PI Americas extends its selection of high quality piezoceramic elements. Available in various sizes and geometries, the new components are especially designed for ultrasonic transducer applications. In addition to standard COTS parts, custom engineered components are offered for OEM customers. Ultrasound transducers are used in various applications, including medical technology, such as sensing and treatment […]

PI (Physik Instrumente) has introduced a new series of high-performance linear stages. The new V-827 direct-drive linear stages are tailored for demanding applications with high loads to 150 kg, high throughput requirements, and a need for extended reliability. These stages excel in straightness and flatness performance, surpassing comparable motorized linear translation stages available in the […]

PI (Physik Instrumente) has released a unique planar XY-theta-Z nanopositioning stage based on air bearings and direct drive motors. Unlike conventional multi-axis stages, the A-361 employs only one moving platform shared among all three axes. One of its advantages is the ultra-low profile of only 40 mm, despite featuring an integrated vacuum chuck to accommodate […]

Physik Instrumente’s (PI) new family of direct-drive rotation stages are designed for continuous 24/7 operations, demanding extreme dynamic and static precision, with resolution down to 0.0015 µrad, position accuracy of 10 µrad, and bidirectional repeatability of 5 µrad. The V-622, V-623 and V-625 high-performance rotary stages are equipped with frictionless electromagnetic torque motors and precision […]

(This is the second article in a two-part series, the first of which can be found here.) Dr. Cliff Jolliffe Head of Automation Market Segment Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH Modular controllers offer an easy and straightforward way to link a laser to multi-axis positioning systems. For instance, PI’s ACS Laser Control Module (LCM) introduces a […]

New modular controllers offer flexible solutions for linking a laser to multi-axis positioning, making it easier for system integrators to design and build advanced systems for a new age of laser applications. Dr. Cliff Jolliffe Head of Automation Market Segment Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH This is Part 1 of a 2-part series of articles on […]

The new L-836 Stepper Motor Linear Slides from PI (Physik Instrumente) are a newly designed motorized linear translation stage family that combines high performance, small dimensions, and low cost of ownership. These compact micro-positioning translation stages are driven by a robust, direct-drive rotary stepper motor, available as in-line design and folded drive train design for […]

PI’s line of lens positioners, designed to scan and position objectives with sub-nanometer resolution at high bandwidth, is expanding with a new generation of piezo Z-focus stages – the P-725 PIFOC piezo flexure stage product family. Available in 3 travel ranges of 100, 400, and 800µm, high performance fast focusing with nanometer precision is achieved […]

PI’s two new series of direct-drive linear modules are geared for machine builders and system integrators. The V-855 and V-857 product families were designed for high-load and high duty cycle industrial precision motion applications where traditional actuators or linear slides with lead-screw or timing-belt drives are not precise, robust or reliable enough. The maintenance-free and […]

PI extends its large offering of nanometer precise, fast focusing stages with the addition of its new V-308 nanopositioning slide for vertical applications providing 7 mm of Z-travel and 10 nm incremental motion, making it suitable for OEM and research applications in the life science, semiconductor, and material science fields. The novel design combines long […]

The new X-417 multi-axis motion sub-system from PI (Physik Instrumente) boasts nanometer resolution, absolute encoders, fast configuration, delivery, and set-up. It’s suitable for a broad range of industrial precision motion applications, including precision automation, laser processing, test and inspection, medical manufacturing, and semiconductor testing. Machine builders and system integrators can move faster and address new, […]

A high-power version of PI’s (Physik Instrumente) E-727 family of multi-axis piezo nanopositioning controllers provides 270 W of peak power – close to 10X of the standard version. The enhanced performance is useful for dynamic, nanometer-level precision motion and positioning applications, such as FSM (fast steering mirrors) in free space optical communication and laser material […]

PI’s family of miniature micro and nanopositioning stages is expanding with the new RS-40 rotary stage and M-111 linear stages as engineers gave specific consideration to material selection, use of lubricants and coatings, and outbaking temperatures for high and ultra-high vacuum conditions. With 360-degree rotation range and 20-N load capacity, the RS-40 V7 stage boasts […]

