Motor Control and Switchgear

New linear stage configurator enables thousands of possible configurations

15 May 2026

Physik Instrumente (PI) has introduced an online linear stage configurator for its Modular Precision Linear (MPL) stage family, a flexible platform designed to simplify the specification of high-precision linear motion systems. Engineers can configure stages online by selecting from a wide range of travel ranges, motors, drive technologies and feedback options.

Configurable motion platform for 1,000+ stage variations

The MPL concept allows thousands of possible configurations by combining different travel ranges, drives, motors and feedback systems. Instead of selecting from fixed designs, engineers can build a motion solution tailored to their exact application requirements.

This modular approach maintains the precision, stiffness and reliability expected from PI positioning systems while helping control costs and simplify system integration. Precision linear stages are essential components in many industrial and scientific systems where accurate straight-line motion, high repeatability and minimal runout are required.

Travel ranges and motor options

Source: PISource: PI

The MPL series is available with travel ranges of 50 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm and 300 mm. Motor options include servo motors for dynamic applications and stepper motors for cost-efficient control solutions. Linear motor versions are planned for a future release.

For applications such as vertical Z-axis positioning, an optional motor brake provides additional position holding capability.

Faster design and integration

Online configuration and visualization tools help engineers quickly evaluate options and identify the optimal stage configuration. The modular architecture also supports straightforward integration into single-axis or multi-axis systems, from laboratory instrumentation to industrial automation platforms.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpecEditors@globalspec.com


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