6-Axis Parallel Positioner: Versatile Miniature Hexapod for Precision Motion Control

Auburn, MA, PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. – a leading manufacturer of precision parallel kinematics motion control systems — has released a new miniature hexapod. Two versions - for standard conditions and for vacuum applications -are available.

Small, yet Versatile and High Force
The new M-811 miniature Hexapod measures only 130 mm in diameter and 115 mm in height. Despite its small size, it can handle loads to 5 kg (11 lbs) and position them in all six degrees of freedom with sub-micrometer precision.

Features & Advantages

  • Small but High Load Capacity: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • High Precision: Actuator Resolution 0.04µm, Repeatability : ±0.5µm
  • Versatile Motion: 6 Degrees of Freedom + Randomized Center of Rotation
  • Velocity to 10 mm/sec
  • XYZ-Travel: 35/35/13mm; Rotations: XYZ: 20°/20°/40°
  • Digital Controller and Software Included

More Information on Hexapods:http://www.hexapods.net/standard_hexapods.php

Software, Programming and Controller
Like all PI parallel kinematic Hexapod positioners, the miniature vacuum Hexapod comes bundled with software and a highly specialized digital controller with high-speed Ethernet connectivity. Programming and commanding the Hexapod is simple and straight-forward, as all positions are conveniently given in Cartesian coordinates (XYZ, Theta X, Theta Y, Theta Z).

Parallel Kinematics vs Conventional Serial Kinematics
Parallel-kinematics positioning systems have several advantages over conventional stacked multi-axis positioners. All six actuators directly affect one common platform, significantly reducing mass and inertia. Moreover, there is no accumulation of the lateral and angular runout errors of the individual axes. Unlike rotation stages and goniometers which come with a fixed center of rotation, the PI Hexapod concept lets the user set and change the pivot any time via software.

Hexapod Applications, Range
Today, hexapod applications are found in all technology fields: medical engineering, X-ray microscopy, photonics alignment, semiconductor test & metrology, astronomy, precision machining, aeronautics, high-energy physics, etc. PI is the leading manufacturer of precision micropositioning and nanopositioning hexapods. The company introduced its first hexapod 2 decades ago for a precision alignment system in an astronomical telescope and provides a large variety of different models with load capacity from 2 kg to more than 2,000 kg.

About PI
PI is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control equipment, piezo systems, piezo motors and actuators for photonics, bio-nanotechnology, medical engineering & semiconductor applications. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard & custom precision products with piezoceramic and electromagnetic drives for 4 decades. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. PI is present worldwide with eight subsidiaries, R&D / engineering on 3 continents and total staff of 500+ PI USA designs and manufactures piezo products at the company’s US headquarters in Auburn, MA.

PI on Twitter:http://twitter.com/PI_Physik_Inst
PI Blog: http://physik-instrumente.blogspot.com/

International Contacts:
USA / Canada / Mexico:www.pi-usa.us
East: David Rego
Tel: (508) 832-3456
Email: [email protected]

Midwest Joe McGonagle
(508) 832-3456
Email: [email protected]

West David Steinberg
Tel: (949) 679-9191
Email: [email protected]

Europe:www.pi.ws
Germany: www.pi.de +49 (721) 4846-0
Italy: www.pionline.it +39 (02) 665 011 01
Franc www.pifrance.fr:  +33 (1) 481 039 30
UK: www.physikinstrumente.co.uk +44 (1582) 764 334

Asia:
Japan: www.pi-japan.jp +81 (6) 6304 5605
China www.pi-china.cn +86 (21) 687 900 08

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