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PI is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control and automation systems, hexapod 6-axis parallel robotic stages, air bearing motion systems, Gantry Systems, 3D printing, laser machining, and piezoelectric nano-positioning solutions. Applications include photonics, semiconductor technology, medical engineering, assembly, inspection,

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Integrated XY Linear Stage Family, Single Module Design: 4”, 8”, 12” Travel

POSTED 11/21/2019

2-Axis precision motion is available with low-profile integrated designs, in 3 travel ranges, with a choice of 3-phase linear motors, or recirculating ball screw drives, new from PI.

Auburn, MA – In addition to their popular Air Bearing planar XY stages, a series of integrated XY stages with mechanical bearings is offered by global leader in precision motion systems, PI (Physik Instrumente). These integrated XY stages, engineered for higher loads, are available with 3-phase linear direct-drive motors for higher speed and ball screws for higher push/pull forces, respectively. Available with nanometer resolution linear encoders, these XY stages are well-suited for applications in biotechnology, industrial automation, laser processing, and flat panel display testing and manufacturing.

Family of integrated XY motion stages

Integrated Design
The integrated mechanical design allows for a lower profile and improved geometric performance, when compared to modular XY-stage assemblies of two single axis translation stages bolted together. Due to the improved support, planar XY linear tables are stiffer and flex less compared to XY-combinations of single axis linear stages, especially when the individual axes are moved to their extreme positions.

Market Intelligence News & Insights:

North American Robot Orders Hold Steady in Q1 2025 as A3 Launches First-Ever Collaborative Robot Tracking

Robot orders in North America remained essentially flat in the first quarter of 2025, with companies purchasing 9,064 units valued at $580.7 million, according to new data released by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). Compared to Q1 2024, this represents a 0.4% increase in units ordered and a 15% rise in order value, signaling continued demand and increased investment in higher-value automation systems.

The ball-screw variants – L-731, L-738, and L-741 – can be powered by stepper motors and servo motors, respectively. The direct-drive, linear-motor variants – V-731, V-738, and V-741 – are driven by an ironless 3-phase motor for cogging-free ultra-smooth motion, for highest demands on precision. Ironless motors allow smoother, vibration-free running over a wide velocity range. Both 3 stage families provide sensor resolution from 0.1µm to 0.001µm, with mechanical position repeatability to 0.05µm.

For even higher accuracy and motion performance, air bearing XY-stages such as the A-311 / A-322 PIGlide models are recommended and for XY-pick and place with high precision, direct drive linear gantry stages, as shown in the video below.