PI V-408 PIMag Compact Linear Stages Review: Specs, Price and Applications
V-408 is a compact direct-drive linear stage with an iron-core three-phase motor and crossed-roller guidance. Current PI specifications distinguish 25 mm and 50 mm travel versions at 500 and 700 mm/s maximum unloaded velocity. These current order-specific values supersede the older 1.5 m/s announcement when selecting the reviewed configurations.
Quick Verdict
Consider V-408 for short-stroke industrial positioning where compact geometry and direct feedback fit the process. The drive is iron-core, unlike an ironless V-417. Select it using actual force and geometric performance rather than applying a blanket “cog-free” label to every linear motor.
PI V-408 PIMag Compact Linear Stages at a Glance
Specification | Details |
25 mm version | V-408.132020;500 mm/s maximum unloaded |
50 mm version | V-408.232020;700 mm/s maximum unloaded |
Motor | Iron-core 3-phase linear motor;24 V nominal |
Force | 5 N typical drive force;14 N peak |
Feedback | 10 nm interpolated incremental linear-encoder resolution |
Minimum motion / repeatability | 20 nm typical minimum motion;0.2 µm typical bidirectional repeatability |
Guidance | Crossed rollers with forced cage control;80 N Y/Z push-load scope |
Design and Engineering Assessment
The supported 80 N load is not the motor’s continuous 5 N drive force. An axis carrying an 80 N vertical normal load can still be force-limited during acceleration. Account for moving mass, process resistance and cable drag using the motor curve and permitted repeated duty.
The current table’s 10 nm sensor increment,20 nm minimum motion and 0.2 µm repeatability are different specifications. Guidance straightness and flatness are separately listed at±4 µm typical, so tool-point geometry can dominate a task despite fine electronic resolution.
An iron-core motor provides force density in a small envelope, while the controller must handle the actual motor and feedback behavior. Direct drive removes a screw transmission but leaves rolling-guide friction, structural resonance and external cable forces in the installed axis.
Match Controller and Short-Stroke Duty
Specify the full travel code, motor current, feedback interface and compatible controller. Check acceleration distance before assuming a short move reaches the maximum unloaded velocity.
Mount to the prescribed surface and arrange service loops through the complete travel. Keep reference and limit-switch logic aligned with the selected controller.
Measure the Process Result
Tune with the installed fixture, then check reversal, tracking and settling at the actual working height. Include warm-cycle temperature and approach direction.
Retain hardware suffix, controller project and calibration. A new travel or encoder configuration needs renewed limit, clearance and performance checks.
Applications and Selection
Compact precision automation, optical inspection and short-stroke industrial positioning.
For PI V-408 PIMag Compact Linear Stages, 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 short-stroke direct drive
Direct incremental feedback
Crossed-roller guidance with cage control
Limitations
Current speed differs from historic announcement
Iron-core construction must be distinguished from ironless
Load capacity differs from available drive force
Who Should Consider PI V-408 PIMag Compact Linear Stages?
Consider PI V-408 PIMag Compact Linear Stages 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 V-408 PIMag Compact Linear Stages FAQ
Is V-408 ironless?
The inspected current V-408 configurations use an iron-core 3-phase motor.
Is 1.5 m/s the current speed of both reviewed models?
No. The current table lists 500 and 700 mm/s for 25 and 50 mm travel respectively.
Does 80 N mean continuous motor thrust?
No. It is a supported-load scope; the listed typical drive force is 5 N.
What is the sensor resolution?
10 nm interpolated incremental feedback in the inspected configuration.
Does 10 nm mean 10 nm repeatability?
No. The current table lists 0.2 µm typical bidirectional repeatability.
What guides the stage?
Crossed rollers with forced cage control.
Can an extremely short move reach maximum speed?
Only if the available acceleration/deceleration distance and actual load permit it.
What should acceptance measure?
Useful tool-point motion, tracking/settling, thermal behavior and repeatable recovery on the installed mechanism.
Prices are indicative and may change. Confirm the final configuration, commercial terms and delivery schedule before ordering.
