Hexapod H-815 for continuous industrial operation (Photo: PI)
In precision-critical manufacturing processes, the reliable and repeatable positioning of components is crucial for production success. Increasing demands on clock rates and continuous loads with high cycle rates, as well as mechanical wear and a lack of reproducibility have a detrimental effect not only on process stability, but also on productivity and quality. To meet these requirements, Physik Instrumente (PI) has added the new Industrial Hexapod H-815 to its range. This parallel-kinematic precision system with six degrees of freedom was specially developed for use in automated 24/7 industrial processes.
The H-815 features a robust, compact design and a high-precision motion control for demanding 24/7 industrial applications. With repeatability of ±0.05 µm, a minimum step size of 50 nm, and integrated absolute encoders, the Industrial Hexapod is ideally suited for processes requiring maximum precision and position stability. Typical applications include the assembly of lenses and camera modules, the automated alignment of optical components, positioning in cleanrooms or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) environments, as well as test and calibration processes in quality assurance.
Compact, Robust, and Easy to Integrate
“The Industrial Hexapod H-815 was developed specifically for continuous industrial use with the highest precision requirements. Thanks to its compact design, it can be easily integrated into automated 24/7 processes. The system is also characterized by its robust design and high-quality components, offering reliable durability even with a high number of working cycles. Integrated brakes and safety standards in accordance with SIL 3 support safe handling and reliable processes. Even in space-critical applications, the H-815 impresses with its high repeatability and precision, combining considerable power and speed in a compact design,” explains Christian Ziegler, Product Manager for hexapods at PI.
Reliable, Precise, and Efficient
The parallel-kinematic system provides six precisely controllable degrees of freedom for complex motion profiles and supports payloads of up to 10 kilograms. The freely definable center of rotation ensures maximum flexibility, enabling the hexapod motion platform to adapt precisely to specific requirements, e.g., for alignment processes in the micrometer range. Through the use of absolute encoders, the H-815 provides position data at startup without referencing, achieving significant time savings, increased efficiency, and reduced downtime in automated production lines. The absolute encoders also offer a high level of reliability, especially after power failures or restarts. Finally, the integrated brakes ensure reliable handling and high process safety in every position.
Controller and Software
The H-815 is controlled via the powerful C-887.4xx1 motion controller and the intuitive PIMikroMove software that supports simple integration and precise control. The controller boasts a wide range of advanced safety functions. These include SIL 3 certification and a port for connecting safety relays, meaning that the hexapod connected to the controller can also be used in safety-critical applications. The controller can be equipped with optional high-resolution, extremely fast analog inputs, creating ideal conditions for precise alignment routines. For the most demanding 24/7 industrial automation applications, an optional EtherCAT fieldbus interface is available.
Further technical information, 3D data, and application examples can be found at: H-815 Hexapod for Industrial 24/7 Applications with Highest Precision Requirements and High-Throughput Lens Alignment
With over thirty years of experience in developing and manufacturing parallel kinematics, PI offers hexapods for payloads ranging from 1 kg to 250 kg. Its portfolio includes a wide range of drive technologies, from piezoelectric to electromagnetic to hybrid, enabling maximum flexibility in application thanks to freely definable centers of rotation.