linear axis with the desired angular orientation.
The design also incorporates closed pillow block bearings on a precision radial shaft for smooth tilt movement, as well as custom mounting plates and sub-assemblies (adapter plates, linkages, and hardware) to ensure a complete, fully functional system.
This foundational design serves as the starting point for a solution tailored to your specific needs. We can easily incorporate additional motion and degrees of freedom to meet your exact testing or operational methods.
Antenna and Radar Positioning
Accurately hit or track targets with a system designed for precise, repeatable angular and linear adjustments
Wind Tunnel Positioning
Reliably position test articles within a wind tunnel to gather accurate aerodynamic data
Acoustics & EMI Testing
Systematically move devices through a range of positions to perform comprehensive acoustic or electromagnetic interference testing
General Device Under Test (DUT) Positioning
Create a flexible test bench for a variety of products requiring multi-point inspection or compatibility testing
Check Out Our Cross Antenna Position Control System
See how Cross helps improve control, repeatability, and flexibility for manufacturers with an automated antenna position control system.
Integrating Solutions from Industry Leading Brands
Our team works with an industry leading number of suppliers when developing solutions for our customers, so we can integrate the right components every time. Our expertise, paired with access to a wider range of materials, means we can build the best solution for your process.
A Smarter Approach To Automation Integration
When you partner with Cross, you’re getting an integrator with decades of real-world experience across countless motion control applications in the industrial world. That experience has led to us understanding the “gotchas” that can come up in an integration project. From selecting the right actuator to handle your specific load and duty cycle to programming a control system that can range from simple jogging and indexing to a fully-automated, closed-loop system monitoring signal feedback, continuously adjusting position in real time as needed, there’s a lot of moving parts to consider. That’s why our process always begins with a thorough analysis of your needs so we can engineer a solution that’s not only effective but also robust, reliable, and right-sized.
With our focus on ROI, you can be sure your investment is protected for the long term. Through our strong partnerships with industry-leading brands and extensive technical knowledge, we design flexible, scalable systems that can grow with your business. That’s the advantage of partnering with Cross.
Leverage Motion Control Expertise – Our experienced engineers understand the mechanics and controls needed for a truly integrated automation system
Get Configurable Solutions – We tailor stroke length, tilt angle, load capacity, and mounting to your exact needs
Enable Positional Accuracy – We can leverage our metrology expertise to verify the repeatability and accuracy of your system
Protect Your Investment – We use industrial-grade components designed for durability and long-term performance.
Optimize Your Testing Throughput – Reduce setup time and increase the speed and accuracy of your measurements.
Is Automation Right for Your Process?
Answer a few simple questions and find out! We’ll send a copy of your inputs to help build the case for automation, and determine ROI for automating parts of your operation.
Why Cross Position Control Systems?
Automation for multi-axis motions control applications is a complex undertaking and demands a partner you can trust. With a history of automation projects dating back decades, Cross Company has the proven expertise to deliver a solution that performs as well on day 1 as day 100. That’s why our commitment to you extends far beyond the initial installation.
We design and engineer automation systems with the entire lifecycle in mind, ensuring they not only do what they need to do, but are also serviceable and supportable. As your continuing partner, we offer ongoing support, calibration, and repair services to ensure your position control systems continue to perform as intended for years to come.
If you’re in need of an integrated automation solution, you’ve come to the right place. Cross has engineered solutions ranging from custom sub-assemblies to full-scale cobot integration. And we can engineer solutions for your operation, too. Contact one of our automation experts today to start the process.