- 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.
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- 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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Hexapods provide motion in all 6 Degrees of Freedom, X,Y,Z, Pitch, Roll, Yaw. 6-DoF motion platforms and positioning systems are often referred to as Stewart Platforms. Hexapod motion is based on 6 actuators arranged in parallel between a top and bottom platform. PI parallel kinematics (PKM) precision positioning systems have many advantages over conventional 6-axis positioners (serial kinematics stages), such as lower mass and inertia, improved dynamics, smaller package size, and higher stiffness.
Download PDF: Hexapod technology and available precision parallel positioners
- Why should I use a Hexapod?
- Can it operate in any orientation?
- How do I control it?
- Is the motion smooth?
- How fast can the platform move?
- What are some common applications?
- Is it affordable?
- What software support is available?
- What environments can a PI Hexapod operate within?
- I only need 4 or 5 Degrees of Freedom!
- What if I need additional travel in one or more axes?
- What about servo tuning?
- Are Parallel Kinematics stiffer than conventional 6-axis stages?
- Can I program it in LabView?
- How reliable are they?
- How do I synchronize all axes?
- Can the hexapod bind up?
- Can it be controlled manually?
- Are all Hexapods created equal?
- What are the advantages of working with PI?
- What is the smallest PI hexapod?
Why Should I Use A Hexapod?
There are two ways to get multi-axis motion – stack individual stages or use a hexapod (Steward Platform). Customers typically choose the hexapod approach for the higher stiffness and virtual pivot point.
Higher stiffness comes from 6 actuators moving a single platform directly. With higher stiffness comes better stability due to higher resonant frequency and a better ability to make short, fast moves due to lower moving mass.
With a Stewart Platform, the center of rotation is defined in software by the algorithms that coordinate leg motion. By comparison in a multi-axis stage configuration the center of rotation is defined by choice of bearings and alignment of stage axes. The “Virtual Pivot Point” allows a customer to choose the center of rotation based on the application. In many cases an optically significant point.
Can It Operate In Any Orientation?
Upside-down hexapod setup for evaluating highly precise bioelectrode positioning. PI hexapods are designed to run in any orientation. They do not rely on external springs for preloading that would weaken if run upside down. The load capacity varies with the orientation. PI provides simulation software to exactly calculate the forces on each actuator for any orientation.
How Do I Control It?
PI makes hexapod control easy. All PI Hexapods are controlled by dedicated controllers. There are only two cables required to connect the controller to the mechanics – one for power and one for the motor and encoder signals, and they are included as well as the software. Controllers with Ethercat connectivity for easy integration into industrial processes are also available. PI hexapods have a high level command set. For example, the command to move to X=10mm position is MOV X10. The PI hexapod motion controller makes the calculations to coordinate motion of individual legs. More information on hexapod controllers >
Is The Motion Smooth?
Yes! The PI controller coordinates the motion of each leg to create smooth motion at the platform. Further, PI hexapods have vector path planning, so the mechanics can follow a customer-defined trajectory. PI Stewart Platforms can achieve smooth motion, take a vector path, and follow defined trajectories due to the combination of mechanical and control technologies.
- PI Hexapod joints allow full range of motion while achieving the required precision. This requires careful design and specification of joint geometry and bearing tolerances.
- PI Hexapod Controllers coordinate the individual leg motions in firmware to achieve precise, smooth motion along the desired trajectory. This takes hundreds of thousands of calculations per second.
How Fast Can the Platform Move?
H-860, High dynamics Hexapod 6DOF motion platform based on flexure joints and linear motors The fastest hexapods PI makes are driven by voice coil linear motors. These 6DOF motion platforms provide dynamics up to 100 Hz and are often used to simulate motion such as hand tremble, vehicular vibrations, vessel motions, drone motions etc. For more information read Hexapod in Camera Testing and Hexapod 6DOF Motion Platform in Drone Testing.
What are some Common Applications?
Optics and Photonics
Active alignment of photonics components, precision assembly of optics, camera lens elements, optical metrology, 6DOF motion simulation, 6DOF motion cancellationVehicle Dynamics, Vehicle Manufacturing
6DOF motion simulation, 6DOF motion cancellation , automotive assemblyAstronomy & Aerospace
Precision active alignment of reflectors, large panels, etcIndustrial Production
Precision Machining, Alignment of Panels, PartsBioMedical
Dental research [work], robotics in surgeryBig Science
Beamline InstrumentationIs it Affordable?
PI has been building hexapods for over 30 years – we started with custom hexapods for large telescopes. Today, PI builds hexapods for industrial and scientific applications. Customers prefer them over stacked systems because they are cost-effective, robust, and provide a lower cost of ownership when used in the applications they are designed for. PI hexapods start under $30,000; most are in the $40,000 to $60,000 range. Very large, high load, high precision hexapods can run higher.
Hexapods are also more precise than a stack of stages. When you set up a stage based multi-axis system, typically the precision per axis is specified. However, the overall precision is significantly lower, because runout, angular errors, and flex in the individual axes can multiply at the functional point of motion. When comparing prices, consider PI hexapods are backed by a 2 year warranty and are complete with cables and software. You also get the experience and global support of the market leader.
What Software Support Is Available?
Hexapod startup GUI software The controller is specifically designed for 6-axis parallel kinematics with internal coordinate transformation and path planning, refined over more than 2 decades of hexapod design & manufacture at PI. In addition to PI’s MikroMove start-up software, LabView drivers, Windows DLLs, and programming examples are included. An Ethercat interface is optional as well as E-stop. The controller can also run absolute position encoders. PI also provides work space simulation software. With PI’s Virtual Hexapod machine, customers can start to test their own programs before the hexapod delivery. Optionally available is PI’s advanced PIVeriMove collision avoidance software, in case the hexapod is used in a confined space with external obstacles.
