Developer of high-precision positioning technology, Physik Instrumente, expands both its product range and capacity with the release of a new Z-Tip-Tilt stage nano positioning system and the expansion of its global development and production centre in southwest Germany.
Ensuring quality and reliability in a final product, precision is absolutely critical in the manufacturing and testing of semiconductors. With precise motion control, semiconductor fabrication is easier to scale and enables more precise bonding, alignment and overall assembly of photonics systems.
Improving the ease and simplicity of high-precision alignment automation tasks, Physik Intstrumente (PI) has released the A-523 Z-Tip-Tilt stage - a nano-positioning system for rigorous alignment application in optics, semiconductors and precision assembly.
A stage for real-time precision
Based on air bearings and three-stage linear motors to encourage high speed, the cleanroom-compatible stage requires minimal maintenance, and is closed-loop operation with linear encoders provides high-resolution one nanometre resolution for direct feedback.
“The A-523 Z-Tip-Tilt stage was designed for metrology and alignment applications in the semiconductor and photonics industry,” said Stefan Vorndran, marketing vice president at PI. “Its low profile, high dynamics and high precision, based on the parallel-kinematic and frictionless air-bearing design, make it a unique tool.”
Small and strong
The A-523 Z-Tip-Tilt stage’s small platform is less than 10 inches in diameter, yet is still capable of withstanding loads over 8kg. With reduced height, comes a lower centre of gravity and lower inertia, and with one moving platform, the potential for errors is also reduced.
Combined with PI’s recently released S-335 fast steering motor - for precise, high-speed laser beam control and high-resolution imaging processes in outer space applications - the product releases a part of PI’s pledge to increase its collaboration with universities and research institutes.
Home extension
As well as expanding its product range, a total of €20 million is being invested into a new building at PI’s Eschbach site in southwest Germany. The additional 6,500-sqm will triple the company’s capacity for manufacturing and development.
“PI has been on a steady growth path for years,” said Markus Spanner, CEO of the PI Group. “With the new building, we are meeting our customers’ increasing demands for modern, future-proof development and production facilities.”
A sustainable future
Designed to meet the highest environmental standards, the new building is powered with a green district heating system, installed with a 213kWp renewable photovoltaic power system and features the latest sustainable building and insulation materials.
