Versatile in Travel Range, Drive, and Measuring System: Precision Linear Stage Adapts Itself to the Application

With the PIMag® V-508, PI (Physik Instrumente) has a new, very compact precision linear stage in its portfolio that is able to adapt itself to various different requirements thanks to its modular construction principle. With travel ranges of 80, 170, and 250 mm, different drives, and measuring systems with resolutions into the subnanometer range, the flexible linear stage is not only suitable for example, for laser engraving and high-resolution laser marking, but also for applications in measuring technology and photonics or for precision scanning in industry and research. The linear stages have a width of only 80 mm, a height of 25 mm and can also be combined to multi-axis systems if required.

Different Drives and Resolutions into the Subnanometer Range

Three-phase linear motors are the driving force behind this flexible linear stage. They dispense with mechanical components in the drivetrain and transfer the drive force directly to the motion platform without any friction. This makes velocities up to 1 m/s and accelerations up to 5 m/s² possible. Crossed roller bearings with anti-creep system ensure high guiding accuracy. Ironless motors are used for applications that require particularly jerk-free and smooth running. In contrast, motors with an iron core are suitable for high forces and acceleration.

Different measuring systems are used for detecting the position: Incremental linear encoders with a resolution of 10 nm or 0.2 nm as well as an absolute encoder with a resolution of 78 nm. Correspondingly, minimum incremental motion is 20 nm, 0.5 nm or 160 nm. In the case of simple solutions, the flexible linear axes are controlled via the PI C-891 controller and in the case of complex motion control applications, via industrial solutions from ASC motion control, a worldwide leading manufacturer of such solutions, who was taken over by PI at the beginning of 2017.

Adaptation to Customer Demand

The modular design of the linear stages also allows adaptation of the new series to special customer demand. Modifications to the travel range, integration of special measuring systems or for example, adaptation of a customer-specific third-party controller for OEM applications are possible and no problem at all.

Find out more about the V-508 here:

https://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/products/linear-stages-and-actuators/stages-with-linear-motors-friction-free-magnetic-direct-drive/v-508-pimag-precision-linear-stage-1200210/