A novel high-load Hexapod is designed for for astronomy applications and other alignment tasks.

PI (Physik Instrumente) has designed a novel high-load Hexapod for astronomy applications and other alignment tasks. The high-load Hexapod combines extremely high precision with a load capacity of up to 1000kg. It provides minimum incremental motion to 0.8um and 1urad, respectively.

The six individual actuators have a design resolution of 0.08um and a stiffness of 40N/um.

The M-850 Hexapod is driven by six high-resolution actuators all connected directly to the same moving platform.

The principle is similar to that seen in flight simulators, but considerably more precise.

In place of the hydraulic actuators used there, the M-850 uses custom high-load precision screws and servomotors.

It can withstand loads of 1000kg vertically, and at least 180kg in any direction.

Typical applications include: alignment and tracking of optics and electron beams; and fine positioning of active secondary mirror platforms in astronomical telescopes.