- 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.
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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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Piezo 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.
PI's optical-axis Z-positioners are piezo-driven and typically achieve 10 times higher precision & focusing speed than conventional motorized Z-axis positioners. Controllers are equipped with high-bandwidth digital and analog interfaces for extremely fast response and compatibility with all major image acquisition packages, such as Metamorph, µManager, etc.
For long travel positioning, highly stable ultrasonic-ceramic motor driven stages are available. These self-clamping positioners provide significantly better long-term stability compared to conventional motor drives.
Check out PI's microscopy blog articles and download the Products for Microscopy and Electron Microscopy catalogs for more information.
Piezo driven lens positioners and scanners Z-nanopositioning mechanisms can move microscope objectives with extreme resolution and speed, typically one order of magnitude higher than conventional motor driven positioners.
PI provides piezo lens positioners with up to 2000µm travel. For longer travel ranges, piezo motor stages and electromagnetic drives are available.
Many of PI’s piezo controllers are compatible with major image acquisition software packages, to provide high performance images for deconvolution microscopy, Z-stack image acquisition and other super-resolution techniques. Settling times are typically in the low millisecond range. High guiding precision is achieved with frictionless, computer optimized flexures. Capacitive sensors guarantee sub-nanometer precision in closed-loop operation.
Long lifetime is guaranteed by PI‘s patented, Mars-Rover tested PICMA® piezo actuators.
Show moreN-725 PIFOC® Fast Piezo Nano Focus
2mm, PiezoWalk® Motor
- 2000µm motion
- PiezoWalk® motor, self-locking
- Package with controller
- Millisecond settling time
- 0.5nm sensor resolution
Show moreP-725 PIFOC® Fast Piezo Nano Focus
400µm, Sub-Nanometer Precision
- 400µm motion
- Affordable package with controller
- Millisecond settling time
- Enhanced focus stability
- Compatible with imaging software
Show moreP-721 PIFOC® Fast Piezo Nano Focus
100µm, Sub-Nanometer Precision
- 100µm motion
- Most affordable package
- Cost efficient strain gauge sensors
- Millisecond settling time
- Compatible with imaging software
Show moreP-726 PIFOC® Fast Piezo Nano Focus
100µm, High-Stiffness, High End
- 100µm motion
- Ultra-stiff for heavy objectives
- Millisecond settling time
- Enhanced focus stability
- Compatible with imaging software
Show moreApplication Note
The P-726 provides the highest stiffness and fastest response time with heavy objectives.
An application of the P-726 with the E-753 digital controller is described in this article “Remote refocus enables class-leading spatiotemporal resolution in 4D optical microscopy”, where also the U-780 XY microscope stage and the P-737 Piezo-Z stage were employed in the test setup.
Show moreP-915KLPZ Piezo Z-Objective Scanner
Low-Profile
- 75µm motion
- 15mm height, 60x60mm footprint
- For objectives with W0.8 x 1/36'' thread
Show moreP-725KHDS PIFOC® Objective Scanner
400µm For Heavy Objectives
- 400µm motion
- Higher stiffness for faster response with heavy objectives
- Millisecond settling time
- Enhanced focus stability
- Compatible with imaging software
Show moreVoice-Coil Fast-Focus System
This custom autofocus system is driven by a PIMag voice coil motor. PI also provides the controller, alignment tools and routines to improve the assembly precision of the payload.
Show moreP-721KTPZ PIFOC® Nosepiece Nanopositioner
Move the Turret instead of One Objective
PI has designed a number of custom “nose piece” nanopositoners. The high stiffness of piezo ceramics makes it possible to dynamically move the complete microscope turret instead of one objective at a time.
PInano® XY and XYZ piezo nanopositioning stages are designed to mount on manual or motorized microscope stages. They can accommodate slides or other inserts.
Digital Control: The PInano® packages include a digital servo controller (not to be confused with an analog servo with USB interface) which provides higher performance (linearity, dynamics) than conventional analog piezo controllers and allows parameter changes to adapt to different load situations to be made on the fly. In addition to USB and Ethernet interfaces, an analog 0-10V interface is also installed – convenient to use with many existing instruments providing analog outputs.
