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25 mm Travel Compact Translation Stages, Crossed-Roller Bearings![]()
LX10 Single-Axis Stage LX20YZ YZ Stage LX30 XYZ Stage LX20 XY Stage LX20XZ XZ Stage Related Items ![]() Please Wait
Features
Thorlabs' LX Series Compact Translation Stages provide 25 mm of linear translation with less than 125 µrad of deviation per axis in pitch and yaw over the full range of the stages. Featuring compact footprints, the stages use crossed-roller steel bearings to support precision motion and high load capacities. The monolithic top and bottom plates feature integrated micrometer mounts and are machined from cast tool and jig aluminum for high stability and minimal internal stress. After each stage is manufactured, the pitch, yaw, and vertical straightness of the stage are tested. This ensures that each stage meets the stated specifications over the full translation range of the stage. A summary of the test results is provided on an individualized data sheet that ships with each stage (sample data sheets can be viewed here for the LX10, LX20, and LX30). The mounting surface includes an array of seven 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes with 1/2" (12.5 mm) spacings. Each stage axis is lockable via a side-located 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex screw in a locking bracket to guard against ![]() Click to Enlarge These stages can be secured to a breadboard using counterbored holes in the bottom plate. The holes can be accessed by translating the platform, as shown with the LX10 stage above. accidental movement. Each stage can be bolted directly to an optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are revealed by translating the second plate from the bottom, as shown in the image to the left. For XY and XYZ stages, the micrometer attached to this plate blocks one of the mounting holes beneath it; to access this hole, the micrometer must first be removed. The base of each stage also has four Ø2.4 mm alignment holes for use with Ø3/32" dowel pins. These stages come equipped with a metric micrometer head with 500 µm of travel per revolution for each axis. The micrometer can be translated using the knurled knob or, for finer control, a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The micrometer can be removed and replaced by loosening the side-located flexure clamp with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. This flexure clamp can hold any micrometer that has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) mounting barrel. Each stage is designed as a standalone stage with a specific number of axes; as such, single-axis stages cannot be combined into multi-axis stages and multi-axis stages cannot be disassembled into single-axis stages. For modular multi-axis stages, please see our quick-connect 25 mm travel stages and compact, quick-connect 25 mm travel stages. Note: If removing the micrometer, ensure either that the locking bracket is fully tightened or that the spindle is fully retracted and no longer engaged with the moving body of the stage. Failure to do so could result in damage to the stage or require it to be recalibrated to meet its specified performance. Insights into Best Lab PracticesScroll down to read about a practice we follow when setting up lab equipment.
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Bases: For Stability Orient the Side with the Undercut DownAn undercut is machined into the bottom surface of bases like the BA2 (Figures 1 and 2). The undercut creates feet, which are called pads. For maximum stability, the base should be oriented with its pads in contact with the table or breadboard. The top surface of the base does not have an undercut and is the intended mounting surface for components. Mounting the base upside down could result in the base rocking on the table or breadboard, or the base may exhibit other mechanical instability. The Pads are Flatter than the Top Surface Friction heats the pads during the processing step that provides them with a maximally flat profile. By reducing the surface area of the pads, the undercut reduces the amount of heat generated during this step. It is beneficial to minimize the heat generated during machining. Metal expands when heated, and the uneven heating that occurs during machining can distort the dimensions of the part. If the dimensions of the part are distorted during machining, the part can be left with high spots and other undesirable features after it cools. This can cause instability and misalignment when using the part. Precision Instruments and Devices have Pads ![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 3: Pads machined into Thorlabs' devices improve their stability when bolted in place. The pads are highly flat and project above the undercut region, which is highlighted red. The undercut limits the contact area with the table or breadboard. ![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 2: This view of the bottom shows the undercut highlighted in red. By removing this material, the pads can be made maximally flat. ![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 1: For optimal stability, the base should be mounted with the undercut facing the optical table or breadboard. Date of Last Edit: Dec. 9, 2019
Manual Linear Translation StagesThorlabs' manual translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from less than 1/4" (6 mm) to 2" (50 mm) and longer for our long travel, large area platforms. Many of these stages can be ordered in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our Multi-Axis Stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard manual translation stages. In addition to linear translation stages, we offer rotation stages, pitch and yaw platforms, and goniometers. We also offer motorized translation stages that are powered by DC Servo motors, stepper motors, or direct drive technology. Crossed-Roller Bearing StagesThese linear translation stages feature crossed roller bearings travel mechanisms for precision motion, high load capacity, and low angular deviation. The LNR Series stages feature all-steel body construction, while the LX, XRN, and XR Series stage bodies are constructed of aluminum.
