PIRest Actuators: Active Shims with Long-Term Stability and Nanometer Resolution
Applications for active shims can be found everywhere, where the gap between two assemblies is critical and needs to be readjusted as a result of drifting or changes in tolerance. Particularly when the ambient conditions and the accessibility make manual intervention complicated, PIRest actuators are a feasible option. Read more
The Laser Interferometer Antenna (LISA) mission that will utilize PI’s hexapod for building, is officially a go
A few weeks ago, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission was officially approved, and PI’s hexapod will help to build the laser interferometer. LISA, a project of European Space Agency – ESA, is way more sensitive than previous ground-based detectors and aims to detect gravitational waves from extremely massive black holes. Read more [Picture source: PI…
Why Frictionless Air Bearings Enable Precise Force Control & Position Control Applications
Motion control systems, which typically control the position of stage or actuator, are sometimes tasked to provide both position and force control. These systems work in a dual mode, where the motion controller either controls the position or the force applied. In force-control mode, the motion stage must apply a controlled force while the position can…
Motion Control Technique Improves Laser Micro-Hole Drilling Performance
New Piezo-Based Approach Enables Breakthrough Speed and Accuracy. Laser drilling precision and throughput are limited by a number of factors including optical distortion, tracking accuracy, acceleration limits of motion stages, and focus control performance. This new motion…
How to Use Hexapod 6-DOF Motion and Positioning Systems
Hexapod positioning systems (Stewart Platforms) are versatile tools for multi-axis positioning and motion simulation applications. Hexapods provide 6 degrees of freedom and a user programmable center of rotation (pivot point) that allows extraordinary flexibility in alignment applications. Read more
Hexapod technology is pushing the boundaries of optics, microscopy, and radiology
At PI we have been working hard behind the scenes to expand our hexapod production and shorten lead times, for our customers. This blog article highlights some of the growing applications of miniature six-axis positioning systems. Read more [Picture source: PI BeNeLux B.V. on linkedin.com]
Already in Orbit: PI Space-Qualified Series Systems for LEO Satellites
Tip/tilt mirrors for beam stabilization are essential subsystems for free-space optical communication networks. With the rapid development of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite networks, the need for such subsystems is growing rapidly. Tip/tilt mirrors from Physik Instrumente (PI) have already proven their space qualification on several occasions. Now, they are proving their value in various satellite…
System with 6 Degrees of Freedom for Aligning Fibers and Optical Components
The basis of the fiber alignment system is a very stiff setup with an H-811 hexapod and an P-616 NanoCube® nanopositioner. The parallel-kinematic design for motion in degrees of freedom ensures high system stiffness. The motorreed drives make longer travel ranges possible and at the same time, the NanoCube® nanopositioner ensures fast scanning motion and dynamic compensation of drift…
PI Group Strengthens Market Presence of ACS Motion Control in EMEA and APAC
Physik Instrumente (PI) now also offers sales and technical support for ACS Motion Control’s high-performance motion controller and servo drive products in the EMEA and APAC regions. This new agreement strengthens the proximity Andy availability of the brand in addition to its strong presence in the USA, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as China…
Hexapod Production: PI Substantially Increases Production Capacities
Based on a comprehensive analysis of the production processes for hexapods, Physik Instrumente (PI) has adapted its production capacities to the sharp increase in demand and is prepared to expand them even further if required. The focus of the…