Skip to content

Linear stage

PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod linear stage

Six-axis parallel-kinematic hexapod carrying up to 250 kg (H-850.H2A, horizontal base), with ±50 mm X/Y and ±25 mm Z travel, brushless DC gear motors and absolute encoders.

Need this part, a replacement or a better-fit option? Our engineers help with selection, procurement, sourcing, competitive pricing and lead times.

Engineering support · Product sourcing · Procurement

Get pricing or a checked replacement

Need PI (Physik Instrumente) parts, a replacement or another suitable option? Send your part number or describe the application. We’ll review the requirement and help with product selection, sourcing, pricing and lead times.

  • Exact parts and engineer-checked alternatives
  • Manufacturer-direct options where available
  • Standard, modified and custom solutions

No obligation to buy. Have a datasheet, drawing or nameplate photo? Reply to your confirmation email to attach it.

Need help choosing? Build a specification →
Add quantity, timing or application notes (optional)
Need help choosing? Open the specification builder

Spec builder

Specify what you need instead of H-850 hexapod

Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.

  1. 1Products
  2. 2Performance
  3. 3Environment
  4. 4Volumes
  5. 5Your spec
Step 1 of 5

Key specifications

Temperature-10–50 °C
Stroke (max)100 mm
Linear speed (max)8 mm/s
FeedbackAbsolute multi-turn rotary encoders
Axes6
Payload (max)250 kg
Repeatability±0.5 to ±0.6 µm X/Y, ±0.2 µm Z
TravelX/Y ±50 mm, Z ±25 mm, θX/θY ±15°, θZ ±30°
ControllerC-887.5xx

Summarised in our own words from HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division)'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2

Notes on this data

stroke_mm_max = full X travel (±50 mm). speed 8 mm/s is the faster G2A variant (50 kg).

Specify Motion is not affiliated with HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division). PI (Physik Instrumente) and H-850 hexapod are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original PI (Physik Instrumente) part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

2 published figures compared; engineering check required

Twin profile-rail screw stage listed in the Tolomatic overview brochure; appears to be the predecessor of the TRS family.

Published maximumH-850 hexapodTKS Dual Profile Rail Bearing
Force—14,501 N
Stroke100 mm2,438 mm meets or exceeds
Speed8 mm/s1,016 mm/s meets or exceeds
2 published figures compared; engineering check required

Screw-driven rodless stage on twin profile rails with a wide, flat carrier, built for heavy, high-moment loads in machine tools, gantries and XYZ systems.

Published maximumH-850 hexapodTRS Twin Profile Rail Stage
Force—12,590 N
Stroke100 mm2,200 mm meets or exceeds
Speed8 mm/s1,270 mm/s meets or exceeds
Limited published data: 2 figures compared

Compact C7 ballscrew linear module with built-in guide, matched to 100-400 W servo motors from the main Japanese and Taiwanese brands.

Published maximumH-850 hexapodBLM Built-in Linear Module
Stroke100 mm1,250 mm meets or exceeds
Speed8 mm/s1,600 mm/s meets or exceeds

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Typical applications

Optics positioningAstronomyAerospace testIndustrial alignment

What a linear stage is

A linear stage is a precision positioning axis in which a carriage or table moves along precision guides, driven by a ball screw, lead screw, belt or linear motor. Compared with a general rodless actuator, a stage emphasises straightness, flatness, accuracy and repeatability, with careful control of pitch, yaw and roll. Stages commonly integrate limit sensors, home sensors and linear or rotary encoders, and they can be stacked into XY, XYZ or gantry systems.

When engineers choose a linear stage

Choose a linear stage when the application depends on positioning accuracy and smooth guided motion, such as inspection, metrology, laser processing, semiconductor and laboratory automation. The trade-offs are cost and payload: precision guides and feedback add cost, and stage precision depends on mounting surface flatness. For general automation where a tenth of a millimetre is enough, a standard rodless actuator is usually more economical.

How to specify the PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right H-850 hexapod variant or an equivalent:

  • Travel (mm)
  • Accuracy, repeatability and resolution (µm)
  • Straightness and flatness of travel (µm)
  • Payload and moment loads (kg, Nm)
  • Speed and settling time (mm/s, ms)
  • Drive type: screw, belt or linear motor
  • Encoder type, mounting surface and environment (cleanroom, vacuum)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Mounting a precision stage on a surface that is less flat than the stage
  • Confusing repeatability with accuracy
  • Ignoring thermal effects from the motor in precision work
  • Stacking axes without considering the combined error

PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including Motion Control Products options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod?

Six-axis parallel-kinematic hexapod carrying up to 250 kg (H-850.H2A, horizontal base), with ±50 mm X/Y and ±25 mm Z travel, brushless DC gear motors and absolute encoders. Published series figures include temperature -10 °C, temperature 50 °C, stroke 100 mm, linear speed 8 mm/s. It is made by HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division); Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod?

The PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod is made by PI (Physik Instrumente) (HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division)) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division); brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the temperature of the PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod?

The published series minimum temperature is -10 °C. Individual models and sizes in the H-850 hexapod range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Tolomatic TKS Dual Profile Rail Bearing and Tolomatic TRS Twin Profile Rail Stage are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

What is the difference between accuracy and repeatability on a linear stage?

Repeatability is how closely the stage returns to the same position, while accuracy is how close it moves to the commanded position. A stage can be very repeatable but not accurate if the screw has lead error. Accuracy can be improved with linear encoders or error mapping.

When should a linear stage use a linear motor instead of a screw?

Linear motors suit high speed, high acceleration and smooth motion with no backlash or wear, especially on long strokes. Screw-driven stages suit higher static force, vertical axes and lower cost. Linear motor stages need a linear encoder and careful thermal design, so they are typically more expensive.

Further reading: How to select a linear stage · How to select a linear motor · Linear actuators

Other linear stage series

Engineer support

Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you

Tell us how you use the PI (Physik Instrumente) H-850 hexapod: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.

  • Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
  • Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
  • Standard, modified and custom options

Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.

We use your details to answer this enquiry and share them with the specialist engineering and supply partner best placed to fulfil it. See our privacy notice.