- OEM / SystemsOEM Systems | Precision Components | Automation Sub-SystemsPI offers 1000’s of proven, off-the-shelf precision motion products that can be quickly modified for the OEM or into a custom automation sub-system.
- Meeting the Demands of OEMsOEM Systems | Precision Components | Automation Sub-SystemsPI has a long track record of working with OEMs in the most demanding industries from Semiconductor Technology to Medical Design – industries where product performance, quality, and the ability to ramp up quickly are not the only parameters required to satisfy the customer's demands. Working with technology leaders all around the world forces you to continuously improve your yield, process, and product performance. And unless your quality is outstanding, you cannot become a key supplier to major US, European, and Japanese companies in the Optics, Photonics, Semiconductor, and Automotive industry.
- Engineered Motion / Automation Sub-SystemsPrecision Automation Solutions | Engineered SystemsPI is a supplier of high-end precision motion systems and makes use of own drive components and high-precision positioners to build customized positioning and automation sub-systems —“motion engines”—for our customers. With the largest portfolio of precision motion technologies in the industry, PI engineers have the best foundation to find a solution that matches your requirements in terms of precision, quality and budget – in a timeframe that works for you.
- Meeting the Demands of OEMs
- ProductsPrecision Motion Technologies | Positioning SystemsOverview of the Broadest & Deepest Portfolio of Precision Motion and Automation Technologies from Piezo to Air Bearings and Linear Motors
- Products: Overview, New, Finder, ShopFind Precision Positioning Solutions Quickly - Product Finder | PI USAWith thousands of standard products and customization available, PI has the motion control positioning product solution for your application.
- Products OverviewProducts OverviewOverview of the Broadest & Deepest Portfolio of Precision Motion and Automation Technologies from Piezo to Air Bearings and Linear Motors
- New ProductsNew Motion Control & Precision Positioning Products | PI USALearn about the latest innovations in motion control and nanopositioning components and systems.
- Product FinderUse the PI Product Finder - it's fast and easy!Select the product type specified by the axes of motion required. Selection of more criteria expands or shortens the list of results. Select more than one filter at at time, for example, to find positioning stages designed for higher load capacity, too.
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- Products Overview
- Air Bearings & Ultra High Precision StagesAir Bearing Stages | Motorized | Linear | RotaryAir bearings provide advantages over mechanical bearings when vibration-free motion is required, highly constant velocity control is crucial, and when angular repeatability and geometric performance must be optimal. Air bearing stages (linear, rotary, and spherical) replace mechanical contact by a thin air film, avoiding wear, friction, vibration, and hysteresis effects.
- Miniature Positioning StagesMiniature Positioning Stages | Supplier | ManufacturerCompact positioning stages are crucial for the miniaturization process in cutting-edge research and industrial applications, for test & measurement, optical and opto-mechanical alignment, and component assembly. PI provides the largest portfolio of miniature stages, including high-speed linear motor stages, economical stepper motor units, and ultra-compact piezo motor positioners.
- Motorized Stages: Linear, Rotary, XYMotorized Stages | Positioning | ManufacturerPI offers the broadest and deepest range of precision motion technologies for micro and nano precision applications. Our engineers work with our customers to find the best drive and bearing technology for each individual application. Having access to multiple drive and positioning technologies allows an open discussion with a better outcome for the customer.
- Overview - Motorized Linear/Rotary StagesOverview - Motorized Linear/Rotary Stages
- Linear StagesLinear Stages - Precision Positioning Solutions | PI USASeveral types of motorized precision linear translation stages | PI USA
- Fast Linear Motor Stages and ActuatorsOverview: Linear Stage, Linear Motor Driven, Fast Brushless Motor Positioning Stages | PI USABrushless linear motor-driven stages provide high speed, precision and long life.
