- 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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- 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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PI – Resources – Papers, Videos, ISO9001, Service, DownloadsFind Tech Articles, Videos, Papers, Brochures, Software Information, ISO9001 Certificates and more.- Ask an Engineer (direct email request)Ask an Engineer (direct email request)
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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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Technologies and Applications for Precision Motion Components and Sub-Systems | PI USAPI products are often used at the cutting edge of technology. They solve critical motion problems in lithography, microscopy, astronomy, laser technology, photonics and semiconductor manufacturing on locations around the world and in places as remote as the Science Lab on the Mars Rover.- News/Events
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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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Piezoelectric Actuators, Piezo Transducers: Piezo Stacks, Flexures, Tubes, Benders, Shear Actuators...
Piezoelectric actuators (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. Read article on reliability in industrial / space applications.
Different Types of Piezo Acutators/Motors: PI provides many different types of piezo actuators and motors: from stack actuators to flexure guided, motion amplified assemblies; from stick-slip mini motor stages to high speed ultrasonic motors for linear and rotary motion. But also tubes, benders, shear actuators and flexible transducers, are available.Encased Stack Actuators, Multilayer and Discrete, Water Proof Actuators, Preloaded – Motion to 180µm, Force to 30kN
It is important to understand the principles to pick the best type for an application. For more information on the differences between piezo motors and actuators and their applications watch the video below, refer to the piezo motion tutorial or just contact a PI applications engineer for help.
High Curie / Operating Temperatures: PI's piezo ceramic formulation boasts a high Curie temperature for a wide operating temperature range. PI's discrete actuators and the PICMA cofired stacks are available for operating temperatures up to 200 deg C.
PI's award-winning and MARS-Rover-Proven PICMA® ceramic-encapsulated co-fired piezo stacks are polymer-free and combine superior performance with extremely long lifetime. PI's piezo ceramic design and manufacturing division - PI Ceramic - provides the capability and flexibility to offer highly engineered custom sub-assemblies at a very attractive price.
100 Billion Cycles of Life Testing, Space Qualified
PICMA® actuators are space qualified and were submittet 100 billion cycles of life testingat NASA's JPL. Additional piezo life testing results are available for download here.
Custom & Value Added Assemblies / Manufacturing
Information on Value Added Piezo Assemblies from PI CeramicIntroduction to Flexure-Guided and Motion-Amplified Piezo Actuators
Flexure-guided and motion-amplified piezo ceramic actuators provide longer displacement ranges compared to piezo stacks in a more compact package. They are designed with protective preloads and several types of integrated flexure-guiding mechanisms are feasible depending on the guiding precision required in the application.
PI provides a large variety of standard and custom designs.- Travel ranges to 1mm and more feasible
- Fast response, Sub-millisecond feasible
- Extreme reliability: Tests at NASA's JPL have shown 100 billion cycles of life
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Vacuum-compatible versions
- Closed-loop versions
- Backlash-free construction
Show moreP-604 Low-Cost, Piezo Flexure Actuator
300µm Motion, Flexure Guided
- 300µm travel
- Cost-optimized for large quantities
- Lightweight construction, only 4 grams
- Flexure guided = Frictionless & straight motion
- Small footprint of 13x20mm
- PICMA® long-life piezo actuator
- For OEM instrumentation
Show moreP-601 Piezo Flexure Actuator
Closed-Loop Option
- 100, 250 and 400µm travel
- Position sensor option for closed-loop operation
- Flexure guided = Frictionless & straight motion
- High dynamics and stiffness
- PICMA® long-life piezo actuator
Show moreP-602 Piezo Flexure Actuator
Motion to 1mm, High Force
- Up to 1mm travel
- Position sensor option for closed-loop operation
- Flexure guided = Frictionless & straight motion
- To 400N force, high stiffness & dynamics
- PICMA® long-life piezo actuator
Show moreP-603 Piezo Flexure Actuator
Motion to 500µm
- 100, 300 and 500µm travel
- Position sensor option for closed-loop operation
- Compact, cost-effective design
- Flexure guided = Frictionless & straight motion
- High dynamics and stiffness
- PICMA® long-life piezo actuator
Show moreP-753 Piezo Flexure Stage/Actuator
Direct Drive, Highest Dynamics
- 38µm travel
- 0.05nm resolution
- Capacitive feedback = Highest precision
- Direct drive = Ultra-fast response
- Frictionless precision flexure guides
Show moreP-900 Piezo Actuated Gripper
Force Control with High Sensitivity
- Closed Loop Force Control at the Gripper Jaws
- Blocking Force = 4N
- Unloaded Travel = 500µm
- Force sensitivity = 0.01N
- Response time = 10msec
- Mass <20g
These flexure actuators are driven by PI’s ultra-reliable cofired PICMA® piezo stacks. PICMA® actuators have been tested by NASA/JPL running 100 billion cycles with no failures.
