PIHera compact linear piezo stages offer extended travel ranges

Flexure-guided piezo positioning stages deliver vibrationless motion, with virtually unlimited resolution, and fast response in comparison to mechanical bearing-guided motorised systems. The lack of rolling elements means there is no bearing rumble to affect the uniformity or straightness of the linear motion. PIHera precision closed-loop single stages are equipped with absolute-measuring direct-metrology capacitance sensors and provide resolution down to 0.1nm, in a compact, FEA optimized package for high stiffness and long lifetime. Direct metrology provides higher stability and linearity compared with inferred metrology feedback - usually based on piezo resistive strain gauges, a technique also available from PI for low cost piezo nanopositioners. Cost effectiveness and positioning accuracy of 0.02 per cent make these compact stages suitable for applications that require frictionless, vibration-free, positioning with high linearity.

Customers can choose between compact single axis controllers, OEM cards and rack mount units for multiple axis systems. LabView drivers, and a plethora of additional software tools are available for easy start-up and integration.

Driven by PI's proprietary PICMA piezo ceramic actuator "engines' (tested by NASA/JPL for 100 billion cycles and employed on the Mars Rover), PIHera piezo positioning stages have properties especially important in long-term research and industrial applications, including temperature tolerance range of -20 to 80degC.

Please follow the link for more information about these compact linear piezo positioners from PI.