- Z-Stages (Vertical Motion)Vertical Linear Stages – Precision Motorized Z-Positioners | PI USA
- XY StagesXY Stages – 2-Axis Motorized Precision Positioning Stages | PI USASeveral types of planar XY stages: Direct-driven stages, ball-screw stages and air bearing planar XY stages
- XYZ StagesXYZ Stage - Multi-Axis Precision Motorized Stages
- Rotary Stages / GoniometersPrecision Rotation Stage, High Resolution Rotary Positioners, Rotation Tables, Goniometers, by PI USASeveral types of motorized rotation stages: Direct-driven stages, ball-bearing stages and air bearing stages
- Heavy Duty Stages / Industrial AutomationHigh Speed / Performance Positioning Stages for Automation - Linear Stages | Rotary Stages | PI USAHigh performance motorized stages, designed for heavy duty applications in industrial precison automation.
- Sub-Systems for AutomationSYS > Engineered Motion/Automation Sub-SystemsThe PI group employs over 1,200 people in 15 countries and runs engineering and manufacturing centers on 3 continents. Select from the broadest portfolio of precision motion technologies, including piezoelectric and air bearing systems, with 1,000’s of standard products or have our engineers provide you with a custom solution.
- Overview - Motorized Linear/Rotary Stages
- Linear ActuatorsActuators | Precision | Linear | Actuator SystemA precision linear actuator is a positioning device that provides motion in 1 degree of freedom. PI designs and manufactures a variety of precision linear actuators (pushers) including economical stepper-motor driven actuators, high-speed linear motor types for automation and nanometer precise piezo-motor actuators.
- Gantries / Cartesian RobotsGantry Stages | Gantries | Cartesian RobotA gantry precision positioning stage is sometimes called a linear robot or Cartesian robot. Gantries typically provide motion in 2 or 3 linear degrees of freedom (X-Y and X-Y-Z) and are often used for pick and place applications, 3D printing or laser machining, and welding applications.
- 6-Axis Hexapods / Parallel PositionersHexapod Positioner | Six DOF | Stewart PlatformsHexapod positioners are often referred to as Stewart Platforms. A hexapod is based on a 6-axis (XYZ, Pitch, Roll, Yaw) actuator system arranged in parallel between a top and bottom platform. PI parallel kinematics (PKM) precision positioning systems have many advantages over serial kinematics stages, such as lower inertia, improved dynamics, smaller package size and higher stiffness. In addition hexapods are more flexible than conventional 6 axis positioners.
- 6-Axis Hexapods / Parallel Positioners6-Axis Hexapods / Parallel Positioners
- Control of Hexapod / Stewart Platforms: Hexapod Motion Controllers & Simulation Software6DOF Motion Platforms | Hexapod Controllers & Simulation Software | Stewart Platform | ManufacturerControllers, software and accessories for Hexapod Stewart platforms and parallel kinematic motion systems | PI USA
- 6-Axis Hexapods / Parallel Positioners
- Piezo Flexure Nanopositioning StagesNanometer Precision: Piezo Stages for Nanopositioning, Piezo Nanopositioners, Piezo Flexure Scanning Stages | PI USAPI offers the broadest and deepest portfolio of nanometer precision motion technologies, from piezo-driven nanopositioning and scanning stages to motorized 6-axis hexapod positioning systems.
- Overview - Piezo Flexure StagesOverview - Piezo Flexure Stages
- Linear Piezo Flexure StagesLinear Piezo Stages for Nanopositioning – Flexure-Guided Precision NanoPositioners | PI USALargest selection of frictionless, high performance piezo-stack-driven flexure linear nanopositioning stages | PI USA
- Vertical & Tip/Tilt Piezo StagesPiezo Z-Stage, Piezo Z-Tip-Tilt Platform. Flexure Guided Nanopositioning Stages| PI USALarge selection of Piezo Z-Stages and Tip/Tilt scanners with nanometer precision | PI USA
- Fast Steering Mirrors & Tip/Tilt PlatformsPiezo Steering Mirrors | Active Optics
- Nanofocus Lens ScannersFast Piezo Focus Lens Positioners and Scanners – Piezo Flexure Guided Precision Positioners | PI USALargest Selection of Nano-Focus drives for microscope lenses – flexure-guided precision positioners
- XY Piezo Flexure StagesPiezo Stages | XY | Nanopositioning StagesLargest selection of integrated XY piezo flexure stages with nanometer precision.
