The new L-505 linear translation stage family from PI (Physik Instrumente) is available with integrated linear encoders providing 0.05 microns and 0.005 microns resolution, respectively. The new design allows for compact multi-axis assemblies, at affordable prices. Many motor and drive variations are available, from fast dc-servo motors with linear encoders and low-friction ball-screws to simple […]
Stages + gantries
Linear motor stage offers long travel, nanometer resolution
The new V-417.336025E1 long travel linear motor stage from PI (Physik Instrumente) features travel length of 32 in. (813 mm). The direct-drive stage achieves high velocities to 79 in./sec (2 m/sec) based on a direct drive ironless linear servo motor. High accuracy, repeatability, and functionality are guaranteed by an integrated absolute-measuring linear position encoder featuring […]
Motion Trends: Stages, Cartesian robots, and tables for complete motion designs
New trends in multi-axis motion designs abound. Consider the rise of metrology reports to accompany designs — which serve as “birth certificates” in the form of well-informed simulation models and Excel spreadsheets that quantify the accuracy and capabilities of pre-engineered builds. In some cases, such reports give OEMs and end users accurate data on how […]
Enclosed PHD Plus Series ESU electric-belt-driven base slides
PHD Inc. now sells PHD Plus Series ESU electric-belt-driven base slides. The Series ESU Electric Belt-Driven Base Slides feature a robust, enclosed design with a high capacity rail bearing system delivering exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes, with travels lengths up to 5,500 mm and speeds to 5,000 mm/s, these electric base […]
What are walking piezo motors?
Piezo motors that produce linear motion include linear ultrasonic piezo motors, linear stepper piezo motors, and piezo inertia motors. Although their construction and principles of operation are different, all three designs harness the inverse piezoelectric effect — in which a piezo material expands or contracts when electrical energy is applied — to produce linear movement in a […]
Low-profile XY open-aperture stage features 1 micron resolution, 2 micron repeatability
OES (Optimal-Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added a new, high-precision open aperture stage to its expanding line of precision XY stages. The AU200-100×100 stage is a low profile stage measuring just 80 mm (3.150 in.) high with a compact footprint (including the motors) of 348 mm x 348 mm (13.701 in. x 13.701 in.) The linear […]
Under development: Linear stroke-extending technology from Ascending Power
In a recent email exchange with London-based John Hammerbeck of Ascending Power, we learned more about a novel new linear-motion extension technology from the company. The actuator steps up a short input stroke to a long output stroke using either kinematic linkages or permanent magnets. Below is a SolidWorks animation of the linkage variation; depending […]
Motorized linear X-axis plus rotary positioning stages from OES
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has released a new series of high precision X-axis stages with integral rotary positioning stages. The four X-and-theta stages in this series feature linear travels of: 15 mm (0.591 in.), 30 mm (1.181 in.), 50 mm (1.968 in.) and 75 mm (2.953 in.). The rotary table is capable of continuous […]
Choosing the right stage actuation for dynamic-metrology applications
When measurements are made to discrete product on the fly, it’s key that the motion system minimize error and correct for the rest. Brian Handerhan | Business development manager • Life sciences Patrick Lehr | Product manager • Precision mechanics Electromechanical & Drives Division • Parker Hannifin Corp. Dynamic metrology is the collection of data […]
What is a gimbal and how is it used?
In simple terms, a gimbal is a pivoting platform that allows an object to rotate around one or more axes. They’re often found in photography and videography applications to stabilize cameras, as well as in navigation systems for ships. In these applications, two or more gimbals are mounted together with orthogonal axes (axes mounted 90 […]