PI (Physik Instrumente) LP  

16 Albert St
Auburn,  MA  01501-1304

United States
508-832-3452
  • Booth: E9010

ISO-9001-Certified, Global Leader in Precision Motion Solutions. Piezo Mechanisms, Air Bearings, Hexapods,  Photonics Alignment, Nanopositioning, Micropositioning, Piezo Positioning Systems, Linear Motors & Rotary Stages for OEM & Research. Products: Nanopositioning Systems; 6-Axis Hexapod Alignment Systems, Microscopy Stages; Lens Positioners; Tip/Tilt Mirrors; Piezo Transducers, Piezo Actuators; Piezo Motors, Piezo Drivers & Digital Motion Controllers; Voice Coil Actuators, MicroMotion Robots


 Press Releases

  • PI gantry stage systems are designed and manufactured in the USA by PI’s air bearing & precision motion division in Hopkinton, MA.

    https://www.pi-usa.us/fileadmin/user_upload/pi_us/img/pr/A-352_large-format-gantry-for-automation_PI_highres.jpg

    Auburn, MA – Precision motion control and nano-positioning industry leader, PI, introduces a new high performance gantry stage system, further increasing its gantry linear robot product family (link to gantry overview page). The A-352 direct-drive gantry covers overhead motion ranges up to 2x1 meters and is based on a total of 3 direct-drive, closed-loop, brushless linear motors. Guided by high load mechanical linear bearings, it is ready for demanding 24/7 industrial automation applications. For maximum uptime and accuracy, absolute measuring linear encoders are integrated making homing procedures unnecessary and eliminating the possibility of dropped encoder counts from incrementally operating encoders. The ironless 3-phase linear motors are free of cogging, for improved velocity control and constancy – important for laser machining and digital printing applications.

    XYZ Configurations with Z-Axis Linear Modules

    For applications requiring XYZ motion, a motorized vertical linear module (https://www.pi-usa.us/en/products/positioning-stages-linear-rotary-motorized-precision/vertical-precision-motorized-stages-z-positioners/#c90524) can be added at the factory - voice coil motors, linear motors, and screw drive linear modules are available, all with counterbalance or break option. Customizations, such as stage base materials (granite, aluminum, etc), a steel base, or isolators as well as mounting platforms for vision systems, laser heads, galvos or dispensers, etc., are also available.

    Features of the gantry motion system include:

    - Standard XY travel ranges from 750x750mm to 1000x2000mm

    - Absolute encoders, 1 nanometer resolution

    - XYZ Configurations with Z-Stage options: linear motors, voice-coil scanners or ball screw stages

    - Dynamic error mapping for higher performance with ACS motion controller

    - High velocity: Up to 2 meters/second on the cross axis

    - Cable carrier option, e-chain

    - Water cooling option for high acceleration / high duty cycle applications

    EtherCat-based Industry Motion Controllers

    The A-352 overhead gantry motion system is operated by industry-leading EtherCat-based motion controllers / and servo drives that offer superior servo performance, advanced control algorithms to improve dynamic performance, for example in active photonics alignment and error compensation specifically for gantries, as well as a wide suite of software development tools.

    More Information, Specifications, Datasheet»

    https://www.pi-usa.us/en/news-events/news/news-detailpage/a-352-large-gantry-stage-system-for-automation/

    Working with You

    PI’s in-house engineered solutions have enabled customers around the world to increase their productivity and technological advantage for 5 decades. With a large basis of proven motion technologies and methodologies, PI is in the position to quickly modify existing designs or provide a fully customized OEM solution to fit the exact requirements of your application from sensors and piezo transducers to microscope nano-focus units, fast photonics alignment systems to multi-axis automation sub-systems.

    USA / Canada

    http://www.pi-usa.us | info@pi-usa.us | (508) 832-3456

    About PI

    PI is a privately held company that designs and manufactures world-class precision motion and automation systems including air bearings, hexapods and piezo drives at locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded 5 decades ago and today employs more than 1300 people worldwide. PI’s customers are leaders in high-tech industries and research institutes in fields such as photonics, life-sciences, semiconductors, and aerospace.

  • PI’s new high-performance motorized linear modules deliver the precision motion required by industrial automation of advanced processes.

    https://www.physikinstrumente.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pi_us/img/pr/Fast-linear-modules_L-812_PI_highres.jpg

    Motorized linear modules provide high performance and precision motion for advanced industrial automation applications. Available with stepper or synchronous servo motors and a folded drivetrain for a reduced footprint, new from PI. #linearmodule #industrialautomation

    Heavy duty ball screw linear module for precise high load industrial applications

    Motorized Linear Modules Provide High Performance and Precision Motion for Advanced Industrial Automation Applications

    New from PI, the high performance, motorized linear slide modules are available with stepper or synchronous servo motors and a folded drivetrain for a reduced footprint.

    Auburn, MA – PI introduces a new affordable motorized linear module series, L-812, designed for high load capacity and dynamics required by higher load precision motion and automation applications. These high performance linear slides deliver higher throughput in production while watching the bottom line on equipment cost.