Custom flexure actuator designs with larger travel ranges, higher forces or faster response, as well as non-magnetic versions are feasible.
Applications: Flexure actuators are ideal for OEM applications in biotechnology, nano-dispensing, microfluidics, valve control, fast switching and nanopositioning, optics, medical-devices, life-sciences.
These encased piezoelectric actuators are driven by cofired multilayer PICMA® piezo stacks. PICMA® piezo stacks are extremely reliable and survived 100 billion cycles of life-testing and harsh environments in space and on the Mars Rover with no failures.
Preloading a piezo stack inside a case by means of special springs allows the actuator to handle higher tensile forces.
Hermetically sealed actuators with inert gas filling can be used in harsh environments.
Custom actuator designs with larger travel ranges, higher forces or faster response, as well as non-magnetic versions are feasible.
Applications: Piezo actuators can provide high forces and virtually unlimited positional resolution down to the sub-nanometer range. They make for ideal “OEM motion engines” in fields such as biotechnology, nano-dispensing, microfluidics, fast switching and valve control, nanopositioning, optical alignment, microscopy, medical-devices, and life-sciences..
Show moreP-810/30 Piezo Stack Actuators
Encased, Small Loads
- 15µm to 60µm displacement
- Pushing forces to 1000N
- Pulling forces to 5N
- Sub-ms response
- Sub-nanometer resolution
Show moreP-840 - P843 Preloaded Piezo Stack Actuators
1000N Load, Closed-Loop Option
- 15 to 90µm displacement
- Pushing forces to 1000N
- Preloaded for pulling forces to 300N
- Closed-loop for high accuracy
- Sub-millisecond response
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Options: ball tip, vacuum versions
Show moreP-844/45 Preloaded Piezo Stack Actuators
3000N Load, Closed-Loop Option
- 15 to 90µm displacement
- Pushing forces to 3000N
- Preloaded for pulling forces to 700N
- Closed-loop for high accuracy
- Sub-millisecond response
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Options: ball tip, vacuum versions
Show moreP-88x Waterproof Piezo Actuator
For Harsh Environments
- Waterproof and oil-proof
- Cofired monolithic piezo stacks
- Hermetically sealed steel container
- Inert gas filling
- Optional heat conducting compound filling
- Superior lifetime
Show moreP-131 Programmable Piezo Shims
Set, Forget, Reprogram
- Easy readjustment of machines / optics in inaccessible locations
- Load capacity up to 4000 N per piezo shim actuator
- Long-term stable without permanent power supply
- Avoids time-consuming manual adjusting processes
- Nanometer resolution and displacement up to 10µm
- Temperature sensor
These high force piezoelctric actuators are designed with stacks of discrete piezo disks made from “hard” PZT formulations. They are encased and preloaded to handle high push/pull forces. A variety of models with piezo ceramics diameters of 16, 25 and 35mm are available for different load requirements.
Custom actuator designs with larger travel ranges, higher forces or faster response, as well as non-magnetic versions are feasible.
Applications: These piezo actuators provide high forces and wide temperature ranges: some models up to 200 degrees C. They are used in high-performance optics and laser applications, precision machining, and downhole applications.
Show moreP-216/P-235 High-Load Stack Actuators
Preloaded, High Force
- Up to 180µm motion
- Pushing forces to 30,000N
- Pulling forces to 3500N
- Closed-loop for high accuracy
- Sub-millisecond response
- Sub-nanometer resolution
These piezo stacks and chips are manufactured based on multilayer cofiring technology at PI’s piezo ceramics division PI Ceramic. The patented design comprises an all-ceramic outer layer of the actuator, which acts as insulation making them more durable. The lack of conformal coating is an advantage in high vacuum applications.
Hermetically sealed versions with inert gas filling can be used in harsh environments.
Custom actuator designs with larger travel ranges, higher forces or faster response, as well as non-magnetic versions are feasible.
Applications: Piezo actuators provide high forces, unlimited resolution in the sub-nanometer range and are ideal for OEM applications in biotechnology, nano-dispensing, microfluidics, valve control, fast switching and nanopositioning, optics, medical-devices, life-sciences.
