Linear Stage Series L-511: Precision with Small Steps

PI (Physik Instrumente): PI miCos presents the new L-511 precision linear stage series. The stages achieve unidirectional repeatability up to 0.1 µm and minimum incremental motion of up to 0.02 µm.

The L-511 are equipped with stepper motors. Optional direct-measuring position encoders ensure a high resolution in a range of a few nanometers. Versions with DC motors with dynamic ActiveDrive control as well as with DC gear motors are in the pipeline.

Due to their ball screw, the stage series is suitable for applications in industry and research that require high cycle rates and velocities up to 50 mm/s.
The linear stages are available for travel ranges of 52 mm, 102 mm and 155 mm.
Recirculating ball bearings that are mounted on precision-ground profiles ensure a high guiding accuracy of +/-50 µrad per 100 mm travel range and a load capacity up to 100 N.

Noncontact limit switches are integrated in the linear stages to protect the mechanical structure. In addition, the noncontact, direction-sensing optical reference point switches, located in the middle of the travel range, facilitate the use of the stages for automation tasks.

Variable Control: Mercury or Hydra

For single-axis control, PI offers the easy to operate digital C-863 and C-663 Mercury motion controllers for DC motors and stepper motors. For DC motor control of up to four axes, the C-884 is available.

The highest positioning accuracy can be achieved with the L-511 stepper motor variants, which are equipped with a high-resolution, direct- measuring linear encoder. The SMC Hydra controller controls the motor with low vibration and a high resolution. All PI motion controllers can be controlled in groups using the proprietary PI command set.

PI in Brief

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 eleven subsidiaries and sales offices abroad, the PI Group is represented internationally.