July 22, 2013 - PI (Physik Instrumente) announces H-280 hexapod parallel positioning device. Hexapods produce motion in all 6 degrees of freedom; i.e., XYZ as well as pitch, yaw and roll. With a freely programmable center of rotation these devices are virtually as versatile as the human hand.
The new H-820 was developed for applications that require multi-axis motion and high flexibility but do not need precision on a nanometer or sub-micrometer level. Driven by powerful brushless motors, PI’s new model caters to these needs with linear travel to 100 mm, rotary travel to 60°, load capacity of 20 kg, velocity of 20mm/sec, and resolution in the micrometer range.
Applications
The hexapod is ideal for many applications including industrial automation and manufacturing, neuroscience, bio-technology research, or for micro-manipulation, the alignment and assembly of mechanical components, micromachining, satellite testing, sensor alignment, X-ray microscopy and medical engineering. The Hexapod is driven by six high-resolution actuators, all connected directly to one light-weight platform. This principle combines high system stiffness with a large clear aperture. Because of the low moving mass, small steps can be performed with significantly shorter settling times compared to stacked multi-axis positioners. Another advantage of this design is the randomized, user-programmable pivot point.
In addition, there are no cable management issues and accumulation of runout and wobble errors such as with conventional stacked linear and rotary stages. The hexapod comes complete with an advanced motion controller and a comprehensive software package including alignment algorithms, simulation tools, programming examples, and LabView drivers. It is very easy to control and its users benefit from PI’s 20+ years of hexapod design experience and global export support.
About PI
PI is the global leading manufacturer of micro-precision and nano-precision hexapods and parallel positioning systems. For example, 50 of PI's hexapods align reflectors in the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) observatory, the world's most advanced telescope located in Chile. PI’s hexapod precision positioning systems are used in many cutting edge applications around the world, from optics alignment, to medical tumor treatment, from high energy physics to aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. PI is present worldwide with 10 subsidiaries, R&D / engineering on 3 continents and total staff of 750+