The six-axis parallel-kinematics systems known as hexapods excel in motion simulation and testing of mechanical and drive systems, multi-dimensional position sensors, and (the focus of this article) image-stabilization designs for cameras and video equipment. By Doris Knauer • Project Manager — Industrial Automation | Physik Instrumente (PI) Modern camera systems are capable of astounding feats, […]

Powerful new simulation software from PI (Physik Instrumente) determines if a hexapod is suitable for a specific positioning task, in terms of workspace, load, center of mass, and operating orientation. The tool helps in making the correct choice for the application at hand. A hexapod, also known as a Stewart Platform, offers motion in 6 […]

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP has introduced a new high precision linear translation stage family for High Vacuum (HV) and Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) applications. The L-509 vacuum stage series is offered for 3 different vacuum levels: 10-6 hPa, 10-7 hPa, and 10-9 hPa. Linear motion ranges of 26mm, 52mm, and 102mm are available. The precision-ground […]

Physik Instrumente’s (PI) new compact XY/XYZ gantry motion system provides overhead motion for industrial automation applications in assembly, pick-and-place, alignment, inspection, and custom 3D printer design. The A-351 compact gantry is designed and manufactured in the USA by PI’s air bearing & precision motion division in Hopkinton, MA. The A-351 gantry motion system is related […]

Precision motion specialist Physik Instrumente (PI) now sells a new integrated XY stage — part of its compact high-speed positioning stage roster. All of these positioning are powered by ultrasonic piezo-linear motors — patented motors that deliver smooth motion, high resolution and rapid step and settle response. Also featured on the motors is a self-clamping […]

PI (Physik Instrumente) now offers a new EtherCat compatible version of its E-727 digital piezo controller family. The piezo controller can be easily integrated into complex automation environment systems and operated as an “intelligent driver” for two- or three-axis piezo-based nanopositioning systems. PI also offers ACS based EtherCat motion controllers for long travel precision positioning […]

The new L-505 linear translation stage family from PI (Physik Instrumente) is available with integrated linear encoders providing 0.05 microns and 0.005 microns resolution, respectively. The new design allows for compact multi-axis assemblies, at affordable prices. Many motor and drive variations are available, from fast dc-servo motors with linear encoders and low-friction ball-screws to simple […]

The new V-417.336025E1 long travel linear motor stage from PI (Physik Instrumente) features travel length of 32 in. (813 mm). The direct-drive stage achieves high velocities to 79 in./sec (2 m/sec) based on a direct drive ironless linear servo motor. High accuracy, repeatability, and functionality are guaranteed by an integrated absolute-measuring linear position encoder featuring […]

PI Ceramic (a division of PI Physik Instrumente) introduces a new family of micro components, including mini transducers, suitable for the most precise applications, including medical imaging, nanopositioning, fiber alignment, and optics/photonics. One of the latest applications of miniature piezo tube transducers can be found in scanning fiber/scanning catheter endoscopes (SFE). These miniature endoscopes provide […]

New trends in multi-axis motion designs abound. Consider the rise of metrology reports to accompany designs — which serve as “birth certificates” in the form of well-informed simulation models and Excel spreadsheets that quantify the accuracy and capabilities of pre-engineered builds. In some cases, such reports give OEMs and end users accurate data on how […]

PI (Physik Instrumente) has released the new model E-619, a high-power piezo amplifier designed to drive high-capacitance multilayer piezo actuators with rapid rise times or high frequencies. As a special form of electro-ceramics, piezo materials are the gold standard when it comes to speed, force, and precision in a small package. Providing sink/source currents up […]

Descend the escalator and enter the exhibit hall to the world’s largest multidisciplinary photonics event. Taking just a few steps past the entrance, PI’s booth displays the latest state-of-the-art precision motion technologies. PI engineers are on-hand to answer questions and propose solutions for precision motion projects in industry, research, and science. High-speed automation: Hybrid gantries, […]