Show moreP-882 – P-888 PICMA® Multilayer Piezo Stacks
Mars-Rover Tested
- 9 to 30µm travel, 2x3 to 10x10mm cross sections
- Polymer-free cofired stack design
- NASA/JPL tested: 100 billion cycles
- Used in the Mars Rover Discovery
- Patented ceramic-encapsulation
- Large operating-temperature range
- High humidity resistance
Show moreP-080 Tubular Piezo Stacks
Multilayer, Segmented
- 5 to 25µm travel
- Tubular stack (axial extension)
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Aperture for optical applications or preload
- High force generation to 800 N
- Fast response, for dynamic operation
Show moreP-088 Piezo Stack Actuator
Multilayer, Segmented
- 14 to 70µm travel
- High force generation to 7500N
- Fast response, for dynamic operation
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Segmented multilayer design
- Ceramic encapsulation for extended lifetime
Show morePiezo Chip Actuators
Annular, Circular, Square
- Ultra-compact, from 2x2x2mm
- High Curie temperature
- Manufactured from PIC materials (PIC 252)
- Ideal for dynamic operation
- Sub-millisecond response / Sub-nanometer resolution
- UHV compatible to 10-9 hPa
- Superior lifetime
Show moreP-88x Waterproof Piezo Actuator
For Harsh Environments
- Waterproof and oil-proof
- Cofired monolithic piezo stacks
- Hermetically sealed steel container
- Inert gas filling
- Optional heat conducting compound filling
- Superior lifetime
PICA piezo stacks are built from discrete piezo disks made from “hard” PZT formulations. They are available in a large variety of diameters and shapes for different load requirements and applications. Discrete actuators are well suited for customizations, even in smaller quantities. They can operate under temperature ranges, some models up to 200 degrees C. They are used in high-performance optics and laser applications, precision machining, and downhole applications.
Crystalline piezo materials can provide extremely high linearity which is an advantage for high dynamics applications – no need for feedback sensors and closed-loop circuitry. The improved linearity comes at the expense of displacement.
Show morePICA Power High Force Piezo Stacks
Discrete PZT Actuators, Ø7-56mm
- 5µm to 180µm travel
- High force generation to 80kN
- High temp option to 200°C
- Extreme reliability >1 billion cycles
- Proven and flexible design
- Sub-nm resolution, Sub-msec response
Show moreP-405 High Linearity Piezo Stack
High Dynamics, Open Loop
- Lead-free, highly linear crystalline material
- Provides linear motion in open loop – ideal for high dynamics applications
- Low electrical power consumption
- Minimal length tolerances
Piezo Benders, Bimorph Transducers
Multilayer, Steel-Ceramic and Laminated Transducers for Extra Flexibility
Bimorph, unimorph and multimorph bending mode actuators make use of different layers of active and non-active materials. Lateral motion created by the d31 effect is amplified multiple times. The advantage is relatively large amount of motion (100’s of microns to millimeters) in a very compact, low profile package. With the extended motion comes a trade off in force and stiffness.
PI manufactures multilayer (low voltage) and discrete bimorph bender actuators in different standard and custom shapes.
DuraAct® patch transducers are laminated and provide great flexibility with bending radii to 12mm. They can be used as senor in structural health testing and as actuator at the same time. Another version based on longitudinally oriented multilayer piezo ceramics (DuraAct Power) uses the high-efficiency d33 effect with reduced operating voltage.
Show moreP-871 Multilayer Piezo Benders
Closed-Loop, Low Voltage
- To 1.6mm deflection
- Closed - loop = Higher accuracy
- Multilayer => Low drive voltage (±30V)
- Nanometer resolution
- Ceramic insulation for extended lifetime
Show morePL112 Multilayer Piezo Benders
Circular, Rectangular, Low Voltage
- 200µm to 2mm deflection
- Disk & rectangular shape, aperture
- Multilayer piezo => Low drive voltage (±30V)
- Fast response (<10 Millisecond)
- Nanometer resolution
- Ceramic insulation for extended lifetime
Show moreP-876/8 DuraAct™ Flexible Piezo Transducer
Sensor and Actuator
- Patch transducer can be used as actuator, sensor or energy source
- Highly formable ceramics
- Can be applied to curved surfaces
- Customized solutions on request
- Cost-effective
Show moreP-286 · P-288 · P-289 Bimorph Disk Translators
Encased, Easy Integration
- 50 to 200µm travel
- High dynamics, sub-msec response
- Sub-nm resolution
- Low profile
- Easy to integrate
Traditional PZT tube actuators are often used in scanning microscopy applications, fiber-optics, and nano-dispensing. When a voltage is applied, the tube shrinks radially and axially proportional with the voltage. Due to the low mass they are very fast, but cannot support high loads.
For high-load applications and when axial motion is required, the P-080 multi-layer tubular stacks are recommended, or the PICA Thru discrete tubular stack family, for extra high loads.
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.
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-080 Tubular Piezo Stacks
Multilayer, Segmented
- 5 to 25µm travel
- Tubular stack (axial extension)
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- Aperture for optical applications or preload
- High force generation to 800 N
- Fast response, for dynamic operation
Show moreP-010.xxH – P-025.xxH PICA Thru Discrete Tubular Piezo Stacks
Axial Extension, High Force
- To 80µm axial motion
- Large cross-sections for high force
- Extreme reliability >1B cycles
- Custom geometries
- Sub-nm resolution / Sub-msec response
- Resources