    XY-Table and XYZ-Table Configurations, Travel Ranges, Easily Configurable

    L-812 linear motion modules are available with travel ranges from 102mm to 610mm (4” to 24”) and easily configurable. Two linear modules can be combined to form XY-tables and with the availability of the brake, a vertical axis can be added for XYZ multi-axis motion and precision automation applications. A folded drive train further facilitates integration by reducing the overall length, installing the motor side-by side with the linear stage, instead of the more common inline construction.  

    The linear modules are designed to allow for easy external relubrication of their low-friction ball screw drive mechanism to provide a longer service life under industrial high duty cycle motion applications.

    High Resolution Linear and Rotary Encoder Option, Low Friction, High Load Bearings

    The low friction, high-load capacity design with recirculating ball bearing rails, along with powerful motors and high-resolution encoders, enables industrial precision assembly and test automation applications where high tracking performance is critical, and motion errors and settling times need to be kept to a minimum. The linear modules are offered with an option of higher performance linear encoders and lower cost rotary encoders. An absolute measuring encoder option eliminates referencing, saving time and potential errors, sometimes caused when dirt particles cover sections on incremental encoders.

    Stepper Motors and Synchronous Servo Motors for Closed-Loop Operation

    Synchronous servo motors are preferred in high performance industrial precision motion applications due to their long lifetime, high torque, wide dynamic range (rotational speed range), and capacity to handle overloads. In addition, the low moment of inertia and fast response enable motion with high dynamics and positioning accuracy. 

    For applications where open-loop control is sufficient and cost is more of an issue, 2-phase, micro-stepped, stepper motors are also available.

    Application Fields

    Test and inspection, electronics micro-assembly, micro-mechanics and optics assembly and alignment, laser micromachining, materials processing, and medical equipment manufacturing.

    Specifications, Datasheet of the L-812 Motorized Linear Modules»

    https://www.pi-usa.us/en/products/positioning-stages-linear-rotary-motorized-precision/heavy-duty-stages-for-industrial-automation/l-812-high-load-linear-stage-412418508/

    Working with You

    PI’s in-house engineered solutions have enabled customers around the world to increase their productivity and technological advantage for 5 decades. With a large basis of proven motion technologies and methodologies, PI is in the position to quickly modify existing designs or provide a fully customized OEM solution to fit the exact requirements of your application from sensors and piezo transducers to microscope nano-focus units, fast photonics alignment systems to multi-axis automation sub-systems.

    USA / Canada

    http://www.pi-usa.us | info@pi-usa.us | (508) 832-3456

    About PI

    PI is a privately held company that designs and manufactures world-class precision motion and automation systems including air bearings, hexapods and piezo drives at locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded 5 decades ago and today employs more than 1300 people worldwide. PI’s customers are leaders in high-tech industries and research institutes in fields such as photonics, life-sciences, semiconductors, and aerospace.

    Applications Blog | Videos | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Cost-effective high performance direct-drive stage actuators, V-855 and V-857

    Fast, High Precision Linear Slide Actuators with Direct Drive 3-Phase Motors for Precision Industrial Automation

    New Linear Motor-Driven Slides / Actuators strike a favorable balance of price, precision, performance, load capacity, and speed. Ideal for OEMs and industrial automation with high throughput and accuracy, new from PI.

    Auburn, MA – PI introduces two new series of direct-drive linear actuator slides. The V-855 and V-857 product families were designed for high-load and high duty cycle industrial precision motion applications where traditional actuators with lead-screw or timing-belt drives are not precise, robust or reliable enough. Due to the maintenance-free and friction free high-speed linear motors, greater productivity with shorter cycle times and faster return on investment can be achieved.  The new motorized actuators are beneficial for all high-performance applications, where smooth scanning motion, minimum tracking errors, and short settling times are required.

    Closed-Loop, High Load, Long Travel, and Rapid Acceleration with Fast Settling

    The new closed-loop linear slide actuator product families provide high load capacity to 220lbs (1000N) and large travel ranges up to 47” (1200mm) with highly repeatable minimum incremental motion of 100 nanometers!  Position feedback is via integrated linear encoders, available down to 1nm resolution.

    Acceleration is as rapid as 5G’s and top speeds of 196”/sec (5m/sec) can be reached. Because of the play-free and backlash-free direct-drive mechanics, settling times are extremely short, and bidirectional repeatability is excellent.

    Multi-Axis Motion

    For X-Y applications, the V-855 and V-857 actuators can be stacked orthogonally. For XYZ applications, PI offers the V-817 stage family.

    OEM and Industrial Precision Motion Applications

    The V-855 and V-857 linear stage/actuators were designed with industrial performance and affordability in mind.

    High Performance Industrial EtherCAT-based Motion Controllers

    PI provides EtherCAT-based high-performance industrial motion controllers – up to 8 axes can be operated from one 19” rack and EtherCAT makes it very easy to add more.

    Application Fields

    Industrial precision automation for electronic assembly of sensors, cameras, and optics. Metrology and non-contact inspection (X-ray and optical). Semiconductor wafer processing and inspection. Laser micro-machining and welding.

