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PI’s V8 piezo-walk technology powers nanopositioning stages

By Lisa Eitel | July 31, 2024

Physik Instrumente’s new N-332 nanometer-precision linear stage family, configurable to multi-axis setups of XY, XZ and XYZ, is designed for high-end applications in semiconductor technology, fiber-optics, microscopy, bio-nanotechnology, metrology and scientific research in beamlines and laser labs. The stages have a low profile of 30mm and a small footprint of 80x110mm an 80x160mm with travel ranges of 1 and 2 inches, respectively.

No brake or counterbalance required: Due to the high active force of 75N and power-off passive holding force of 80N, the N-332 nanopositioning stage doesn’t need a brake or counterbalance when operated in vertical orientation.

The UHV option is suitable for applications in semiconductor and beamline research. The compact design facilitates the integration of the new N-332 linear positioner.

UHV option: For demanding applications that need operation in high vacuum, N-332 stages come in configurations suitable for pressures down to 10-9 hPa. The self-clamping nature of the piezo motor allows the stage to hold a position without heat generation.

PICMA-Walk Technology — high force and high resolution: The PICMA-Walk piezo motor inside the N-332 stage is based on 4 pairs of PI’s proprietary PICMA piezo actuators, arranged in a V8 configuration. PICMA piezo actuators were successfully tested for 100 billion cycles by NASA/JPL before being used on the Mars Rover’s instrumentation lab. PICMA-Walk motors provide high force linear motion to 75N and are capable of sub-nanometer resolution and self-locking when de-energized — a great advantage for applications where a stable position must be maintained without power, heat generation or servo jitter.

Applications served by the N-332 nanopositioning stage include semiconductor technology, fiber-optics, microscopy, bio-nanotechnology, metrology, scientific instrumentation, beamline instrumentation, and laser labs. For more information, visit PI Americas at pi-usa.us.

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Filed Under: Motion Control Tips
Tagged With: physikinstrumente
 

About The Author

Lisa Eitel

Lisa Eitel has worked in the automation industry since 2001. Her areas of focus include motors, drives, motion control, power transmission, linear motion, and sensing and feedback technologies. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is an inductee of Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society; a member of the Society of Women Engineers; and a judge for the FIRST Robotics Buckeye Regionals. Besides her motioncontroltips.com contributions, she also leads the production of the quarterly motion issues of Design World.

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