PI U-723 PILine Ultrasonic XY Stage Review: Specs, Price and Applications
U-723.25 is a compact XY stage driven by ultrasonic piezo motors. The current PI table lists 22 × 22 mm travel, 200 mm/s maximum velocity per axis and 10 nm incremental encoder resolution. Mechanical self-locking holds the stopped stage without continuous drive current; it does not turn the unit into a certified safety brake.
Quick Verdict
Consider U-723 for small-sample positioning and micromanipulation where space and heat at rest matter. Its 10 nm sensor increment must be distinguished from 0.1 µm typical minimum incremental motion and 0.2 µm typical bidirectional repeatability in the current table.
PI U-723 PILine Ultrasonic XY Stage at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Travel | 22 mm X ×22 mm Y |
Maximum velocity | 200 mm/s per axis; specified conditions apply |
Sensor | Incremental optical linear encoder;10 nm resolution |
Minimum incremental motion | 0.1 µm typical |
Bidirectional repeatability | 0.2 µm typical |
Load / drive force | 5 N Z push-load scope;2 N typical drive force per axis |
Controller examples | C-867.2U2 or specified C-867.10C885 module |
Design and Engineering Assessment
The ultrasonic motor transfers motion through a preloaded contact, rather than a screw or magnetic motor. Self-locking can reduce heat during a stationary measurement, while repeated scanning still has a thermal and wear duty. Qualify the intended move/hold cycle rather than infer unlimited continuous operation from low power at rest.
The encoder measures platform displacement directly. That improves the measurement boundary but does not eliminate guide errors, fixture deflection or Abbe error at a tall sample. Sensor resolution, minimum incremental motion and repeatability describe different aspects of the result.
A 5 N supported Z load is distinct from the roughly 2 N drive-force scope per axis. Include friction, cable drag and acceleration in the force calculation. A compact stage with a light sample can still perform poorly if an external service loop applies a significant changing force.
Select Controller and Environment
Use the matched PILine drive/control arrangement and its actual interface. The inspected current specifications were determined with C-867.2U2; a broad controller-family name does not establish identical tuning or performance.
Specify vacuum construction separately. An available vacuum option does not establish that an ordinary stage, connector or cable is suitable for the required chamber conditions.
Accept the Installed Measurement
Verify referencing, direction, limits and cable clearance. Measure positioning and settling at the actual sample with the intended controller and warm operating cycle.
Retain stage/controller identities and tuning. A stable unpowered position should be evaluated against expected external loads and the machine’s independent protective requirements.
Applications and Selection
Compact sample positioning, biotechnology, micromanipulation and precision automation with limited space.
For PI U-723 PILine Ultrasonic XY Stage, define the actual machine duty before selecting an ordering configuration. Include the required operating point, available installation space, environment and control interfaces. The specification table describes the product or family; the surrounding machine determines which of those features matters for the intended job.
Price and Value
Price: Request a quote for the exact configuration. Compare the product, compatible control equipment, required mechanical parts, cabling and commissioning as one installed system. A component price alone does not represent the cost of a working automation axis.
Evaluate an alternative against the same duty and acceptance criteria. Match the continuous operating requirement first, then compare transient capability, feedback, mechanical fit and support. This avoids choosing between superficially similar products whose ratings describe different operating conditions.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Compact two-axis ultrasonic positioning
Direct optical feedback
Self-locking reduces drive heat during stationary periods
Limitations
Encoder resolution is finer than useful motion/repeatability specifications
Contact drive has application-specific duty
Vacuum and controller configurations must be selected
Who Should Consider PI U-723 PILine Ultrasonic XY Stage?
Consider PI U-723 PILine Ultrasonic XY Stage when the documented configuration matches the actual process, load, environment and control architecture. Use a representative installed cycle and a defined process-side error budget for acceptance.
PI U-723 PILine Ultrasonic XY Stage FAQ
Does 10 nm mean 10 nm positioning accuracy?
No. It is the encoder-resolution figure; motion, repeatability and accuracy are separate.
What travel is listed?
22 mm in each of X and Y.
What is typical minimum incremental motion?
The current U-723.25 table lists 0.1 µm.
Does it need current to hold a stopped position?
The self-locking drive holds mechanically when stopped, within its documented holding/load conditions.
Is self-locking a safety brake?
Do not assume a safety function from that positioning feature.
Can its 5 N load rating be used as drive force?
No. The Z load scope and X/Y drive-force ratings describe different constraints.
Is vacuum compatibility automatic?
No. Specify the appropriate construction and full chamber installation.
What belongs in acceptance?
Referencing, useful sample-side positioning/settling, warm duty and the real service-cable forces.
Prices are indicative and may change. Confirm the final configuration, commercial terms and delivery schedule before ordering.
