Motion control and piezo systems PI (Physik Instrumente) has introduced a OEM walking motor drive, the N-331, with its configuration rooted in existing piezo actuator technology and a patented piezo stepping motion principle design.

Unlike traditional electromagnetic motors, piezo motors do not create magnetic fields, nor are they influenced by magnetic or electric fields – a characteristics that is advantageous in applications from e-beam lithography to MRI technology. When large optics, detectors or camera set-ups in industrial applications need to be positioned with nanometer precision, it can be beneficial to cut the actuator power once the fine positioning process is complete. If a motor or actuator is dependent on a continuous current draw to hold a position, heat dissipation, electromagnetic fields and thermal effects may have negative influences on the performance of the system. PICMAWalk motors are self-clamping, i.e. at rest or in steady state mode, they automatically hold the position without any need for power.

PI’s PICMAWalk piezo linear motor uses 8 PICMA piezo actuators arranged in a V-shape similar to a classical V8 engine to achieve high push/pull and holding forces along with nanometer precision. The space-tested PICMA actuators provide 60N (13lbs) power-off holding force and 50N (11 lbs) push/pull force. The maximum velocity is specified at 15mm/sec (0.6 inch/sec) and loads up to 5kg (11lbs) can be positioned with nanometer precision.

The units are available with 3 standard travel ranges from 25 to 100mm in both open and closed-loop configurations. The closed-loop models incorporate a incremental encoder with nanometer resolution. The calculated piezo-mechanical resolution is better than 1/10 nanometer.

For more information, visit PI website.