Minimum Size, Maximum Flexibility: Affordable Q-Motion Stage Series

Physik Instrumente (PI): The new Q-Motion series from PI miCos is flexible: Linear, rotation and goniometer stages can be easily combined according to modular principles. This results in compact and affordable multi‑axis positioning systems with nanometer resolution.

The 22 mm wide and 10 mm high Q‑522 series stages take on the role of the linear axes and can be optionally equipped with a linear encoder with a resolution of 1 nm. This allows the miniaturized stages to achieve a minimum incremental motion of just 2 nm with a repeatability of 25 nm. 

The Q‑522 can be mounted in XY orientation without an adapter and extended to a Z axis with help of a bracket. Three travel range versions up to 26 mm make their contribution to flexible application in confined spaces. 

It is also possible to mount the miniature rotation stages of the Q‑622 series without an adapter plate. They have a footprint of 22 mm x 22 mm. The optional integrated incremental encoder enables the Q‑622 to achieve an excellent resolution of 0.01 µrad.

For applications under vacuum conditions, the linear and rotation stages of the Q‑Motion series are also available as 10^-9 hPa or nonmagnetic versions.

The drive principle of the miniature stages is based on a piezo inertia drive. The very compact dimensions, the high resolution and the high velocity of 10 mm/s, rotationally up to 70°/s are made possible by this. Due to self‑locking at rest, the piezo motor requires no current and does not heat up. It keeps its position with a holding force of 1 N or a holding torque of 6 mNm.

PI in Brief

Well-known for the high quality of its products, PI (Physik Instrumente) has been one of the leading players in the global market for precision positioning technology for many years. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard and OEM products with piezo or motor drives for 40 years now. In addition to four sites in Germany, the PI Group is represented internationally with ten sales and service subsidiaries abroad.