Physik Instrumente (PI) uses piezoceramic ultrasonic linear motors in many of its PILine positioning systems. This gives the stages not only a much lower profile but also makes them faster than comparable systems with motor/spindle drives.

PI manufactures low-profile XY stages with a profile height of less than 30 mm across the whole surface of the stage - there are no lead screw ducts, no flanged motors. A speed of 100 mm/s can be achieved at a resolution of up to 0.1 µm.

Special control algorithms and drive principles are necessary to achieve the high speeds and fast positioning times. The C-867.260 motion controller is especially designed for two-axis positioning systems with PILine motors. It also provides additional performance characteristics for simple integration and rapid operation, such as USB, RS-232 and analog interfaces (e.g. for a joystick), macro programming or programmable TTL I/Os for flexible automation. The extensive software package includes the user program PIMikroMove, LabVIEW drivers, DLLs and support of LINUX operating systems.

PI has been one of the leading players in the global market for precision positioning technology for 40 years. The piezoelectric ceramics used as drive elements, which generate a finely adjustable motion, play an essential role. In cooperation with the PI Ceramic subsidiary PI produces piezo drives to meet custom requirements. This know-how allows PI to have a unique flexibility and a broad technological advance. In addition to its three German factories, PI has eight subsidiaries and a total of over 500 employees worldwide.