These steps must be achieved with minimum vibration to prevent damage to cells, their processes or connections. For almost 20 years Burleigh has supplied Inchworm Motor Systems to help cell physiologists obtain clean penetrations and stable cell recordings. The Inchworm Motor is a patented solid-state design that creates linear motion without rotation or gears.
Inchworm motors eliminate errors caused by overshoot and backlash in traditional motor systems.
Step sizes can be programmed and commanded in any multiple of the encoder resolution. High Acceleration and Velocity Clean penetrations require a micropositioner capable of high acceleration and velocity as well as rapid deceleration. The goal is to avoid dimpling or ripping the membrane which results in severe cell damage. The solid-state ceramic and metal construction of the Inchworm provides very high stiffness and low thermal drift. The thermal stability is also enhanced by the zero heat dissipation when the motor is holding position.