Piezo Resistive Sensors (PRS): Based on high resolution semiconductor strain gauges, often used in AFM’s, they provide a very high signal to noise ratio and low noise.
Capacitive Sensors: Non-contact, direct-metrology sensors that measure the gap of a moving platform against the static frame and provide the highest linearity and very low noise.
Show moreP-545 PINano® XY/XYZ Microscope Stage
Package with Digital Controller
- 200µm motion
- Nanometer resolution
- Easy integration in microscopes
- Sensor choice: Piezoresistive (PRS) - lower cost; Capacitive - higher linearity
Show moreP-545 PInano® Trak Direct Drive XYZ
High Speed for Particle Tracking
- 70x70x50µm XYZ motion
- Direct drive = Higher dynamics
- Complete with digital controller
- Fast response <5msec, subnanometer resolution: ideal for tracking
- Easy integration in microscopes
- Piezoresistive sensors
Show moreM-545 XY Microscope Stage
High Stability, Manal Micrometers
- 25x25mm travel range
- Highly stable base for P-545 and P-736 PInano® piezo scanning stages
- Low profile for easy integration: 30mm
- Micrometer screws
- For Nikon, Zeiss, Leica and Olympus microscopes
- Motor upgrade available
Show moreP-733 XYZ Piezo Scanning Stages
Parallel Metrology, 100µm
- 100x100x10µm motion
- <0.3 nanometer resolution
- Capacitive feedback
- 50x50mm aperture
- Frictionless precision flexure guides
Show moreP-561 / 2 / 3 PImars, XYZ Piezo Stage
High End Performance, to 300µm
- 100-300µm XY & XYZ motion
- Six-axis option
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Ultra-fast XY and XYZ versions
- PICMA® long-life piezo drives
Show morePInano® Stage Platform
Configurable System
- Two horizontal 40mm cage systems
- Four threaded SM1 access ports
- 25x25mm motorized stage
- XY/XYZ nanopositioning stage
- Optional upper breadboard for trans-illumination optics
Single molecule tracking requires very fast motion. Direct-drive piezo stage designs achieve millisecond responsiveness. High powered amplifiers with plenty of short term peak current provide the required bandwidth. The faster the piezo stage, the more important is a highly stable base. Self-clamping ultrasonic motor long-travel positioning stages (such as the PIline U-780) or the M-545 manual stage are essential to take full advantage of the extreme accelerations direct drive piezo scanning stages are capable of.
Show moreP-545 PInano® Trak Direct Drive XYZ
High Speed for Particle Tracking
- 70x70x50µm XYZ motion
- Direct drive = Higher dynamics
- Complete with digital controller
- Fast response <5msec, subnanometer resolution: ideal for tracking
- Easy integration in microscopes
- Piezoresistive sensors
Show moreP-733.3DD High-Dynamics Scanners
Fastest XYZ Piezo Stages
- 30x30x10µm motion
- Direct drive = Higher dynamics
- Up to 2.2 kHz resonant frequency
- 100 picometers resolution
- Frictionless precision flexure guides
The PInano® P-736 piezo insert Z-scanner is designed as an insert for microscope stages with a 160x110mm standard K-frame opening. It has an aperture of 93x65mm for microscope slides, Petri dishes, etc. A larger version of the P-736 stage with a full size K-frame opening, for well plates etc., is also available.
Digital Control: The PInano® packages include a digital servo controller (not to be confused with an analog servo with USB interface) which provides higher performance (linearity, dynamics) than conventional analog piezo controllers and allows changes to be made on the fly. In addition to USB and Ethernet interfaces, an analog 0-10V interface is also installed – convenient to use with many existing instruments providing analog outputs.
Piezo Resistive Sensors (PRS): Based on high resolution semiconductor strain gauges, often used in AFM’s, they provide a very high signal to noise ratio and low noise.
Capacitive Sensors: Non-contact, direct-metrology sensors that measure the gap of a moving platform against the static frame and provide the highest linearity and very low noise.
