- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Applications: Life Sciences / MedicalPrecision motion control for medical engineering and life sciences applications | PI USA
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- 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).
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- Controllers, Drivers, Motion SoftwareMotion Controllers, Piezo Drivers-High Voltage Amplifiers, and Motion Software Overview | PI USA
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- 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.
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Introduction
Experienced Laser Microprocessing and Micromachining system integrators have no trouble providing proof of concept demonstrations for new applications. Turning the concept into a robust solution is a different story altogether – at least it used to be. Here is why: Delivering laser pulses to the workpiece with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, and developing and maintaining the human machine interface (HMI) software, are among the most complex and resource intensive efforts involving a variety of technologies and disciplines such as CAD/CAM post processing, motion profile generation, user interface and host programming, motion programming, laser control and real time IO control.
Many of the aforementioned challenges are now solved thanks to newly available motion / CNC controller technologies that reduce complexity and allow the designers to bring a machine to market faster, while improving the process accuracy at the same time.
Reducing Time to Market with an HMI Development Platform
The Laser Micromachining / Microprocessing HMI software is a critical component or subsystem of the machine and typically falls into one of two classifications:
- A ‘CNC Style’ HMI which imports and executes machine code programs (typically G&M Code) created by a CAM software post processor
- An ‘Integrated Graphical’ HMI which allows import and manipulation of CAD files and provides integrated CAM / post processing functionality
Some Motion and CNC controller companies now offer customizable HMI development platforms for both types of HMIs, allowing the system integrator or OEM to take a new, less resource intensive approach to developing and maintaining their HMI software: building the HMI application with the customizable platform.
The CNC Style HMI
Many Laser Micromachining / Microprocessing systems are used in a machining or manufacturing environment alongside other ‘traditional’ CNC machines – lathes, mills, routers, etc. Having commonality between the Laser System HMI and the HMIs of the other machines is beneficial to the manufacturer as it leverages on existing knowledge and experience of the manufacturer’s machinists and technicians.
A customizable CNC HMI development platform can be expected to provide many standard HMI features out of the box, such as:
- The ability to load, edit, and execute NC files with Standard RS-274 and user defined G & M Codes
- Flexible CNC program flow control options such as stop, hold, abort, single block run, block skip, and feed rate hold (fig. 1)
- Real time monitoring of program execution, axis positions, feed rates, G/M code modality, alarms and faults
- Multi-tiered user access login screens for operators, technicians, developers, administrators, etc.
Figure 1: Interface for loading, executing, monitoring, and modifying CNC programs (Image: ACS) Many challenges associated with integration of the HMI host application and the motion / CNC controller are also solved:
- Optimizing NC program download, compilation, and execution time
- Managing G/M Code modality in order to support ‘mid-program start’
- Displaying, handling, and logging machine fault and error conditions
The competitive advantages of a Laser Microprocessing and Micromachining system are often related to application specific functionality. As the name implies, a customizable CNC HMI development platform provides value to the machine developer by allowing application specific HMI customization with relatively little effort. Simple examples of such customizations may be custom tabs, buttons, or screens.
More sophisticated customizations may involve process visualization or integration of other devices in the machine such as cameras and laser displacement sensors.
The Integrated Graphical HMI
Laser Microprocessing and Micromachining systems used in applications such as flex PCB drilling and cutting, glass and polymer display processing, semiconductor processing, precision optics manufacturing, high precision additive manufacturing, and more, are often used in high-tech research and production facilities. In such as the system operator is not a CNC machinist. The Integrated Graphical HMI can directly take in a CAD file from which a laser path is defined and the corresponding machine code is then automatically generated and executed on the motion controller (figure 2). In such cases, a separate CAM or post-processing software is not required.
A customizable Integrated Graphical HMI development platform, with built in functions for specific processes such as laser marking, drilling, etching, cutting, additive manufacturing, etc. provides significant added value to the machine builder / integrator and end user by solving a number of development challenges out of the box:
- A wide range of CAD files are natively supported (DXF, DWG, Gerber, NC Drill, STL, etc.) and can easily be manipulated to easily create motion recipes (scaling, rotation, tiling, etc.)
- Parameters for all motion axes can be configured and monitored from a single window / location
- Real time monitoring and data collection of motion feedback, laser status
- Commonly used devices such as cameras and Galvo scanners are natively supported and configurable within the HMI. New devices can easily be integrated as well (no need to write new libraries from scratch)
- Full simulation capabilities allow the user to see the expected laser beam path and determine expected process duration
Similar to a CNC Style HMI development platform, an Integrated Graphical HMI development platform can be also customized for application specific functionality.
Figure 2: 3D visualization and recipe planning for processing of 3D parts (Image: ACS) Improving Process Accuracy and Repeatability with Motion Performance Optimization and the Laser Control Module
For many laser microprocessing and micromachining applications, the motion performance is critical in determining the achievable accuracy and repeatability of the process. Motion performance is affected both by the profile generation (commanded motion path) and the servo performance (how well the actuators / stages follow the commanded motion path). Today’s sophisticated motion / CNC controllers provide advanced profile generation and servo performance optimization features, such as:
- Minimal energy profile generation
- Motion segment blending and corner smoothing (figure 3)
- Adaptive servo control algorithms
- Autotuning and performance characterization tools
- Advanced PWM drive technologies
Figure 3: Motion performance optimization – Controller based profile corner rounding (Image: ACS) In addition to motion performance, position based output synchronization also has a significant impact on laser microprocessing and micromachining accuracy and repeatability. This task has traditionally been handled within the motion / CNC controller or drive that is physically connected to the machine actuators.
Recently however, dedicated laser control modules have become available, which provide additional flexibility and capabilities with respect to provides position based output synchronization for laser triggering (figure 4) and gating (figure 5). Once added on to a motion control network, the module can be configured (via software) to provide synchronized outputs based on motion of any combination of axes in the network. The laser control module can be configured to operate in various ‘laser control modes’, making it simple to implement a wide variety of applications:
Figure 4: Fixed distance pulse triggering mode – triggering the laser at precise equidistant positions, independent of velocity (Image: ACS) For applications where the laser pulses are not triggered individually by an external control system, a gating mode can be used. In such applications, the gating signal is typically turned on / off precisely at the beginning or end of a motion segment or block, though it can also be done at arbitrary locations along a motion path.
Figure 5: Gating – turning the laser on / off at precise locations in the motion path (Image: ACS) Digital modulation modes for power control are also possible, such as pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (PFM). Operating modes can be combined simultaneously for even more advanced applications (Figure 6).
Conclusion
Many of challenges of the past associated with developing a robust and scalable Laser Micromachining /Microprocessing platform, have been addressed by new technologies from motion / CNC controller providers, enabling better machine performance and reduced development effort, leading to big gains when it comes to minimizing time to market.
Figure 6: A Complete Laser Microprocessing Control Solution with HMI, Motion / CNC Control, Linear Motor-Driven Gantry and Laser Control (Image: ACS) Blog Categories
- Aero-Space
- Air Bearing Stages, Components, Systems
- Astronomy
- Automation, Nano-Automation
- Beamline Instrumentation
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- Imaging & Microscopy
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- Piezo Mechanics
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