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PI's High-Force Ceramic Motor Linear Actuator Achieves Sub-Nanometer Precision

Source: PI North America
03 June, 2026
Feature Image for PI's High-Force Ceramic Motor Linear Actuator Achieves Sub-Nanometer Precision
PI, a global leader in precision motion control and nanopositioning, offers a broad range of piezo ceramic linear actuators for demanding motion applications.

SHREWSBURY, Mass., June 2, 2026 — PI, a global leader in precision motion control and nanopositioning, offers a broad range of piezo ceramic linear actuators for demanding motion applications. The N-216 PiezoWalk Linear Actuator is designed for applications requiring long travel, high force and nanometer-class positioning stability in a compact package.

PiezoWalk actuators deliver high precision, stability, energy efficiency, non-magnetic operation and radiation resistance. PiezoWalk actuators deliver high precision, stability, energy efficiency, non-magnetic operation and radiation resistance.

This nanopositioning actuator provides 20mm travel with push/pull forces up to 600N and holding forces up to 800N while delivering ultra-fine positioning performance. Open-loop resolution reaches 0.03nm, with closed-loop encoder resolution to 5nm. Its self-locking design maintains position without continuous power, minimizing heat generation and enhancing long-term stability.

At the core of the N-216 is PI's PiezoWalk ceramic motor technology. Unlike conventional linear actuators that rely on rotary motors, screws, or gears, coordinated piezo elements generate direct linear motion through a controlled walking sequence. This approach combines the long travel and high force of motorized actuators with the precision and responsiveness of piezo technology.

For ultra-fine adjustment tasks, the actuator also supports continuous dithering and pico-positioning modes for:

  • Alignment
  • Stabilization Drift compensation
  • Precision correction

The N-216 high force, long travel, compact design, self-locking stability and piezo-level resolution is suited for demanding applications in optics, astronomy, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, metrology and nanopositioning. Applications include mirror positioning, active optics, wafer inspection, lithography alignment, process control and high-stability automation.

The piezotechnology-based drive principle also enables non-magnetic, clean and highly precise motion, making the actuator suitable for vacuum, cleanroom and radiation-sensitive environments where conventional electromagnetic drives may be limited.

For applications where position stability, load capacity and ultra-fine motion control are equally important, the N-216 NEXLINE PiezoWalk Linear Actuator provides a powerful alternative to traditional motor-driven linear actuators.

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