Show moreP-736 Piezo-Z Scanner, w/Controller
For Microscope Slides
- 200µm vertical motion
- 1nm resolution
- Fast step & settle, from 5msec
- Low profile: 20mm (0.8")
- Controller & software included
Show moreP-736 Piezo-Z Scanner, w/Controller
For Multi Well-Plates
- 220µm vertical motion
- 1nm resolution
- Fast step & settle, from 5msec
- Low profile: 20mm (0.8")
- Controller & software included
Show moreP-737 Piezo Z-Stage
For Microscopy & Biotech
- 100, 250, 500µm motion
- 2-5 nanometer resolution
- Millisecond response
- Aperture for specimen holders
- Integrates with motorized XY stages
Ultra High Stability with Ultrasonic Ceramic Direct-drive Motors
Ultrasonic motors are self-clamping at the end of every move and on power off. This contributes to their extreme position stability (long term drift is significantly improved by the elimination of lubricant flow of screw-drive stages, see article here).Fast Step & Settle and Wide Dynamic Range
Due to the direct drive and very low inertia, ultrasonic motors provide very fast start/stop behavior in the millsecond range, smooth motion with a very wide dynamic range from microns/second to 100’s of millimeters/second.How Ultrasonic Motors Work
Both linear and rotary ultrasonic motors are based on compact piezo ceramic elements driven at high frequencies of 10’s to 100’s of kHz (beyond the human hearing range). Each oscillation cycle transfers nanoscopic motion to a linear or rotary ceramic surface bonded to a linear runner or rotary platform.Show moreU-760 / U-780 XY Microscope Stage
Silent Ultrasonic Linear Motor
- 25x25mm & 135x85mm XY motion range
- 10nm & 100nm encoder resolution
- Up to 120mm/sec velocity
- Combines with piezo flexure scanners
- Self clamping = Ultra-high stability
- With joystick and controller
Show moreM-971 Motorized XY-Stage for OEMs
Low Cost Stage for Customizations
- 2”x1” XY travel (50x25mm)
- 0.2µm min. inc. motion
- 2.5nm motor resolution
- 10mm/sec max. velocity
- 20kg load
- Stepper motor driven
Show moreM-545 XY Microscope Stage
High Stability, Manal Micrometers
- 25x25mm travel range
- Highly stable base for P-545 and P-736 PInano® piezo scanning stages
- Low profile for easy integration: 30mm
- Micrometer screws
- For Nikon, Zeiss, Leica and Olympus microscopes
- Motor upgrade available
The U-780 XY linear stage is a novel, low-profile, motorized precision positioning stage for high-resolution microscopes. It comes complete with a controller and joystick. The XY stage is based on PI’s patented ultrasonic ceramic linear motors. This drive technology provides extremely high stability – important for high resolution imaging. The motors are preloaded and automatically clamp when a position has been reached. Compared to conventional screw drives, position drift is significantly reduced. There is also no servo jitter as can be observed with electro-magnetic linear motors. No electric current is required and no heat is generated when resting at a position – further reducing drift and disturbances for highly sensitive measurements. The ultrasonic linear motors provide a very wide dynamic speed range from microns/second and below, up to more than 100mm/sec. A linear encoder with 100nm resolution is integrated for each axis – this direct position measurement principle eliminates play and backlash. The U-780 XY stage systems come with many software tools, such as PIMikroMove, PI General Command Set (GCS), and drivers for LabVIEW. Compatible with µManager, MetaMorph, Andor iQ, MATLAB.
Show moreU-751 XY Linear Stage
Silent Ultrasonic Linear Motor
- 25x25mm XY motion range
- 100nm encoder resolution
- 100mm/sec velocity
- 170x170mm footprint
- Self clamping motor design
- Vacuum options
Show moreU-723 Miniature XY Linear Stage
Silent Ultrasonic Linear Motor
- 22x22mm XY motion range
- 10nm encoder resolution
- 200mm/sec velocity
- 42x42mm footprint
- Self clamping motor design
- Vacuum options
Miniature Piezo Positioning Stages and Miniature Piezo Motor Actuators
For Innovative Microscopy Applications
Stick-slip piezo motors (inertia motors) permit the design of the smallest class of precision motorized positioners. The direct drive motors are only a few millimeters in size, there are no gears, or other conventional power transmission components involved that add size, complexity, play or backlash.
