6-Axis Precision Parallel Positioner: Versatile Miniature Hexapod
PI's new M-811.STV is a vacuum compatible compact 6 degree-of-freedom parallel positioning and alignment system.
Features & Advantages
- Small but High Load Capacity: 11 lb (5 kg)
- High Precision: Actuator Resolution 0.04µm, Repeatability : ±0.5µm
- Versatile Motion: 6 Degrees of Freedom + Randomized Center of Rotation
- Velocity to 10 mm/sec
- XYZ-Travel: 35/35/13mm; Rotations: XYZ: 20°/20°/40°
- Digital Controller and Software Included
The 6-axis hexapod measures only 130 mm in diameter and 115 mm in height. Despite its small size, it can handle loads of more than 10 lbs and position them in all six degrees of freedom with sub-micrometer precision.
For more information, visit http://www.hexapods.net/standard_hexapods.php
Software, Programming and Controller
Like all PI parallel kinematic Hexapod positioners, the miniature vacuum Hexapod comes bundled with software and a highly specialized digital controller with high-speed Ethernet connectivity. Programming and commanding the Hexapod is simple and straight-forward, as all positions are conveniently given in Cartesian coordinates (XYZ, Theta X, Theta Y, Theta Z).
Parallel Kinematics vs Conventional Serial Kinematics
Parallel-kinematics positioning systems have several advantages over conventional stacked multi-axis positioners. All six actuators directly affect one common platform, significantly reducing mass and inertia. Moreover, there is no accumulation of the lateral and angular runout errors of the individual axes. Unlike rotation stages and goniometers which come with a fixed center of rotation, the PI Hexapod concept lets the user set and change the pivot any time via software.
Hexapod Applications, Range
Today, hexapod applications are found in all technology fields: medical engineering, X-ray microscopy, photonics alignment, semiconductor test & metrology, astronomy, precision machining, aeronautics, high-energy physics, etc. PI is the leading manufacturer of precision micropositioning and nanopositioning hexapods. The company introduced its first hexapod 2 decades ago for a precision alignment system in an astronomical telescope and provides a large variety of different models with load capacity from 2 kg to more than 2,000 kg.
About PI
PI is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control equipment, piezo systems, piezo motors and actuators for medical engineering, photonics, bio-nano-technology, & semiconductor applications. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard & custom precision products with piezoceramic and electromagnetic drivers for 4 decades. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high quality solutions for OEM and research. PI is present worldwide with eight subsidiaries, R&D / engineering on 3 continents and total staff of 700+.
SOURCE: PI (Physik Instrumente)