3SAE PentaPod® Multi-Axis Positioner: Precision Alignment for Real-World Manufacturing
The PentaPod® Multi-Axis Positioner redefines how manufacturers align optical components, delivering the precision demanded in research labs with the speed and robustness needed in today’s fast-scaling production lines.
At 3SAE, we build photonics alignment micro-robots optimized for production. The PentaPod® is fast, clean, and reliable, designed by fiber experts who understand that throughput equals profit. Explore how the PentaPod® complements our specialty fusion splicers, fiber preparation systems, and glass processing equipment to build a seamless manufacturing workflow.
Throughput Meets Precision
Every second matters in photonics manufacturing. For key applications like wafer probing, chip test, binning and assembly, production economics of silicon photonic devices depends on embedded fast-scanning and multichannel alignment functionality built into high-performance micro-positioning equipment.
Traditional stack-based systems tend to be slow and bulky if they offer optimization functionality at all. Frequently encountered hexapod/piezo-based solutions are costly and complex. Large, fan-cooled controllers are the rule, consuming precious space. All tend to depend on a rat’s nest of cables that are time-consuming to provision, contribute to large swept area, can scrub off particles, and convey vibration and torques to the workpiece. By comparison, PentaPod’s advanced, integrated controller and built-in scanning and optimization algorithms accelerate optical characterization and optimization steps, cutting production bottlenecks without compromising accuracy.
Since the controller is built into the mechanical assembly, integration is a breeze, and troublesome cables are eliminated. PentaPod offers:
- Fast automated alignment commands with multi-channel capability and tracking.
Real-world time-to-alignment metrics show measurable gains in throughput. Integrated power metrology for alignment is adaptable, performant and eases integration. - Fully integrated solution reduces operator intervention and setup time.
No bulky controllers need to be cabled or provisioned. - Designed for cleanroom integration.
No cooling fans or sweeping cables to broadcast particles. Platform-independent mnemonic command set and modern communications interfaces make programming quick and supportable. Small footprint respects costly fab space. - Unmatched stiffness, stability and safety.
Production applications such as wafer probers are noisy, posing intractable stability concerns for legacy solutions. PentaPod’s inherently stiff, patented parallel-kinematic design eliminates the 24 rotary bearing sets of conventional Stewart Platform hexapods, making it highly vibration-resistant, reducing the need for isolation, and addressing costly ring-down dwell times. Brushless microstepper actuation eliminates tuning hassles, load sensitivity, servo instabilities and potential runaway. Intelligent Initialization™ prevents dangerous motions of lengthy fixtures.
PentaPod is a proven, fab-worthy solution: Explore how our PentaPod Fusion Splicer and NorthLab ProCleave LDII align with PentaPod’s precision-first engineering to form a unified fiber optic production system.
Compact, Clean, and Ready for Production
The PentaPod is more than just another positioner. It is a compact, industrial-class photonic alignment micro-robot that accomplishes vital manufacturing test and assembly tasks autonomously. Built for real-world production lines and with a heritage of years of successful industrial deployment, it offers a small footprint and zero-fan design, reducing noise and contamination risk in sensitive environments.
- Single-cable architecture for minimal clutter and ease of integration.
- Integrated, fanless controller needs no room in electronics racks and eliminates cabling and EMI.
- Quiet, vibration-free operation for best yield.
- Swift multi-channel/multi-DOF alignment of even the most challenging SiPh devices.
Compare its footprint and performance to legacy solutions, and you will see why leading manufacturers are standardizing on the 3SAE platform. Visit our company profile to learn how we’ve supported fiber and glass manufacturing for over three decades.
Proven Performance, Backed by Data
Unlike simulation-driven alternatives, PentaPod’s performance is proven through measurable, repeatable results.
- 0.02 dB fast coupling reproducibility.
- 20,000-hour MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) for fab-class uptime.
- 20-minute MTTR (Mean Time to Repair) with full field serviceability on the rare occasion attention is required.
These data-backed metrics define industrial reliability. That’s why global leaders in glass processing and fusion splicing trust 3SAE for critical photonic assembly systems.
From Lab Discovery to Line Delivery
PentaPod bridges the gap between R&D and production. It delivers the precision functionality demanded by research labs while meeting the uptime, throughput, serviceability, and scalability required for industrial use.
Whether integrating into volume tooling or custom workstations, or pairing with 3SAE fiber optic products, PentaPod enables smooth transition from prototype to production.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Degrees of Freedom | 6-axes (XYZ + Pitch + Yaw+ Roll). User programmable virtual pivot point, locatable over 8m range |
| Alignment Functionality | ±0.02 dB typ. fully-randomized coupling repeatability. Built-in multichannel and simultaneous I/O optimization. Configurable for any optical axis orientation (e.g. diffractive couplers, edge couplers…). Real-time tracking on demand accommodates thermal and curing stresses. |
| MTBF | 20,000 hours |
| MTTR (example: actuator replacement) | 20 minutes |
| Controller | Integrated, fanless. 50Ω photocurrent input (SMB), 2kHz sampling rate, 20kHz |
| Communications | USB-C, Ethernet (EtherCAT, PoE: contact 3SAE) |
| Footprint | Compact, cleanroom-ready design. 215.0 (W) x 91.7 (D) x 97.3 (H) mm total (no sweeping cables) |
For full data sheets and technical integration details, contact our engineering team.
Why Manufacturers Choose 3SAE
- Throughput = Profit: Every second saved increases yield.
- Proven Reliability: Backed by real-world metrics, not simulations.
- Compact Efficiency: Designed for cleanrooms and small-footprint integration.
- Built by Fiber Experts: Decades of credibility in photonics manufacturing.
The PentaPod is a productivity tool more than anything else. See how it integrates with our complete line of fiber optic solutions to optimize your production workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the PentaPod been in existence?
The PentaPod Technology was developed in 2016 and was integrated into the PentaPod Fusion Splicer product in 2019. It has been used in large-scale production around the globe for the past 6 years.
What makes the PentaPod different from a traditional multi-axis positioner?
The PentaPod is an industrial photonic alignment micro-robot, not a conventional motion stack or hexapod. It’s compact, cleanroom-ready, and built for production throughput.
Is the PentaPod compatible with existing 3SAE fusion splicers and accessories?
Yes. It integrates seamlessly with our entire ecosystem, including FITEL fusion splicers, 3SAE glass processing systems, and fiber preparation equipment.
How long does it take to replace an actuator?
Roughly 20 minutes, minimizing downtime and preserving uptime efficiency. No return to the factory is typically required. In fact, most repairs can be performed in situ.
Can the PentaPod be customized for OEM integration?
Yes. Our engineering team provides scalable integration solutions for industrial OEMs and research facilities.
The Production-Grade Alignment Robot
Fast, clean, and reliable, the 3SAE PentaPod® delivers measurable performance you can trust.