Hexapods use the PI General Command Set (GCS). GCS provides numerous preprogrammed functions to accelerate the orientation and application development phase significantly. GCS is consistent for all PI motion controllers.
Additional software:
PIMikroMove GUI
Is a very powerful graphical program ensuring rapid start-up right out of the box. It also integrates a Macro language, scan/align algorithms, and a data recorder for system analysis.LabVIEW
PI provides complete open source LabVIEW drivers sets to facilitate programming.Text-Based Programming Languages
All common programming languages under Windows & Linux with libraries and code examples.Supported languages and software environments
C, C++, Python, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, LabVIEW, MATLAB, EPICS, TANGO, MetaMorph, µManager and all programming environments that support loading of DLLsSimulation Programs
Determine work space and permissible load under different Hexapod orientations. A special software tool included with each PI Hexapod calculates and displays the limits graphically.Emulation: Hexapod Virtual Machine (VM)
Saves cost and time because application programs can be developed and tested on the customer’s PC, before Hexapod delivery. VM emulates mechanics, controller and peripherals.PIVeriMove Graphical Collision Avoidance Tool
Enables simulation of the Hexapod in the application environment to avoid positions where the Hexapod / load would collide with the surroundings. Import of peripheral objects via CAD data.HexaApp
Wireless Hexapod control via iPhone, iPad or iPodWhat Environments can a PI Hexapod Operate Within?
PI Hexapods are available for different environments. A vacuum option for 10-6 Torr is standard for most hexapods, and custom versions up to 10-9 Torr are available on request.
Also, with PI’s piezo ceramic motor expertise, non-magnetic and EUV compatible Hexapods are feasible, as well as wide temperature ranges.
I Only Need 4 or 5 Degrees of Freedom!
A Hexapod will always have 6-degrees of freedom. In many cases the stiffness and virtual pivot point capability of a hexapod make it a better choice in 4 and 5 degree of freedom applications. In many more cases, 4 and 5 degree of freedom applications are better suited to a stack of 1-axis stages. In which case, there is a good selection of PI stages to choose from. And in either case, PI will seek to understand the requirements of your application and help you make a good choice about the precision motion design path.
What If I Need Additional Travel In One or More Axes?
All PI hexapod controllers can handle 6+2 axes. In addition to the hexapod, two more linear or rotary stages can be controlled.
What About Servo Tuning?
Unlike a stack of conventional positioning stages, servo parameters of PI hexapods usually never have to be tweaked. This is in part due to the parallel kinematics nature, where the load is symmetrically divided between all actuators. There is only one common moving platform and because of the very high system stiffness, the servo is much more forgiving. If it needs to be tuned, the parameters are identical for all 6 axes, another advantage over serial kinematics.
Are Parallel Kinematics Stiffer than Conventional 6-Axis Stages?
PI hexapods are significantly stiffer than a stack of 6 individual stages. The moving platform is also significantly lighter than the sum of the individual stages. Consider that the bottom stage in conventional 6-axis positioner has to move 5 stages plus the mass of its own platform. As a result, the high stiffness and very low inertia make a system that is very stable and extremely responsive to motion input.
Can I Program it in LabView?
Yes, PI provides a complete software package with Open source LabVIEW drivers. We are always up-to-date with the latest Labview drivers, offer them free with the controller, and many of our customer use Labview successfully with our support from Auburn, MA or Irvine, CA.
How Reliable are They?
PI hexapods are very reliable. There are no exotic or overly sensitive parts used in our hexapods. No dragged cables, 6 identical actuators, precision high load bearings, design and manufacturing continually improved over more than 25 years. PI’s own dedicated Hexapod controller make it independent of 3rd party firmware of hardware changes.
How Do I Synchronize All Axes?
You don’t have to worry about that, it is all handled internally in the hexapod controller. The controller synchronizes the individual legs thousands of times per second. This is completely transparent to the user who only enters desired motion coordinates of the top platform.
Can It Be Controlled Manually?
Yes, there are two ways: with the optional manual control pad, and wirelessly, with the free iPad hexapod app.
Are All Hexapods Created Equal?
No. There are many ways to build a hexapod. PI offers several designs with passive and active struts, self-locking hexapods, servo motor-driven, and piezo-motor driven ones, etc. The SpaceFAB planar 6-axis design provides longer travel in the XY plane and a lower profile, at slightly reduced angular travel ranges.
What Are The Advantages of Working With PI?
- Experience: Since the early 1990’s, PI has built more micropositioning and nanopositioning hexapods than anybody else in the world.
- Performance: The performance of a hexapod depends largely on the precision of the joints. PI designs and manufactures custom joints, e.g. offset cardanic joints for the highest possible stiffness, or flexure joints for nanometer precision applications. Next to the joints, a lot of the precision comes down to the metrology, math and controller. Here again, coming to this from the nano-world, PI’s test & metrology equipment and experience makes the difference.
- You get a complete package and PI’s expert global support.
What is the smallest PI hexapod?
This compact 6-axis parallel manipulator fits in an envelope of 80x80x48 mm³. Our smallest 6-axis positioner is actually not a hexapod, but a parallel kinematics design with similar performance to traditional hexapods, based on three XY piezo motor stages driving a tri-pod.
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