Compact linear stage with ultrasonic piezomotor
03 May 2016
With the U-521, PI (Physik Instrumente) has added a compact linear stage to its portfolio with dimensions of 35 × 35 × 15mm, which allow integration even when space is limited.

It reaches maximum velocities up to 200mm/s with a very dynamic start-stop behaviour and is suitable for travel ranges up to 18mm. Typical application fields can be found in industry and research, for example, automatic micromanipulation, positioning of samples or when adjusting optical components such as binoculars or camera lenses. Vacuum-compatible versions (to 10-6 hPa) are also available. Combinations without an adapter plate for multi-axis positioning tasks are possible as well.
The patented drive principle – oscillating piezoceramic actuators acting directly on a linear-guided runner – runs silently, and is self-locking. That means that no energy is consumed at rest, no heat to be dissipated, and the typical servo jitter is not an issue. The integrated direct-measuring optical linear encoder works at a resolution of 400nm or even 100nm; this means that the compact linear positioning stage can achieve minimum incremental motion of 2 or 0.3µm.
As solution supplier for drive technology and positioning systems, PI also has suitable linear positioning stages with magnetic direct drives in its portfolio for those applications that require continuous operation.
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