Hexapod
Positioning platforms for 6 degrees of freedom
A hexapod system is a device for motion and precise positioning in all three linear and rotational axes. Hexapods use parallel kinematics meaning that all drives act together on the moving platform. Each hexapod system is equipped with a powerful controller transforming each user command into specific motion for each actuator or motor. The software package is user-friendly and all commands are specified in a Cartesian coordinate system, with user-defined pivot point. This feature makes the hexapod especially easy to integrate into end-user systems.
The Hexapods come with various actuators and motors depending on the application demand. An overall high stiffness of the system makes mounting of the hexapod in any direction possible. Joints are an important key factor to stiffness and precision.
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Product technologies
Use the tabs to navigate and get information about available technology drives for Hexapods. Click the product images to visit our suppliers website and find more available Hexapods.
DC & Stepper Motor
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 100 mm in one dimension
- Sensor Resolution – From 50 nm
- Load – Up to 1 Ton as standard
- Dynamics – Up to 25 Hz operation
More information
A stepper motor divides a full revolution into a number of full steps with equal distance between them. As each step size is known, the stepper motor can operate in open-loop mode without any position sensor. The stepper motor has long lifetime service and is especially suitable for vacuum applications. A DC motor rotates constantly as an operating voltage is applied and the velocity is directly proportional to the input voltage. DC motors with position feedback are called servo motors. These motors have high dynamics with large velocity range, low vibration and offers high torque. Brushless DC motors are increasingly used as they have lower wear and increased power efficiency.
Piezo Actuator Hexapod
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 70 µm
- Sensor Resolution – from 1 nm
- Operating Frequency – Up to 100s Hz
- Load – Up to 1.5 kg
More information
A hexapod that uses a piezo actuator with high stiffness and resonance frequencies in direct drive mode. A powerful controller, no moving cables and compact design offers a dynamic range of operation as well as a reliable system for motion in 6 axes. Capacitive sensors measure directly on the position enabling nanometer accuracy and fast response.
Magnetic Direct Motor/Drive
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 15 mm
- Sensor Resolution – from 5 nm
- Volocity – 250 mm/s
- Power Saving – Self-Locking at rest
More information
Voice coil actuators and magnetic linear drives utilize the fact that the force acting on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the current. This drive offers advantages compared to common spindle-based technologies as it uses few mechanical components, this results in less friction, therefore less wear, backlash and thus more precision as well as much higher dynamics.