- XYZ Piezo Flexure StagesXYZ Piezo Nanopositioning Stages – Flexure Guided 3-Axis Precision Positioners | PI USALargest selection of integrated XYZ piezo flexure stages with nanometer precision.
- 6-Axis Piezo Flexure Stages6-Axis Piezo Nanopositioning Stages – Flexure Guided Precision Positioners | PI USAPiezo-driven fast steering mirrors (FSM) achieve nanoradian resolution and high bandwidth.
- Tutorial - Piezo NanopositioningNanometer Precision: Nanopositioning Basics Tutorial. Piezo Nanopositioners, Scanning Stages, Flexure Guided Positioners | PI USAThere are several ways to achieve nanometer precision motion. The best positioning systems avoid friction all together, in both the drive system (motor) and in the guiding system (bearings). Frictionless bearings also avoid the bearing rumble caused by balls and rollers and provide vibration-free motion with highly constant velocity.
- Overview - Piezo Flexure Stages
- Piezo Motors: Stages & ActuatorsPiezo Motors | Linear Motor Positioners | ManufacturerPiezo Motors are intrinsically vacuum compatible, non-magnetic and self locking at rest, providing long travel compared to traditional piezo mechanisms. The individual drive concepts are optimized for different applications, they differ in their design, size, cost, force & speed and other performance parameters.
- Overview - Piezo Motors (Stages/Actuators)Overview - Piezo Motors (Stages/Actuators)
- Actuators with Piezo MotorsCompact precision linear actuators stages with several types of piezo motor drives – ultrasonic, stick-slip, piezo-walk, piezo-ratchet. | PI USA
- Linear Stages with Piezo MotorsPrecision linear stages with several types of piezo motor drives – ultrasonic, stick-slip, piezo-walk, piezo-ratchet. | PI USA
- XY Stages with Piezo MotorsXY piezo motor linear stages with several types of precision piezo motor drives – ultrasonic, stick-slip, piezo-walk | PI USA
- XY Piezo Flexure StagesXY Piezo Flexure StagesHigh-precision 2-axis nanopositioning systems integrate PICMA® piezo actuators for maximum reliability. Repeatable, drift-free positioning with optimal stability is possible by the use of high-quality nanometrology sensors.
- Rotary Stages with Piezo MotorsRotary piezo motor stages with several types of precision piezo motors– ultrasonic, stick-slip (inertia), | PI USA
- Tutorial - Piezo Motion ControlWhy All Piezo Motors are NOT Created Equal: The piezoelectric effect for precision motion control - PI Physik Instrumente.The demand for higher speed and/or precision in fields such as bio-nanotechnology, semiconductors, metrology, data comm, and photonics keep pushing manufacturers to come up with innovative drive technologies.
- Overview - Piezo Motors (Stages/Actuators)
- Piezo Transducers & ActuatorsPiezo Actuator | Piezo Transducer | ManufacturerPiezoelectric translators (transducers) are precision ceramic actuators which convert electrical energy directly into linear motion with high speed, force and virtually unlimited resolution. These actuators are used in every modern high tech field from semiconductor test & inspection to super-resolution microscopy, bio-nanotechnology and astronomy/aerospace technology.
- Piezo Actuators & Transducers: Stacks, Chips, Benders, Tubes, Spheres, Shear…Piezo Actuators & Transducers: Stacks, Chips, Benders, Tubes, Spheres, Shear…
- Value-Added Piezo Transducers & Piezo AssembliesValue Added Piezo Assemblies: Transducers, Actuators, Sensors, Manufactured by PI CeramicDeveloping and manufacturing piezo ceramic materials and components are complex processes. PI Ceramic - PI’s piezo material design and manufacturing facility - boasts several decades of experience as well as the right tools for rapid prototyping of custom engineered piezo components and assemblies. From the formulation of advanced piezo materials to the processing steps such as cutting, milling, grinding, and the precision assembly, every stage is controlled by our engineers and product specialists.