    More Information»

    https://www.pi-usa.us/en/news-events/news/news-detailpage/high-load-linear-stage-actuator-direct-drive/

    V-855 Linear Actuator / Stage Family Specifications»

    https://www.pi-usa.us/en/products/positioning-stages-linear-rotary-motorized-precision/heavy-duty-stages-for-industrial-automation/v-855-high-speed-linear-stage-412418507/

    V-857 Linear Actuator / Stage Family Specifications»

    https://www.pi-usa.us/en/products/positioning-stages-linear-rotary-motorized-precision/heavy-duty-stages-for-industrial-automation/v-857-high-speed-linear-stage-412418506/

    Working with You

    PI’s in-house engineered solutions have enabled customers around the world to increase their productivity and technological advantage for 5 decades. With a large basis of proven motion technologies and methodologies, PI is in the position to quickly modify existing designs or provide a fully customized OEM solution to fit the exact requirements of your application from sensors and piezo transducers to microscope nano-focus units, fast photonics alignment systems to multi-axis automation sub-systems.

    USA / Canada

    http://www.pi-usa.us | info@pi-usa.us | (508) 832-3456

    About PI

    PI is a privately held company that designs and manufactures world-class precision motion and automation systems including air bearings, hexapods and piezo drives at locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded 5 decades ago and today employs more than 1300 people worldwide. PI’s customers are leaders in high-tech industries and research institutes in fields such as photonics, life-sciences, semiconductors, and aerospace.

    Applications Blog | Videos | Twitter | LinkedIn

    Affordable high-speed linear actuator stages for industrial OEM motion control with maintenance-free linear-motors. Applications include electronic parts assembly, noncontact optical inspection, semiconductor manufacturing, laser processing/machining, precision automation.

    Affordable high-speed maintenance-free linear slides for industrial OEM motion control.

  • Flexible Multi-axis Motion Sub-System for System Integrators and Machine Builders Comes with High-dynamics Linear Motor Stages and EtherCat-based Motion Controller

    First of it’s kind, the new X-417 multi-axis motion sub-system boasts nanometer resolution, absolute encoders, fast configuration, delivery, and set-up, for a broad range of industrial precision motion applications, including precision automation, laser processing, test and inspection, medical manufacturing, and semiconductor testing.

    Auburn, MA – Machine builders and system integrators can move faster and address new, higher precision applications with reduced risk and cost, due to the extensive testing that went into the X-417 pre-configured high-accuracy motion and automation systems, including EtherCat motion controllers and software. Its modular design enables application-specific configurations, scalability with optional accessories, and delivery by PI already aligned, tuned, and calibrated to your specifications.

    Flexible XY and XYZ Systems based on Proven, High Performance Linear Motion Modules and EtherCat-based Controller

    The XY base system is made of two 3-Phase motor powered V-417 linear stages with travel ranges from 204 to 407mm. Integrated absolute-measuring linear encoders provide better reliability, while eliminating the need to reference. A granite base plate is available for stability and can hold the G-901 EtherCat-based controller with ACS driver module. PI supports customers, system integrators, and machine builders to quickly configure and integrate the appropriate system, reducing design and development time while optimizing the outcome.

    The XYZ system includes an L-412 high-load linear stage mounted vertically, providing 4” (102mm) travel range. The Z-stage is equipped with a synchronous servo motor and a holding brake.

    Watch the video»

    https://www.youtube.com/embed/CanSQxN79Zs

    Specifications, Datasheet, More Information»

    https://www.pi-usa.us/en/products/positioning-stages-linear-rotary-motorized-precision/xyz-precision-motorized-stages/x-417-integrated-multi-axis-system-412418509/

    Working with You

    PI’s in-house engineered solutions have enabled customers around the world to increase their productivity and technological advantage for 5 decades. With a large basis of proven motion technologies and methodologies, PI is in the position to quickly modify existing designs or provide a fully customized OEM solution to fit the exact requirements of your application from sensors and piezo transducers to microscope nano-focus units, fast photonics alignment systems to multi-axis automation sub-systems.

    USA / Canada

    http://www.pi-usa.us | info@pi-usa.us |(508) 832-3456

    About PI

    PI is a privately held company that designs and manufactures world-class precision motion and automation systems including air bearings, hexapods and piezo drives at locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded 5 decades ago and today employs more than 1300 people worldwide. PI’s customers are leaders in high-tech industries and research institutes in fields such as photonics, life-sciences, semiconductors, and aerospace.

    > READ Tech Blog

    > WATCH PI Videos

    > FOLLOW on Twitter

    > CONNECT on LinkedIn

PLEASE NOTE -- Supported browsers are: Internet Explorer - 10.0 and higher; Chrome - 55.0 and higher; Firefox - 50.0 and higher; Safari - 5.0 and higher. This program does not support compatibility view to run older browser software. Please make sure you are using the most up-to-date browser version to ensure complete use of the website.
For technical support with this webpage, please contact support.