Global precision motion control and nanopositioning solutions provider Physik Instrumente (PI) has introduced a new high dynamics linear motor stage family, the V-574 — a new series of linear positioning stages with excellent guiding precision and frictionless hree phase linear motors.

Excellent guiding precision — Geometric performance

Equipped with high-precision crossed-roller bearings installed in a proprietary process, these stages achieve excellent geometric performance: the 130 mm variant, for example, features 1.2 µm straightness and flatness over the full travel range, along with pitch and yaw of only 45 µrad and 40 µrad, respectively.

High velocity — High duty cycle — three travel ranges

The V-574 linear motor stages are offered with 60 mm, 130 mm and 230 mm travel range. Source: PI

Three-phase ironless, cog-free linear motors transfer their force directly and friction-free to the motion platform eliminating backlash and play that can occur with screw-driven stages. The V-574 stages achieve velocities up to 1 m/sec and 1 g acceleration, while the brushless motors are maintenance-free, ensuring longevity in demanding 24/7 operations.

Choice of three optical encoders for incremental and absolute measuring
Three encoder choices are available, two sine/cosine encoders for traditional motion controllers and an absolute encoder with BiSS-C transfer protocol. The absolute encoder achieves 1 nm resolution and transmits the current stage position to the controller immediately after power up — no referencing required and no possibility to lose encoder counts in electrically noisy environments.

What's the benefit of linear motors?
Mechanically, the V-574 series features ironless non-cogging linear motors which allow for very smooth motion, and a high dynamic velocity range along with rapid acceleration. They are ideal for applications where high or extremely constant velocity is required, such as in optics inspection, metrology, photonics, interferometry and semiconductor test equipment. The frictionless, zero-wear motor drives are also popular in fast automation applications, where reliability and maximum uptime are crucial.