Ball Bearing StagesThese translation stages feature hardened steel linear bearings for precise motion and long life. They are available with a variety of actuators and in single-axis or preassembled multi-axis configurations.
Dovetail StagesThese compact stages incorporate dovetails and a leadscrew for the translation mechanism. They are suitable in general purpose motion control applications.
Flexure StagesThorlabs' Nanoflex™ translation stages feature frictionless flexure mechanisms for improved positioning and resolution when compared to similar stages made using bearings. The translation of the stage is accomplished by the elastic deformation (flexing) of a linkage attached to the mounting platform. Most models also include piezo actuators for small position adjustments.
Vertical StagesWe offer vertical translation stages with crossed roller bearings for precise motion as well as long travel vertical stages for heavy-duty applications.
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The LX10(/M) stage allows for 25 mm of travel along the X axis. The stage comes with a 150-801ME-H micrometer. Please note that this stage is shorter than the multi-axis LX20(/M) stage by 0.52" (13 mm). Directly replacing one with the other might require realignment of other fixtures. For more detailed information, please refer to the Specifications table above. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The upper micrometer must be removed to access one of the mounting holes in the base.
The LX20(/M) stage allows for 25 mm of travel along the X and Y axes. The stage comes with two 150-801ME-H micrometers. Please note that this stage is taller than the single-axis LX10(/M) stage by 0.52" (13 mm). Directly replacing one with the other might require realignment of other fixtures. This stage can be bolted directly to the optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are revealed by translating the middle plate. The micrometer attached to this plate blocks one of the mounting holes beneath it; to access this hole, the micrometer must first be removed, as illustrated in the photo to the right. The base of the stage also has four Ø2.4 mm alignment holes for use with Ø3/32" dowel pins. Note: If removing the micrometer, ensure either that the locking bracket is fully tightened or that the spindle is fully retracted and no longer engaged with the moving body of the stage. Failure to do so could result in damage to the stage or require it to be recalibrated to meet its specified performance. For more detailed information, please see the Specifications table above. ![]()
The LX20XZ(/M) stage allows for 25 mm of travel along the X and Z axes, where X-axis translation is parallel to the face of the Z-axis stage. The stage comes with two 150-801ME-H micrometers. Please note that this stage is shorter than the three-axis LX30(/M) stage by 0.51" (12.9 mm). Directly replacing one with the other might require realignment of other fixtures. This stage can be bolted directly to the optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are revealed by translating the middle plate. The base of the stage also has four Ø2.4 mm alignment holes for use with Ø3/32" dowel pins. Note: If removing the micrometer, ensure either that the locking bracket is fully tightened or that the spindle is fully retracted and no longer engaged with the moving body of the stage. Failure to do so could result in damage to the stage or require it to be recalibrated to meet its specified performance. For more detailed information, please see the Specifications table above. ![]()
The LX20YZ(/M) stage allows for 25 mm of travel along the Y and Z axes, where Y-axis translation is perpendicular to the face of the Z-axis stage. The stage comes with two 150-801ME-H micrometers. Please note that this stage is shorter than the three-axis LX30(/M) stage by 0.51" (12.9 mm). Directly replacing one with the other might require realignment of other fixtures. This stage can be bolted directly to the optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are revealed by translating the middle plate. The base of the stage also has four Ø2.4 mm alignment holes for use with Ø3/32" dowel pins. Note: If removing the micrometer, ensure either that the locking bracket is fully tightened or that the spindle is fully retracted and no longer engaged with the moving body of the stage. Failure to do so could result in damage to the stage or require it to be recalibrated to meet its specified performance. For more detailed information, please see the Specifications table above. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The middle micrometer must be removed to access one of the mounting holes in the base.
The LX30(/M) stage allows for 25 mm of travel along the X, Y, and Z axes. The stage comes with three 150-801ME-H micrometers. Please note that this stage is taller than the two-axis LX20YZ(/M) stage by 0.51" (12.9 mm). Directly replacing one with the other might require realignment of other fixtures. This stage can be bolted directly to the optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are revealed by translating the lower plate of the stage. The micrometer attached to this plate blocks one of the mounting holes beneath it; to access this hole, the micrometer must first be removed, as illustrated in the photo to the right. The base of the stage also has four Ø2.4 mm alignment holes for use with Ø3/32" dowel pins. Note: If removing the micrometer, ensure either that the locking bracket is fully tightened or that the spindle is fully retracted and no longer engaged with the moving body of the stage. Failure to do so could result in damage to the stage or require it to be recalibrated to meet its specified performance. For more detailed information, please see the Specifications table above. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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