- Piezo Ceramic ComponentsPiezo Ceramic Components
- Piezo Actuators & Transducers: Stacks, Chips, Benders, Tubes, Spheres, Shear…
- Microscopy, Bio-Imaging, Life SciencesHigh Precision Microscope Stages, Piezo Lens Scanners, Tools for Bio-Imaging | PI-USAPiezo nano-positioning stages are essential tools for high-resolution microscopy, such as Super Resolution Microscopy or AFM. Their sub-atomic resolution and extremely fast response allow researchers to create higher-quality images faster. PI provides a large variety of fast Z-Stages and collar piezo objective positioners for 3D imaging (Z-stack acquisition), deconvolution, and fast focusing applications.
- Stages for Microscopy & Bio-ImagingStages for Microscopy & Bio-Imaging
- Applications: Life Sciences / MedicalPrecision motion control for medical engineering and life sciences applications | PI USA
- Stages for Microscopy & Bio-Imaging
- Photonics Alignment SolutionsActive Photonics Alignment | Optics Alignment | SolutionsPI provides a variety of innovative fiber alignment systems from motorized fiber positioners to automated optic and photonic alignment such as used in telecommunication, data commumication and for packaging / automation. In addition to fiber-based applications, fast steering systems for free-space-optical communication are also available. Products range from motorized 6D micromotion alignment systems for industrial photonics automation, through ultra-fast piezoelectric scanning & alignment modules to modular devices with manual control for laboratory test setups. All motorized systems come with extensive software for easy setup and integration.
- Vacuum Positioning Stages & ActuatorsVacuum / UHV Compatible Stages - Linear & Rotary Positioners for Vacuum, Wide Temperature Ranges | PI USAPI miCos has extensive experience in the design and manufacturing of vacuum and high vacuum compatible precision optomechanical positioning equipment for low temperature and wide temperature ranges. We provide translation stages, vertical linear stages, rotation stages, XY stages and complex multi-axis positioning systems in vacuum spec.
- VacuumProduct Series with Vacuum-Ready ItemsPI offers specific catalogue items for selected product series that are already suitable for high vacuum (HV) or ultra-high vacuum (UHV).
- Vacuum
- Controllers, Drivers, Motion SoftwareMotion Controllers, Piezo Drivers-High Voltage Amplifiers, and Motion Software Overview | PI USA
- Overview - Controllers & Motion SoftwareOverview - Controllers & Motion Software
- Piezo Controller, Driver, Nanopositioning Controller, High-Voltage Amplifier, Piezo Power Supply by PI USAPiezo Drivers | Piezo Motion Controllers | ManufacturerA piezo controller or driver is used to control the motion of a piezo positioning device. There are open and closed loop controllers. Open-loop controllers are often referred to as piezo driver or even piezo power supply. Closed-loop controllers are divided in two basic types: analog-servo and digital servo controllers.
- Controllers/Drivers for Motorized StagesMotion Controller | Drivers | Positioning SystemsPI provides a large variety of hardware & software solutions for high precision motion control. Our portfolio spans from integrated compact single axis servo controllers / drivers, such as popular Mercury-class motion controllers, to complex multi-axis systems for parallel-kinematics positioners, such as hexapods.
- ACS Motion ControlACS Motion Control for Industrial AutomationWe recommend the controllers of our partner, ACS Motion Control especially for automation with industrial standards. Ask us about your integrated solution!
- Software - Motion Control SoftwareMotion Control Software | Software Tools | Positioning SolutionsFor LabView, C++, VB, Matlab, Image Acquisitiong Packages, NI DAC Cards, ..... PI provides high-level, robust, easy-to-use software tools for fast, seamless integration of motion systems into application control software.
- Overview - Controllers & Motion Software
- Capacitive SensorsNanometer Resolution: Capacitance Sensors for Nano-Measuring, Nano-Metrology | PIA capacitive sensor is a proximity sensor that detects nearby objects by their effect on the electrical field created by the sensor.
