The 3SAE PentaPod® Multi-Axis Positioner is a compact, industrial-class photonic alignment robot built for production, not labs. It delivers the precision of a research lab with the speed of a production line, accelerating optical alignment cycles and cutting production bottlenecks without compromising accuracy. Designed by fiber experts who understand that throughput equals profit, the PentaPod® features integrated multi-axis control, a zero-fan design, and single-cable architecture for cleanroom-ready deployment. Its 6-axis motion with a user-programmable virtual pivot point enables ±0.02 dB fully-randomized coupling repeatability, making it the alignment platform that global leaders in fiber optic tapering and laser processing trust for critical photonic assembly.
Product Features
- 6-Axis Integrated Motion Control — XYZ + Pitch + Yaw + Roll with user-programmable virtual pivot point, locatable over 8m range in X, Y, and Z axes.
- ±0.02 dB Coupling Reproducibility — Fully-randomized repeatability with built-in multichannel and simultaneous I/O optimization.
- Configurable Optical Axis Orientation — Supports diffractive couplers, edge couplers, and other configurations out of the box.
- Real-Time Tracking — On-demand tracking accommodates thermal and curing stresses during alignment.
- Integrated Fanless Controller — 50Ω photocurrent input (SMB), 2kHz sampling rate, 20kHz analog bandwidth. Integrated TIA with 7-decade logarithmic response. No external electronics racks required.
- Single-Cable Architecture — Minimal clutter, clean integration into existing production lines.
- Compact Cleanroom-Ready Footprint — 215.0 (W) x 91.7 (D) x 97.3 (H) mm. ~2kg. No sweeping cables. Zero-fan design reduces noise and contamination risk.
- 20,000-Hour MTBF — Proven reliability backed by real-world metrics, not simulations.
- 20-Minute Actuator Replacement — Field-serviceable design minimizes downtime and preserves uptime efficiency.
- Production-Line Scalability — Bridges R&D to production with the uptime and serviceability required for industrial use. Integrates with custom workstations and pairs with NorthLab ProView LD interferometers, FITEL S185HS fusion splicers, and NorthLab ProCoater recoaters.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Travel Range X (mm) | 9 |
| Travel Range Y (mm) (optional) | 11.5 |
| Travel Range Z (mm) | 11.5 |
| Travel Range θX (deg) | 17 |
| Travel Range θY (deg) | 17 |
| Travel Range θZ (deg) | 8 |
| Minimum incremental motion X, Z (um) | 0.081 |
| Minimum incremental motion Y (um) | 0.054 |
| Minimum incremental motion θX, θZ (urad) | 1.7 |
| Minimum incremental motion θY (urad) | 2.55 |
| Maximum Velocity X, Z (mm/sec) | 2 |
| Maximum Velocity Y (mm/sec) | 2.7 |
| Maximum Velocity θX, θY (mrad/sec) | 89 |
| Maximum Velocity θZ (mrad/sec) | 133 |
| Accuracy X, Y, Z (um) | 6 |
| Accuracy θX, θY, θZ (urad) | 150 |
| Max centered Load (g) | 2000 |
Standard Package & Accessories
- PentaPod® (5-Axes)- PPD-01-0100
- PentaPod® (6-Axes)- PPD-01-0105
- PentaPod® packages include the following:
- Carriage platform with M3 threaded grid pattern
- Executable control software
- USB Type A/C cable
- Power supply
- Electronic user’s manual
- Manufacturer’s 1-year parts and labor warranty
| Part Number | Description |
| ACC-10-0025 | Power Supply 40W 12V Barrel (Thermal Stripper) |
| CON-10-0035 | Power Cord, UL / CSA, Color Black, 6 ft |
For OEM integration and custom configurations, contact our engineering services team.
