PI (Physik Instrumente) LP, a leading manufacturer of precision motion control and nanopositioning equipment, has recently released the new H-860KMAG 6-axis hexapod for high dynamics motion and vibration simulations that require extremely smooth, and quiet high-speed motion.
Voice Coil Linear Motors and Flexure Guides for Reliability and High Speed
The hexapod is driven by non-contact PIMag voice-coil linear motors and guided by frictionless flexures. The absence of conventional bearings based on rolling elements reduces noise, and provides basically unlimited service life because the zero-wear flexures and motors require neither maintenance nor lubricants. Lightweight struts in combination with stiff, zero-play flexure joints provide very fast response with 4g acceleration, operating frequencies up to 100 Hz (small signal), and velocity to 250mm/sec. PI’s latest high dynamics hexapods have been tested to meet the CIPA certification standard for simulating camera shake when taking photographs.
Freely Defineable Trajectory
The 6-axis hexapod motion system is based on a parallel kinematic actuator structure for six degrees of freedom. The used-defined pivot point (center of rotation) can be changed on the fly by one software command for increased versatility. Tracking of pre-defined trajectories, sinusoidal curves, and freely definable paths with high trajectory accuracy can easily be programmed with the included software tools.
Strong, and Light
Extremely stiff carbon fiber components reduce the inertia and result in a high Eigenfrequency of 200Hz, important for fast response, high operating frequencies, and high throughput motion. The direct-drive hexapod comes with a powerful digital vector motion controller with open software architecture and hexapod-specific software.
Applications of the H-860KMAG Linear Motor Hexapod
Motion simulation, image stabilization test equipment, vibration simulation, precision positioning and alignment of opto-mechanical components.