- Accessories: Plates, Brackets, CablesAdapters and Cables for PI Precision Motion ComponentsStandardization is common with adapter plates and brackets, but we can create a custom accessory to fit your application system. PI products ship with the required cables. Customization is always an option.
- Products: Overview, New, Finder, Shop
- Tech BlogPI Blog / Tech Articles on Advancements in Precision Motion Control, Automation and Piezo Technology | PI USAPI’s tech blog offers 50 years of insight into innovative applications of precision motion control, nanopositioning, and micropositioning in industry, science, and research. We hope the PI blog is an enjoyable and informative resource, and a starting-point for innovation across disciplines.
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- Motion Control SoftwareMotion Control SoftwarePI provides high-level, robust, easy-to-use motion control software tools for fast, seamless integration of motion systems into application control software. Supported programming languages and applications include LabView, C++, VB, Matlab, Image Acquisitioning Packages, NI DAC Cards, ...
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- Technical Papers / WhitepapersTechnotes & Whitepapers / Application Articles: Piezo / Micro- / Nanopositioning Motion Control: Technical Research PaperPI precision motion and positioning solutions have helped customers in many industrial fields and research laboratories to achieve their goals faster. Feel free to download the papers below.
- Videos & AnimationsVideos on Motion Control and Positioning Technologies | PI USAWatch videos, animations and practical applications of PI products, systems, components
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About PI USA: Custom design & service / export controlled applications & ITAR RegisteredPI (Physik Instrumente) provides the broadest and deepest portfolio of precision motion technologies in the world. PI USA complies with the US laws for export controlled technologies.- AboutAbout PI USA / Custom design & service / export controlled applications & ITAR RegisteredPI (Physik Instrumente) provides the broadest and deepest portfolio of precision motion technologies in the world. PI USA complies with the US laws for export controlled technologies.
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Air bearings provide advantages over mechanical bearings when vibration-free motion is required, highly constant velocity control is crucial, and when angular repeatability and geometric performance must be optimal. Air bearing stages (linear, rotary, and spherical) replace mechanical contact by a thin air film, avoiding wear, friction, vibration, and hysteresis effects.
PI offers the broadest and deepest portfolio of precision motion technologies. PI’s US operation has extensive experience with the design and manufacture of Air Bearing precision positioning products. PI is building on over 200 years of in-house air bearing experience to offer linear, planar XY, and rotary air bearing stages to serve the OEM, industrial, and research markets. PI US also has its own precision grinding facility located in Nashua, NH. The global PI group offers comprehensive precision air bearing motion control and positioning products and systems, which are inherently frictionless, for smooth accurate motion.
By combining extremely responsive engineering support and lean manufacturing techniques, PI is able to provide the highest quality service to its customers. Maximum performance of precision systems is achieved through extensive design and analysis expertise, using in-house built equipment and proprietary techniques.
In addition to a variety of standard air bearings and motorized positioning stages, fully integrated custom-designed multi-axis positioning systems for metrology and machining applications are available from PI’s US design and engineering team. ACS (part of the PI group) motion controllers are our primary controllers; we have experience with many other controllers, if the customer prefers a different brand.
For more information on PIglide air bearing technology, download our air bearing catalog.
These stages use ironless cog-free 3-phase linear motors or voice coil motors, integral optical linear encoders and non-contact fully preloaded air bearings. Some models come with a choice of sine/cosine, A/B and absolute BISS encoders.
