Design, manufacturing and tests of closed-loop quadrupole mover prototypes for European XFEL

In this report the development of a quadrupole mover with submicron repeatability is reported, which will be used in the intersections of the Undulator Systems of the European XFEL (EXFEL) [1]. It is part of the Spanish inkind contribution to this facility. The main specifications include submicron repeatability for a 70 kg quadrupole magnet within compact dimensions and a ±1.5 mm stroke in the vertical and horizontal direction. Compact linear actuators based on 5-phase stepping motors have been chosen. Vertical actuator works in a wedge configuration to take mechanical advantage. A closed-loop control system has been developed to achieve this repeatability. For the feedback, one LVDT sensor for each axis was used. Mechanical switches are used to limit movement. In addition, hard-stops are included for emergency. Prototyping stage is done and a serial production of more than 90 devices is expected, so intense work has been done to achieve a reliable industrial production and validation. In this report, results of mechanical measurements including reproducibility, tests of different operation strategies and critical situations will be reported.