#United States #Shrewsbury #Precision Motion #H-855 Hexapod #PI Systems

PI’s New H-855 High-Load Hexapod Family

In an exciting development for industries that rely on precision positioning and motion control, PI (Physik Instrumente) has announced the launch of its H-855 high-load hexapod family. This innovative product line is tailored for applications necessitating the exact multi-axis alignment of heavy components, capable of supporting payloads weighing up to 500 kg (approximately 1,100 lbs). By delivering six degrees of freedom (6-DOF), these systems afford engineers significant flexibility in the design of automated equipment and precision alignment processes crucial across multiple sectors.

Key Features and Design Innovations

Traditionally, achieving motion in both linear and rotational axes would require multiple stacked stages in multi-axis positioning systems. However, the H-855 hexapod employs advanced parallel kinematics, utilizing six actuators that work cohesively between a fixed base and a moving platform. This smart architecture enables synchronized movement in X, Y, Z axes, as well as rotations in pitch, roll, and yaw. The resultant compact mechanical arrangement is especially suited to the rigorous demands of various applications.

The H-855 family comes in four distinct configurations, strategically designed to meet different performance criteria. Depending on the specific model chosen, the systems can deliver:

• - Travel capabilities of up to 320 mm (Z, Y) and 150 mm (Z)
• - Rotational travel reaching ±27° for θX and θY, and up to ±60° for θZ
• - Maximum velocities up to 10 mm/s
• - Minimum incremental motion ranging from 0.15 to 4.5 µm

These outstanding specifications highlight the precision and performance that the H-855 range offers.

Integration and Customization Potential

Designed for seamless integration, the H-855 combines advanced brushless DC gear motors with absolute rotary encoders, negating the need for a conventional referencing move during power-up. This significant enhancement simplifies the integration process into automated systems, particularly in scenarios where homing maneuvers are impractical or hindered by nearby mechanics.

The hexapods are fully compatible with PI's C-887 series controllers, accepting position commands in Cartesian coordinates. This software-driven coordination simplifies multi-axis motion control, while the capability to establish a programmable pivot point allows engineers to define the center of rotation based on specific application requirements.

Versatile Applications Across Industries

The H-855 hexapod family is optimally designed for complex positioning and alignment tasks across various sectors, including industrial automation, semiconductor fabrication, optical alignment, aerospace applications, and simulation systems. Its modular architecture provides exceptional flexibility, permitting the customization of actuator arrangements, gear ratios, travel ranges, and other design attributes to meet precise application specifications. Moreover, when standardized models do not align with unique mechanical or motion criteria, PI welcomes the development of custom configurations.

By delivering several configurations within a single product line, PI aids engineers in selecting an appropriate positioning platform that efficiently balances payload capacity, precision metrics, speed, travel requirements, and installation constraints—all without sacrificing the advantages offered by six-axis motion control.

With the increasing need for nuanced and adaptive solutions in the fields of precision engineering, the H-855 high-load hexapod family stands out as a formidable contender in elevating the capabilities of multi-axis systems in demanding environments. For more information regarding the H-855 high-load hexapod family and its applications, visit PI’s official website.