Show moreA-141 Miniature Air Bearing Stage
Ultra-Compact Air Bearing Stage
- 40mm travel
- 3.5kg load
- 20nm resolution
- 57x83mm table; 38mm height
- 0.25m/sec max. velocity
- 0.35g max. acceleration
Show moreA-110 PIglide Air Bearing Stage
Affordable Design, Travel to 16”
- 2/4/8/12/16” travel
- 10kg load
- 1nm resolution, abs/enc option
- 160x200mm table; 60mm height
- 1m/sec max. velocity
- 3g max. acceleration
Show moreA-121 PIglide Air Bearing Stage
Travel to 14”
- 2/4/6/10/14” travel
- 10kg load
- 1nm resolution, abs/enc option
- 115x115mm table; 60mm height
- 1m/sec max. velocity
- 2g max. acceleration
Show moreA-123 PIglide Air Bearing Stage
Large, Travel to 30”
- 2/4/6/10/14/20/30” travel
- 10kg load
- 1nm resolution, abs/enc option
- 210x210mm table; 85mm height
- 1m/sec max. velocity
- 3g max. acceleration
Show moreA-131 Voice Coil Positioner
For Fast Scanning/Autofocus
- 1” travel
- Optional bellows
- 1nm resolution
- 8g max. acceleration
Show moreZ-Stages, Counterbalanced
Custom Examples
- Air, spring, mechanical, and magnetic counterbalance options
- Custom bridge and gantry designs
Planar multi-axis air bearing stages provide additional advantages compared to mechanical bearing stages. Due to one common base for the X and Y axes torque and bending moments do not exist and will not influence the geometric performance (straightness, flatness) of the XY motion. The A322 three motor stage incorporates active yaw control using three motors and a flexural coupling element. In addition to linear motions in the X and Y axis, a small amount of rotational motion in theta Z is possible.
Show moreA-322 Planar Air Bearing Stage
3&4-Motor Designs, Granite Base
- 3 Models: Base, Plus, Ultra
- 500x1000mm max. travel
- 15kg load
- 1nm resolution
- Active yaw control flex coupling
- Dynamic error mapping
- 1m/sec / 2g max. acceleration
Show moreA-311 Planar Air Bearing Stage
Compact, Affordable, Al Base
- 50x50mm to 300x300mm travel
- 15kg load
- 1nm resolution
- Light weight, AL base
- Dynamic error mapping
- 2m/sec / 2.7g max. acceleration
Show morePIglide XY Air Bearing Stage
Stacked XY Combinations
- Various travel ranges
- 10kg load
- 1nm resolution
- Dynamic error mapping
Show moreA-341 Hybrid XY / XYZ Gantry Stage
Air Bearings & Linear Bearings, Linear Motors
- 300x300 to 500x1000mm XY travel
- 10kg load
Absolute encoders, 1nm resolution
- Z-Stage options: linear motors or ball screws
- Dynamic error mapping
- 2m/sec max velocity (cross axis)
Show moreA-351 Overhead XY / XYZ Gantry Stage
Linear Bearings, Linear Motors
- 300x300 to 500x1000mm XY travel
- 20kg load
Absolute encoders, 1nm resolution
- Z-Stage options: linear motors or ball screws
- Dynamic error mapping
- 2m/sec max velocity (cross axis)
Show moreGantry System for 3-D Printing, Laser Machining Software
As Seen at Photonics West
Watch Video
PI's A-341 hybrid Gantry System for 3-D printing, laser processing with software is explained at Photonics West.
A-621, A-623, A-624, A-627 PIglide RM motorized rotary air bearing stages can be used in any orientation, while the low profile series of A-635/A-637 stages are designed for horizontal use. PIglide rotary stages feature high performance, low-cogging frameless slotless torque motors, and optical encoders. Various options can be combined to create a solution ideal for point-to-point indexing or constant velocity scanning. Applications include optical alignment, metrology, inspection, calibration, and scanning. These stages offer superior runout, flatness, and wobble performance. Since they are completely frictionless, they exhibit no breakaway “stiction” or drag friction during operation. They are ideal for use in cleanrooms, require no maintenance or lubrication, and have unlimited life.
Show moreA-621 - A-627 Air Bearing Rotary Stages
Direct Drive, High Load
- 2/4/6/12” table diameter
- 13 to 420kg load
- 0.008µrad max. resolution
- 40 to 100nm flatness
- 500 to 2500 RPM max.