Piezo inertia motors make use of the difference in the static and dynamic friction coefficients between two surfaces; their controllers provide a quasi sawtooth output voltage, with a slow expansion phase and a fast contraction phase. In the expansion phase, the piezo actuator moves the slider; in the contraction phase, its inertia prevents the slider from following the quick motion of the actuator, and it remains at its position.
Overview Miniature Piezo Motor Stages
Overview Miniature Piezo Motor Actuators
Hexapod 6-axis parallel 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's parallel kinematics (PKM) precision positioning systems have many advantages over conventional serial kinematics stages, including lower inertia, improved dynamics, smaller package size, and higher stiffness. In addition, hexapods are more flexible than conventional 6 axis positioners.
Hexapod Articles in Medical Applications
Show moreH-811 Miniature Hexapod
Brushless DC Motors
- 34x32x13mm XYZ travel
- 20x20x41° rotary travel
- 5kg load
- 5nm actuator resolution
- 20mm/sec max. velocity
- Ø136mm base, 114mm height
PI's ultra fast piezo steering mirror platforms are based on frictionless flexure guides and high-speed solid-state piezoelectric drives.
Fast and Compact
These compact devices can provide integrated pitch and roll motion with a single moving mirror. They are faster than galvo-scanners and voice-coil driven beam steering systems (also available from PI) and can be used in both static and highly dynamic operation (e.g. scanning, tracking, drift and vibration cancellation).Advantages of PI Piezo Steering Mirrors
Coplanar multiaxis motion (based on parallel kinematics design), fast response (sub-millisecond), high resolution (up to nanoradian range), long travel ranges (up to 3 degrees optical deflection)PI's parallel-kinematics multi-axis steering mirrors use only one platform/mirror for all axes. There is one common pivot point and no polarization rotation, an important feature for many precision optics applications.
Overview Piezo Steering MirrorsPZT tube scanners are often used in scanning microscopy applications. PZT tubes make use of the d31 piezo effect. When voltage is applied, the tube shrinks radially and axially, proportional with the voltage. By segmenting the tube axially, multi-axis motion is feasible and scanning is possible.
PICA Shear actuators can also be used in lateral scanning applications. They are more robust than scanner tubes and come in single axis to XYZ configurations.
P-363 XYZ PicoCube nanopositioning stages are based on shear actuators and capacitive position feedback sensors.
The P-313 XYZ scanner is made of a highly linear crystalline electroactive material and does not require position feedback sensors and closed-loop operation. The advantage is extremely high bandwidth and picometer precision, but at small travel ranges of 1µm.
Show morePT230 Piezo Scanner Tube
Radial and Axial Motion - Fast
- 70mm max. length
- 2 to 80mm OD
- 0.8 to 74mm ID
- 0.30mm min. wall thickness
Show morePT120 – PT140 Piezo Tubes, Scanners
From <2mm Diameter
- Miniature size option
- XYZ-scanner option
- Wall thickness as small as 0.3mm
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Large diameters to 80mm
- Based on d-31 piezo effect
Show moreP-111 – P-151 Piezo Shear Actuators
Compact Multi-Axis Positioners
- X, XY, XZ and XYZ versions
- To 10µm travel
- For fast scanning
- Options: clear aperture, UHV
- Extreme reliability >1B cycles
- Picometer-resolution / Sub-msec response
Show moreP-363 PicoCube XY(Z) Piezo Stages
Nanotechnology, SPM, AFM
- 5µm motion, 50pm resolution
- Ultra-high performance scanner for AFM/SPM, nano-manipulation
- Closed-loop, parallel-metrology
- Capacitive feedback
Show moreP-313 PicoCube XY(Z) Stage
Ultra-Linear Piezo Drive
- 1µm motion
- 20 picometer resolution
- Highly linear piezo material - does not require closed-loop operation
- Faster response, higher bandwidth
- Resources