New hexapods are compact with high-load

22nd December 2016
Posted By : Anna Flockett
New hexapods are compact with high-load

As research and industry increases the scope of application to include motion simulation, industrial production, precision machining, automotive assembly, image stabilisation, and alignment of opto-mechanical components the usefulness of hexapods or Stewart Platforms grows.

As this usability increases, PI is responding with new hexapods to meet those project needs - the H-850KML, 500kg high-load hexapod and the H-825KLL, compact hexapod with load capacity to 35kg. Both systems provide sub-micron precision.

Hexapods are 6 DOF motion systems that derive 6-axis movement (XYZ, Pitch, Yaw) from actuators placed in parallel between a top and bottom platform. Available in a variety of sizes with bases ranging from 100mm to 1m and different stiffness configurations in addition to the load range capabilities, hexapods are an easy solution to complex multi-axis precision motion applications.

PI hexapods come with controllers and software tools, resulting in fast solution implementation to each customer’s needs, as all 6 axes can be commanded simply as Cartesian coordinates, and the centre of rotation can be changed on the fly with a software command. Other advantages are the absence of friction caused by moving cables.

The H-850KML combines up to 100mm linear travel and rotation ranges to 60° with sub-micron precision and 400kg self-locking capability. An optional absolute encoder increases efficiency and ease-of-use, as referencing is not required during power-up. Six-degrees of freedom, the high load rating, and the user programmable pivot point make the H-850KML a suitable tool for many automation, test and alignment applications from precision engineering projects to the manipulation and placement of satellites.

The H-825KLL hexapod keeps a low profile due to the use of actuators with folded drive train. It provides linear travel ranges to 45mm and rotation ranges to 25°.

Each closed-loop actuator is designed with sensor resolution equivalent to 7 nanometres per increment. Multi-axis motion repeatability is as good as 0.1µ. The hexapod can handle loads to 35kg and will securely hold its position when powered off. Applications are in micromanipulation, biotechnology, and semiconductor test and manufacturing. Versions for use in high vacuum to 10-6 hPa are also available.


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