Show moreA-634 – A-638 Air Bearing Rotary Stages
Low Profile, Large Diameter
- 6/8/12/14” table diameter
- 20/32/60/120kg load capacity
- 0.03µrad max. resolution
- <100nm eccentricity & flatness
- 500 RPM max.
- Self-locking option at rest
Show moreA-688 Air Bearing Rotary Stage
Large Clear Aperture
- ⌀260mm clear aperture
- 77kg load capacity
- 0.0015µrad max. resolution
- 500 RPM max.
- Flatness/Eccentricity <175/300nm
- Wobble: < 1µrad
- Direct drive
Show moreA-520 Z-Tip-Tilt Air Bearing Stage
Low Profile
- 5mm Z-Stroke, 5° Tip/Tilt
- ⌀200mm Table
- 100nm Repeatability
Show moreA-361 X-Y-θ Air Bearing Alignment Stage
Voice Coil Driven, Low Profile
- 5mm x 5mm x 2° Travel
- 40mm height, ø200mm
- Air Bearings & Voice Coils
- Parallel Kinematics
- Lock-down Capable
- 6-DOF Option
These high performance controllers feature state of the art ACS SPiiPlusEC motion control modules and EtherCAT® master, and includes ServoBoost™ for up to eight axes of motion. ServoBoost™ provides better, more consistent servo performance that is insensitive to noise or (load) changes in the system.
Show moreA-824/6/8 PIglide Motion Controller
High Power: 4, 6 & 8 Motion Axes
- Fully integrated closed-loop servo, amplifier module & power supplies
- 2000 W continuous, 3900 W peak
- 3-Phase BLDC / voice coil / DC
- Quiet PWM drives
- Sine/cosine and BiSS-C encoders
- 20A peak output current/axis
Show moreA-811/2/4 PIglide Motion Controller
Compact: 1, 2 & 4 Motion Axes
- Fully integrated closed-loop servo, amplifier module & power supplies
- 600W power supply
- 3-phase BLDC / voice coil / DC
- Quiet PWM drives
- Sine/cosine and BiSS-C encoders
- 10A Peak output current/axis
Show moreMotion Controller Adapts to Different Loads in Real Time: ServoBoost™
from ACS
Watch Video
An advanced algorithm called ServoBoost™ in ACS motion controllers automatically adapts the servo settings to load changes in real time.
Show moreA-101 - A-109 Linear Air Bearings
Non Motorized Linear Slides
- 50 to 1000mm range
- 9 table sizes: 50x50 to 300x300mm
- 13 to 760kg vertical load
- 7.5 to 21kg lateral load
- Excellent straightness/flatness
Show moreA-601 – A-607 Rotary Air Bearings
Non Motorized, Encoder Options
- Ideal for optics testing
- 2/3/4/6/8/12” table diameter
- 13 to 420kg axial load
- 5 to 270kg radial load
- 75 to 300nm eccentricity
- Optional high resolution encoder
Show moreA-651 - A-657 Spherical Air Bearings
3 Degrees of Freedom
- Ideal for zero gravity simulation
- 2/3/4/6/8/10/12” sphere diameter
- 15 to 635kg load
- ±45 degrees rotation range
Show moreA-60x.MTT Manual X-Y-Tilt Platform
Add-On For Rotary Stage
- Ideal for optics testing
- 4 degrees of freedom: X, Y, θX, θY
- Manual operation
- Travel to ±3mm, ±1.25°
- 3/4/6/8/10” table diameter
- Direct mount on A-60x / A-62x
Show moreA-65x.PED Pedestal
For Spherical Air Bearings
- Works with A-651 to A-657
- Ideal for satellite control and simulation of weightlessness
Show moreA-80x PIglide Preparation Kits
Pressure Control & Air Filtration
- Cleans & filters compressed air
- Controls the supply pressure
- Optional pressure switch
- Recommended for all PIglide products
- Customized adaptations
Show moreA-10x Mounting Feet
For PIglide Linear Air Bearings
- For A-101 - A-109 linear air bearings
- Hardcoat aluminum
Show moreA-60x.MTT Manual X-Y-Tilt Platform
Add-On For Rotary Stage
- Ideal for optics testing
- 4 degrees of freedom: X, Y, θX, θY
- Manual operation
- Travel to ±3mm, ±1.25°
- 3/4/6/8/10” table diameter
- Direct mount on A-60x / A-62x
Application Examples of Air Bearings, Stages and Systems
PI's air bearing products serve the needs of a wide variety of applications and industries. Below are examples of diverse problems that were solved with PI products.
