PI's Core Technologies: Breaking New Ground

The Basis for Innovative Customized Solutions

The core competencies of PI in Piezo Technology, Nano Positioning, and Performance Automation are based on a broad foundation of technologies for which PI has built in-depth know-how over the decades. The continuous expansion of this know-how and the capability to newly combine these technologies again and again, make it possible for PI, together with its customers, to break new ground in the development of innovative solutions. For the most challenging tasks in moving and positioning objects that are so very different, such as delicate glass fibers or centner-heavy mirror elements; for generating and detecting ultrasound and other tasks, where the piezo components developed in-house and their higher refinement are used.

Piezo Technology

Piezo Technology

PI Ceramic offers a wealth of experience in the manufacturing of piezoceramic materials, components, and actuators. The piezoceramic materials can be adapted individually to perfectly fit the later use of the piezo components.

Piezoelectric Drives

Piezoelectric Drives

Depending on the configuration and control, piezoceramic actuators can be used to create translational motions or as motors with a virtually unlimited travel range. The choice of drive depends on the requirements of the application.

Electromagnetic Drives

Electromagnetic Drives

Rotating electric motors such as DC or stepper motors are used in connection with screw or worm drives. Stepper motor systems with high-resolution encoders can perform minimum incremental motions of 10 nm with high reliability and repeatability.

Parallel Kinematics

Parallel Kinematics

In a parallel-kinematic, multi-axis system, all actuators act directly on a single moving platform. This means that all axes can be designed with identical dynamic properties, thus reducing the moved mass considerably.

Sensor Technologies

Sensor Technologies

The linearity and repeatability achieved are not possible without highest-resolution measuring devices. Accuracies in the range of a few nanometers and below require a position measurement method that can also detect motion in this range.

Controllers & Software

Controllers & Software

Fast settling or extremely smooth low speed motion, high positional stability, high resolution and high dynamics – the requirements placed on piezo systems vary greatly and need drivers and controllers with a high degree of flexibility.

Guiding Systems & Force Transmission

Guiding Systems & Force Transmission

Flexure joints, mechanical guide components or magnetic bearings? Which kind of guiding system PI uses in its products depends on parameters such as travel range, required precision, load, lifetime, and ambient conditions.

Positioning in High Vacuum (HV) and Ultrahigh Vacuum (UHV)

Vacuum

Careful handling, adequate premises: PI does not only have the necessary equipment for the qualification of materials, components and final products, but also has many years of experience with regard to HV und UHV positioning systems.