Magnetic Direct Drives on the Rise

PI (Physik Instrumente) Complements its PIMagTM Series with a Further Voice Coil Linear Actuator

PI (Physik Instrumente): The V-900KPIC PIMagTM linear actuator is a compact and cost-effective drive for dosing, testing and focusing applications.

It features a 1.5 mm travel range and attains high scanning frequencies of several 100 Hz and over 100 million cycles. To achieve this performance, PI dispensed with mechanical components such as gear or guiding rails and combined a direct magnetic voice coil drive with flexure guiding. The wear-free flexure guiding system is based on the elastic deformation of metal joints, a principle which prevents lateral motion of the mechanical output and ensures high travel accuracy as well as a high lifetime. PI has been using this guiding system for a long time now in piezo-based nanopositioning systems, designed to perform several billion motion cycles in continuous operation.

For closed-loop operation, the V-900KPIC is equipped with a linear encoder with 0.1 µm resolution.

Transgressing Borders:

Magnetic Direct Drives of the PIMagTM Series

For applications requiring long travel ranges with high velocities or scanning frequencies, long operating times and a long lifetime, PI uses magnetic direct drives. Here, PI adapts the system components such as stator, actuator or electronics to the specific requirements. With this individualization of the drive system, PI creates a substantial factor of success for piezo actuator systems in nanopositioning technology, also used for the PIMagTM series. PI's experience in nanopositioning technology results in a profound knowledge concerning selection and use of digital control technology, guiding systems and fast communication interfaces.

About PI
Well-known for the high quality of their products, PI is one of the leading players in the global market for precision positioning technology. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard and OEM products with piezo or motor drives for 40 years now. With four German factories and ten subsidiaries and sales offices abroad, the PI Group is represented internationally.