The M-840 HexaLight 6-axis Hexapod from Physik Instrumente (PI) offers convincing performance features: a linear travel range of up to +/-50 mm, a rotation of up to 30° with smallest step sizes of 1 µm or 5 µrad. The M-840.5DG version equipped with a DC motor/gearhead drive has now been improved to handle higher loads, while still having the same dimensions and the same price. An additional payload of 30 kg when mounted horizontally, and up to 10 kg with random orientation, can be precisely and reliably positioned in six axes.
The high precision of PI Hexapods is given by the parallel-kinematic technology. Six actuators act on a joint platform; this makes the mass to be moved smaller and the structure of the Hexapod very compact. Furthermore, there is no accumulation of guiding and tilting errors of individual axes.
The pivot point, which can freely be chosen by software command, is retained independently of the motion and can be coordinated with the surrounding. For example, the pivot point can be merged with the isocenter of an acceleration experiment.
The control is conveniently executed via an Ethernet connection. As is the case with all PI Hexapods, the position can be commanded directly in Cartesian coordinates by using a high-performance digital controller.
Typical applications for the compact multi-axis systems can be found in industrial applications as well as in research, be it astronomy, medical technology or basic research.