PI (Physik Instrumente) has introduced its newest X-Y piezomotor positioners to the existing PIHera family of over 60 compact, direct metrology stages available in a large variety of travel ranges up to 1800 µm with resolution of less than 1nm. PIHera precision closed-loop XY-stages are equipped with absolute-measuring direct-metrology capacitance sensors and provide resolution down […]
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New spherical ultrasonic piezo transducers designed for 360º applications
As a leader in piezo transducers, piezo mechanisms, and precision motion control solutions, Physik Instrumente offers a line of standard and custom electro-ceramic hemispheres and hollow spheres for applications from echolocation to flow measurement. As a global leader in piezo actuators and sensors, these new components join the existing extensive catalog of disk, rods, cylinders, […]
PI motion controller integrates multiple drive technologies in one unit
PI (Physik Instrumente) has released a new motion controller system, the C-885 PIMotionMaster, that lets users integrate different drive technologies from traditional servo and stepper motors to highly specialized piezo-ceramic motors, all via one interface and software suite. The C-885 is a modular system, available in two sizes, which can house 4 to 20 controller […]
FAQ: How do linear stepper and linear ultrasonic piezo motors differ?
There are a number of ways in which piezo ceramics can be used to create linear motion, providing any combination of high speed, long travel, and high force. Two common types are linear stepper and linear ultrasonic piezo motors. Both use the inverse piezoelectric effect to activate a rod or pusher and create linear motion, […]
FAQ: Where are linear stepper piezo motors suitable?
There are several types of piezo motor that provide linear motion, with one of the most widely used being the linear stepper piezo motor. These devices harness the coordinated motion of multiple piezo elements to produce virtually unlimited travel with high resolution and very high stiffness. Construction and operation In the linear stepper design, multiple […]
FAQ: What are flexure guided piezo actuators?
When a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric material, it generates motion and force due to the expansion or contraction of the material. Piezo actuators take advantage of this effect, incorporating piezoelectric materials into useful devices for generating very small, high-frequency movements and producing relatively high forces. Flexure guided piezo actuators incorporate mechanical hinges (flexure […]
FAQ: Where are ultrasonic piezo motors suitable?
Ultrasonic piezo motors harness oscillations induced in a piezoelectric material to produce motion, which can be either rotary or linear. Their design and operation are relatively simple but allows them to achieve very high accelerations and speeds, and to produce high holding forces when no current is applied. Construction and operation For rotary motion, the piezo […]
PI’s newest compact rotary stage is 32 mm wide x 7 mm high
PI (Physik Instrumente) recently added a new piezo inertia drive rotary stage to its existing Q-Motion product line of compact linear and rotary systems – the Q-632. This compact micropositioning drive is only 32 mm wide, 7 mm high, and has a 30 mm turntable diameter with 360° rotation range. The Q-632 delivers precision rotation […]
FAQ: What benefits do piezo motors offer?
Piezo motors rely on piezo materials, which are ceramics that change shape when an electrical field is applied, to produce vibrations that cause motion—either linear or rotary. (Conversely, piezo materials can also produce electricity when mechanically loaded.) There are several principles on which piezo motors can operate, with the most common of these being the use of ultrasonic […]
Miniature Piezo Flexure Positioning Stage from PI
PI’s (Physik Instrumente) new PIHera Z flexure-guided piezo nanopositioning stage features travel ranges of 50 µm to 250 µm (400 µm open-loop). Flexure guided piezo positioning stages provide vibrationless motion with virtually unlimited resolution and fast response. Due to the lack of rolling elements, there is no bearing rumble to affect the uniformity or straightness […]