PI introduces the P-606.1P piezoelectric micro gripper, a compact, high-stiffness gripping solution designed for handling micro-optics and FAUs in photonics alignment, assembly, probing, and inspection applications. Providing up to 4 N (0.9 lb) of clamping force and 500 µm of jaw travel with opening width up to 1.9 mm, the new gripper securely holds small optical components during high-dynamic positioning and alignment processes.
P-606.1P micro-optics gripper with force feedback and piezoelectric actuation. Image Credit: PI (Physik Instrumente) LP
Key Specifications
| PARAMETER |
P-606.1P |
| Jaw travel |
0 - 500 µm |
| Opening width |
0.5 - 1.9 mm |
| Clamping force |
0 - 4 N |
| Force feedback |
0.5 - 1.9 mm |
| Actuation |
Piezoelectric |
| Jaw configuration |
Modular |
| Motion |
Unsymmetrical |
As photonics manufacturing becomes increasingly automated, positioning an optical component is only part of the challenge. Fibers, lenses, and other miniature components must also be picked up and held with sufficient rigidity to prevent unwanted motion during rapid scanning and alignment. At the same time, the gripping force must be controlled to avoid damaging delicate components.
The P-606.1P micro-gripper addresses these requirements with a monolithic flexure design, piezoelectric actuation, and an integrated piezoresistive force sensor. The combination provides fast response, high structural stiffness, and controlled gripping force in a compact package suitable for integration with precision positioning and photonics alignment systems.
Designed for High-Dynamic Optical Alignment
The gripper is particularly suited for active alignment processes where an optical component must remain mechanically stable while the positioning system performs rapid scanning or optimization routines. High structural rigidity helps minimize relative motion between the gripper and component during acceleration, settling, and alignment.
Force Feedback Protects Sensitive Optical Components
With a clamping force of up to 4 N, the P-606.1P can securely hold optical components and fixtures while its piezoelectric drive provides fast, precise jaw motion.
Interchangeable Jaws, Friction Free Motion Design
At the core of the P-606.1P is a monolithic flexure mechanism. Flexure guidance eliminates conventional bearings, providing friction-free motion without mechanical play.
Interchangeable jaws allow the gripping interface to be adapted to different component geometries and manufacturing processes. This modular approach makes the gripper suitable for integration into automated assembly equipment as well as photonics alignment systems.
The gripper provides 500 µm of typical jaw travel and supports opening widths from 0.5 to 1.9 mm, depending on the jaw configuration.
Applications
- Fiber manipulation and active alignment
- Photonic component assembly
- Lens and optical component alignment
- Camera and imaging module assembly
- Optical probing and inspection
- Pick-and-place processes
- Microelectronics assembly
- Precision micromanipulation