Solano hexapod
Positioning hexapod: Miniature, robust and fast
The SOLANO is a miniature parallel kinematic platform (Ø 120 mm) designed for 24/7 industrial reliability. Offering sub-micrometre precision of 0.1 µm, its rigid and compact structure ensures exceptional dynamic stability for your optical, photonic or semiconductor alignment applications.
- Sub-micrometre resolution (0.1 µm)
- Industrial Reliability (24/7)
- Ultra-compact diameter (Ø 120 mm)
- Reversible hexapod
- Rigid parallel kinematics
- Absolute encoders
Areas of activity
Fast Delivery
Available
Load capacity
5 kg
Linear travel range
± 18 mm
Angular travel range
± 10 °
Linaer resolution
0.08 µm
Angular resolution
2.5 µrad
Expertise recognized worldwide
Compact:
Mini hexapod (120 mm diameter) designed to be easily integrated into demanding equipment.
Resolute:
Parallel kinematic platform offering sub-micrometre precision and full control of the six degrees of freedom.
Robust:
A robust, reliable and highly integrable architecture, suitable for demanding industrial environments and experimental setups.
Technical specifications
| Motion & Positioning | |
| Linear travel range Tx, Ty | ± 18 mm |
| Linear travel range Tz | ± 6.5 mm |
| Angular travel range Rx, Ry | ± 10 deg |
| Angular travel range Rz | ± 21 deg |
| Linear resolution Tx, Ty | 0.1 µm |
| Linear resolution Tz | 0.08 µm |
| Angular resolution Rx, Ry | 2.5 µrad |
| Angular resolution Rz | 3.5 µrad |
| Linear repeatability Tx, Ty, Tz | ± 0.25 µm |
| Angular repeatability Rx, Ry, Rz | ± 4 µrad |
| Linear Speed Tx, Ty | 30 mm/s |
| Linear Speed Tz | 20 mm/s |
| Angular Speed Rx, Ry | 15 mm/s |
| Angular Speed Rz | 20 mm/s |
| Controller | |
| Controller type | SIGMA |
| Dimensions ( W / D / H ) | 210 mm / 222 mm / 76.6 mm |
| Mass | ~ 3 kg |
| Interface | Ethernet |
| Power supply | 110-240 VAC / 50-60 Hz |
| Mechanical properties | |
| Stiffness X, Y | 0.3 N/µm |
| Stiffness Z | 5 N/µm |
| Load capacity in vertical orientation | 5 kg |
| Load capacity in horizontal orientation | 2.5 kg |
| Motor type | Direct drive brushless DC motor |
| Encoder type | Absolute encoder (battery-free) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Operating temperature range | 0 to + 50 °C |
| Materials | Aluminium, steel, stainless steel |
| Mobile platform size | Ø 100 mm |
| Fixed platform size | Ø 120 mm |
| Aperture of mobile platform | Ø 50 mm |
| Aperture of fixed platform | Ø 32 mm |
| Height (central position) | 104 mm |
| Mass | 1 kg |
| Standard cable length | 2.5 m |
Hexapod’s fields of activity
For over 25 years, our hexapods have met the needs of the most demanding industries in terms of performance and reliability from nanometer-level positioning to the dynamic movement of high payload.
Astronomy
Ultra-stable positioning for the largest ground-based observatories and telescopes.
Need a specific solution for Astronomy?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Automotive
Testing and simulation solutions for the automotive industry and the mobility of the future.
Need a specific solution for Automotive?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Defense
High-performance positioning systems for military and security applications.
Need a specific solution for Defense?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Energy
Precision positioning for renewable energy and fusion applications.
Need a specific solution for Energy?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Medical
Micrometric precision for medical applications and biomedical research.
Need a specific solution for Medical?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Optics
High-precision positioning for state-of-the-art optical and photonic systems.
Need a specific solution for Optics?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Research and Engineering
High-precision positioning solutions for scientific research and advanced engineering.
Need a specific solution for Research and Engineering?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Space
Highly reliable positioning solutions for ground testing and on-board systems.
Need a specific solution for Space?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Synchrotron
Positioning of mirrors and samples in an ultra-high vacuum with sub-micrometre precision.
Need a specific solution for Synchrotron?
Our experts are on hand to discuss your project.
Comparative table of hexapods
| Hexapod | Height | Payload capacity | Linear travel range | Angular travel range | Linear resolution | Angular resolution | |
 |
SOLANO | 104 mm | 5 Kg | ± 18 mm | ± 10° | 0.1 µm | 2.5 µrad |
 |
MAUKA | 198 mm | 5 Kg | ± 5 mm | ± 8° | 0.5 µm | 5 µrad |
 |
BORA | 145 mm | 10 Kg | ± 20 mm | ± 15° | 0.1 µm | 2 µrad |
 |
PUNA | 200 mm | 25 Kg | ± 30 mm | ± 20° | 0.5 µm | 5 µrad |
 |
BREVA | 350 mm | 200 Kg | ± 75 mm | ± 22° | 0.5 µm | 2.5 µrad |
 |
ZONDA | 360 mm | 400 Kg | ± 200 mm | ± 20° | 0.1 µm | 0.5 µrad |
 |
SIRIUS | 750 mm | 500 Kg | ± 150 mm | ± 20° | 5 µm | 10 µrad |
 |
KUBAN | 600 mm | 500 Kg | ± 75 mm | ± 10° | 0.1 µm | 1.5 µrad |
 |
JORAN | 750 mm | 1 500 Kg | ± 170 mm | ± 18° | 0.1 µm | 0.5 µrad |
 |
SURES | 360 | 500 Kg | ± 8 mm | ± 1° | 0.1 µm | 1.5 µrad |
* Specifications may vary depending on the configuration chosen and the operating environment.
Discover the highest-performing positioning solutions
Symétrie, experts in hexapods for 25 years
Our precision positioning experts are on hand to answer your technical questions and help you choose the solution best suited to your application.
Our services
Comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle of your hexapod
Need more information about our services?
All our hexapod options
HARDWARE OPTIONS
- DC motors or brushless
- Heavier payload
- Absolute encoders
- Adjustable outer diameter
- Hexapod ranges
ENVIRONMENT OPTIONS
- Vacuum compatibility: 10–6 mbar
- Cleanroom compatibility: ISO 5
- Low temperature: –40°C
- Humidity: up to 100%
- Cooling braids
Command control
Hexapod controller
SIGMA
Control software
SYM_Positioning
Simulation software
HEXA_Sym
FAQ
What kinds of movements can the Symétrie hexapod perform?
The hexapod can perform combined movements across its six degrees of freedom: three translations (X, Y, Z) and three rotations (Rx, Ry, Rz). This flexibility allows for complex adjustments that would be impossible with conventional guidance systems.
What is the accuracy or resolution of the movements?
Our hexapods achieve resolutions of around 0.1 µm for linear motion and a few microradians for rotational motion. Repeatability is one of our key strengths, ensuring the accuracy of every positioning operation.
What materials are used to make the hexapod?
We use high-performance materials such as anodised aerospace-grade aluminium, stainless steel and components specifically designed for demanding environments (vacuum, cleanroom, non-magnetic).
Is it compatible with different software or control systems?
Absolutely. We provide function libraries (SDKs) compatible with LabVIEW, C++ and Python, as well as specific interfaces for research environments such as EPICS and TANGO.
Is the hexapod safe for use in laboratories or in industry?
Safety and reliability are at the heart of our design. The software features configurable travel limits, virtual collision detection and hardware safety features to protect your equipment and samples.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Send us your enquiry and one of our experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
