MPL-W10 Modular Configurable Precision Linear Stage

Highlights

Discover the future of precise handling with PI’s configurable MPL linear stage. Specifically designed for precision and reliability, our spindle drive technology offers unique advantages that will push your application to a new level.

• Tailored solution: Optimize your processes by configuring the most suitable linear stage for your application. This customized approach enhances productivity by meeting your precise operational needs, thereby contributing to consistent quality and efficiency.

• Exceptional accuracy: Our linear stage is engineered for high-class precision, guaranteeing accuracy for critical tasks in positioning applications, e.g., XY raster scan for wafer inspection. Every part meets the highest of standards, reducing error and improving overall product quality.

• Consistently high quality: PI’s manufacturing processes ensure that every product maintains a uniformly high level of precision and quality. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining consistent performance and reliability in your application, significantly reducing variations and ensuring each product meets rigorous standards.

• Future-proof custom solutions: The individual adaptability of our modular kit keeps you flexible and efficient, no matter how your requirements evolve. Invest in tomorrow’s technology today.

Rely on precision, reliability, and flexible configurability — choose the MPL linear stages with spindle drive for the most demanding applications. The spindle-driven MPL linear axis is the perfect solution for applications where maximum precision and stability are required. It enables exact vertical adjustment of the camera or lens, ensuring optimal focus capabilities in optical inspection systems and similar applications.

Thanks to the mechanical self-locking feature of the spindle/stepper motor combination, the axis remains securely in position even without a power supply. This means there is no uncontrolled lowering in the event of a power failure, no additional holding current, and no need for brakes.

Take the next step towards technological advancement and secure your leading position in the market. Contact us (info@pi.de) for personalized consultation and a custom solution precisely tailored to your needs.

The individual MPL modules are described in detail below.

Travel range

The travel range describes the greatest possible movement in the direction of motion. The following options are available:

• 50 mm

• 100 mm

• 150 mm

• 200 mm

• 250 mm

• 300 mm

Motor

• DC motor

  • Preferred for dynamic applications

  • Preferred where smooth performance is required

• Stepper motor

  • Precise positioning and repeatability

  • Excellent torque at low speed, preferred when strong starting torque is required

  • 20 mNm holding torque to maintain a position without power

Motor brake

The addition of a motor brake is available for the DC motor, which makes it possible to hold a position, even in the de-energized state.

Especially recommended if the stage is used as a Z axis (motion in the direction of gravity) to prevent unintentional changes in position in the event of a power failure.

Motor orientation

• Straight

  • Narrower, thus recommended when the installation space is limited in width

  • More cost-effective

Connector orientation

Change the orientation of the motor module and thus the orientation of the connectors to route the cables optimally:

• 0°

• 180°

Spindle pitch

The spindle pitch describes the distance traveled by the spindle nut per revolution of the spindle in millimeters.

The spindle pitches 1 mm, 2 mm, and 5 mm are available.

• Larger spindle pitches increase velocity

• Smaller spindle pitches increase drive force

• Smaller spindle pitches increase positioning accuracy

Encoder

An encoder enables the position of the slider to be operated in a closed control loop, thereby allowing more precise position control.

• No encoder

  • Open-loop control for stepper motor only

  • No extra charge for the encoder

• Linear 1 V_pp

  • Highest resolution, for the most accurate applications

  • Accounts for all elasticities in the powertrain

• Linear RS-422

  • More robust than linear 1 V_pp

  • Accounts for all elasticities in the powertrain

• Rotational RS-422

  • Most robust encoder

  • Most cost-effective encoder

  • At the motor shaft

Limit switches

To prevent mechanical passage and thus damage to the stage, the use of limit switches is recommended.

• External limit switches

  • External limit switches are easier to adapt to the limits of the application

  • More secure than software limits for protecting application setup

• Internal limit switches

  • Easy setup with secure stop at travel end

  • Internal limit switches provide greater security because they cannot be moved

  • Choose your logic between NPN and PNP (5 V - 24 V)

Customer interface

• No customer interface

  • Less height in an XY setup

  • Setup can be directly mounted on the slider interface

• Standard customer interface

  • Providing most common hole patterns,
    e.g., 50 mm × 50 mm and 100 mm × 100 mm

Drag chain (optional)

The drag chain can be selected as an option.

To ensure the safe operation of an XY system consisting of two MPL stages, a drag chain for the top stage is recommended, especially for dynamic applications.

The drag chain can be attached to the stage in eight different positions. These include four vertical and four horizontal positions. Within the horizontal positions, the following additional variants are available: HOR-IFAB whereby the inner part of the drag chain is fixed and outer part moves, and HOR-IBAF whereby the inner part moves and the outer part is fixed. The drag chain is an accessory and can be attached by the customer. The drag chain can either be attached to the side slots or to the clamping claws.

If necessary, two drag chains can also be attached on opposite sides.

Lubrication

• Lifetime lubrication

  • No relubrication necessary

  • Best choice for moderate load/dynamics

• Standard lubrication

  • For high loads as well as dynamic or continuous operation

  • Depending on application, relubrication must be performed every 4 to 6 months or after a maximum distance of 300 km

Surface finish

Black anodized aluminum parts:

• Corrosion protection

• Anodic coating makes the material less sensitive to abrasion and scratches

• Visually appealing

Degree of protection

IP2x:

• Cost-effective

• Product offers sufficient protection against the ingress of solid objects larger than 12.5 mm in diameter (e.g., fingers)

Mounting kit

• Kit 1: Clamping claw

  The clamping claw mounting kit can be used for all configuration variants of the stage. It serves to mount the axis in the application environment. The clamping claws are inserted into the lateral slot and attached to the surface with screws. The screws are included with the clamping claws in various lengths.

• Kit 2: Slot nut

  The slot nut mounting kit can be used for all configuration variants of the stage. It serves to mount the axis in the application environment. The slot nuts are inserted into the slot located on the bottom of the stage and screwed to the surface through a through-hole. The kits include various screw lengths.