The piezo element in PM 10 provides high penetration speed over an extremely short distance (0.5 to 10.0 µm).  Because the range of travel of a dedicated piezomanipulator is much too limited for it to be useful independently, it must be mounted on a manipulator.  The PM10 piezo translator combined with a DC 3K motorized micromanipulator (available separately) provides a single electronically controlled system.

When the piezo element is activated, the PM 10 axis carrying the micropipette shoots forward at a rate which is set on the PM-10 control panel, then immediately returns (at a slower speed) to its starting position.  As soon as the piezo element begins its reverse travel, the motorized manipulator starts to travel forward.  The complimentary opposition of these two travel sequences results in the micropipette tip remaining in its advanced absolute position.
The three axes of the DC 3K are controlled by six buttons. Pressing a button for less than 0.3 seconds activates one step, the size of which (0.5 to 10.0 µ) is set on the Step Size control.  Pressing longer activates the continuous mode, at the rate set on the Motor Speed control.  Pressing the button for the X axis forward direction activates the piezo mode.  Advancement speed of the piezo element can be separately adjusted from 1 to 100 mm/sec.
Precise construction and special vibration stabilizers ensure the PM 10's excellent puncture characteristics.  Lateral deviation from the ideal axis.

PM 10  Piezo Translator

Controller

PM 10-1                                                                                                                                                     Marzhauser 

PM 10-1 on a MM-33

Controller PM 101