PI air bearing products can be used to build metrology systems for roundness, flatness, surface profile, or thickness measurements. When precision manufactured parts need to be measured to the tightest tolerances in aerospace, aircraft, automotive, ball bearings, infrared and precision optics, semiconductors, or turbines, contact a PI engineer to help design your system.
Contact a PI engineer to discuss research and development applications. PI's broad range of positioning and control products can be integrated into almost any configuration imaginable to help reach the next breakthrough.
As flat panel displays (FPDs) continue to grow in size and improve image resolution, the demands on test and inspection equipment continue to become more challenging. PI's planar air bearing stages and gantries can be customized to meet incredibly tight precision specifications over very long travels.
PI offers sophisticated equipment for high-end scientific research in large-scale synchrotron and accelerator research facilities. Linear and rotary air bearing stages are used to position sensors and instrumentation in various beamline applications, including tomography and holography, micro-CT positioning, sample adjustment, microscopy, and X-Ray scanning.
Digital printing demands fast, accurate motion with precise velocity control and very low angular motion errors. PI's long travel linear air bearings are the key to leading manufacturer's digital print to film high resolution printer setters. Lightweight bearings deliver over one meter of travel with a straightness accuracies as low as 3 µm. The system achieves excellent velocity stability, resulting in exceptional print quality.
Optical grinding requires extremely precise and smooth motion in order to achieve demanding tolerances for surface finish. When leading optical manufacturers need a rotary bearing with run-out and flatness errors less than 0.1 µm for integration into their custom grinding machine, PI provides the solution. In addition to excellent accuracy, the outstanding stiffness of air bearings allows the bearing to withstand forces without a degradation of positioning accuracy and repeatability.
Tensile testing machines apply precise forces, under high loads at zero velocity. Rolling element bearings exhibit significant breakaway friction which causes irregularities in the applied force. PI supplies major test equipment manufacturers with entirely non-contact, linear motor-actuated stage solutions for tensile testing machines. Due to PI's extensive experience with assembling to extremely tight tolerances, complex assemblies are delivered with higher quality and lower cost than manufacturers can achieve in-house.
Leading manufacturers of high resolution laboratory spectrometers require custom linear air bearings that provide extremely precise, tilt-free, smooth motion for their scanning mirrors. PI's totally non-contact assemblies deliver the reliability and minimal maintenance today's laboratory users demand.
Satellite systems attitude control research often requires simulation of a zero-g environment. PI's spherical air bearings have solved this problem for government and commercial research agencies. PI delivers complete systems, including mounting pedestals and air handling equipment, that support significant loads with a large range of motion.
Semiconductor processing equipment must operate with high reliability and minimal particle generation. Unlike traditional bearings, non-contact air bearings deliver exceptional reliability and lifetime with zero maintenance. Operating on a clean air or nitrogen supply, no particles are generated. This is why leading manufacturers of semiconductor processing equipment use PI air bearings for a variety of wafer inspection, handling, and transport applications.
PI developed custom linear air bearings in response to the need of major auto manufacturers for high load capacity air bearings for vehicle testing. Air bearings support heavy loads without the binding and high friction, typical of traditional bearings. As a result, multiple uses of automotive applications have been found, such as suspension testing and racecar suspension tuning.
Micro-machining and nano-manufacturing require ultra-precision, smooth motion, high stiffness, and dynamic motion. An air bearing motion system combines all these aspects. Combine linear motion with a voice-coil stage for a fast-tool servo system, or add a spindle for machining applications. Optional bellows covers can be added to protect the stages from dust and debris.
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