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Required
Controller
KST101

• 49,152 Microsteps per Revolution
• 15 V Output at 12 W
• Trapezoidal and
  'S-Curve' Velocity Profiles

Features

• Compact, Bi-Polar Stepper Motor Actuator:
  • ZFS13: 89.5 mm (3.52") Long when Retracted
  • ZFS13B: 85.5 mm (3.36") Long when Retracted
• Manual Adjustment via Rear-Located Thumbscrew
• Non-Rotating Drive Tip
• Compatible with Mirror Mounts and Translation Stages using 1/4"-80 Thread (ZFS13) or Ø3/8" (9.525 mm) Mounting Barrel (ZFS13B)
• Also Available in 6 mm and 25 mm Travel Versions

Our ZFS13 and ZFS13B Actuators provide smooth, precise linear motion control in a sleek, compact package measuring just 89.5 mm (3.52") or 85.5 mm (3.36"), respectively, in length when fully retracted. This compact profile reduces the distance between the end of the actuator and optomechanical components, keeping the center of mass closer to the contact point than the ZST actuators featured above.

Powered by a small-diameter, two-phase, bi-polar stepper motor, these actuators operate at speeds of up to 2.0 mm/s. The non-rotating drive tip reduces wear and friction and improves smoothness of motion by removing rotational contact at the tip. If power is not supplied to the actuator, manual adjustment is achievable using the rear-located thumbscrew. The actuator motor can be damaged if this thumbscrew is rotated while power is being supplied.

The ZFS13 actuator has a 1/4"-80 threaded barrel that can be mounted to any manual mirror mount for stage with 1/4"-80 threads, while the ZFS13B actuator has a Ø3/8" barrel for compatibility with a wide range of translation and rotation stages. Simply remove the existing manual adjuster from the mount, and screw in our ZFS Actuator.

These actuators incorporate stepper motors that provides sufficient torque for loads up to 40 N. The actuators allow very small step sizes over the entire travel range, delivering greater flexibility with low (<15 µm) backlash and fine resolution. The design incorporates a 400:9 gear reduction head which, when combined with the 49,152 microsteps per revolution offered by the KST101 stepper motor driver, gives a theoretical travel per microstep of 0.46 nm (see the Calculations tab for details).

Hall effect limit switches prevent the unit from being overdriven and provide homing capability with an accuracy of <5.0 μm. The ZFS series actuators come with 0.6 m of cable terminated in a 15-pin D-Type connector (see the Pin Diagrams tab) that is compatible with our KST101 stepper motor controller.

The ZFS13B has a high tolerance standard Ø3/8" mounting barrel that is compatible with many translation and rotation stages including our popular MT1 Translation Stages. The ZFS13 has been designed specifically to replace the manual adjusters in stages and mirror mounts that have 1/4"-80 threaded fittings. Simply remove the existing manual adjuster from the mount, and screw in our ZFS Actuator. The manual adjuster of the MT1 stage in the photo below is replaced with a ZFS13B motorized actuator.

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MT1 Stage with Manual Adjuster Replaced by ZFS13B Actuator

How to calculate the linear displacement per microstep

The ZFS series of motors has 24 full steps per revolution, and when driven by the KST101 drivers, there are 2048 microsteps per full step, giving 49,152 microsteps per revolution of the motor. The output shaft of the motor goes into a 400:9 gear head. This requires the motor to rotate 44.445 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead screw one revolution. The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm.

Linear displacement of the lead screw per microstep:

Number of Microsteps x Gearbox Ratio = 49,152 x 44.445 = 2184560.64

The linear displacement of the lead screw per microstep is

1.0 mm / 2184560.64 = 0.46 x 10^-6 mm = 0.46 nm

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Required
Controller
KST101

• 49,152 Microsteps per Revolution
• 15 V Output at 12 W
• Trapezoidal and
  'S-Curve' Velocity Profiles

Features

• Non-Rotating Drive Tip
• Bi-Polar Stepper Motor Actuator: 123.0 mm (4.84") Long
• Two Mounting Options: Ø3/8" (9.525 mm) Smooth Barrel or 1/4"-80 Threaded Barrel
• Compatible with Mirror Mounts and Translation Stages using 1/4"-80 Thread or 3/8" Mounting Block
• Also Available in 6 mm and 25 mm Travel Versions

Our ZST Actuators provide smooth, precise linear motion control in a package measuring 123.0 mm (4.84") in length. Powered by a small-diameter, two-phase, bi-polar stepper motor, these actuators operate at speeds of up to 2.0 mm/s. The non-rotating drive tip reduces wear and friction and improves smoothness of motion by removing rotational contact at the tip.

These actuators incorporate a stepper motor that provides sufficient torque for loads up to 40 N. They allow very small step sizes over the entire travel range, delivering greater flexibility with low (<15 µm) backlash and fine resolution. The design incorporates a 41:1 gear reduction head which, when combined with the 3072 microsteps per revolution offered by the KST101 stepper motor driver, gives a theoretical travel per microstep of 0.5 nm (see the Calculations tab for details).

The ZST213 actuator has a 1/4"-80 threaded barrel that can be mounted to any manual mirror mount for stage with 1/4"-80 threads, while the ZT213B actuator has a Ø3/8" (9.525 mm) barrel for compatibility with a wide range of translation and rotation stages, including our popular MT1 Translation Stages. Simply remove the existing manual adjuster from the mount, and screw in our ZST Actuator.

Hall effect limit switches prevent the unit from being overdriven and provide homing capability with an accuracy of <5.0 μm. The ZST series actuators come with 0.6 m of cable terminated in a 15-pin D-Type connector that is compatible with our KST101 stepper motor controller.

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An RB13 3-Axis Stage shown with the manual adjusters replaced by three ZST213B actuators.

How to calculate the linear displacement per microstep

Each member of the ZST200 series of motors has 24 full steps per revolution, and when driven by the KST101 drivers, there are 2048 microsteps per full step. Hence, there are 49,152 microsteps per revolution of the motor. The output shaft of the motor goes into a 40.866:1 gear head. This requires the motor to rotate 40.866 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead screw one revolution. The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm. To calculate the linear displacement of the actuator per microstep, use the following:

Linear displacement of the lead screw per microstep:

Number of Microsteps x Gearbox Ratio = 49,152 x 40.866 = 2,008,645.63

The linear displacement of the lead screw per microstep is

1.0 mm / 2,008,645.63 = 0.49 x 10^-6 mm = 0.5 nm

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Required
Controller
KDC101

• 34,304 Microsteps per Revolution
• 15 V Output at 2.5 W
• Trapezoidal Velocity Profile

Features

• 6 VDC Servo Actuator
• Submicron Resolution
• Maximum Velocity: 2.3 mm/s
• Drop In Replacement for Most 12 mm or 1/2" Manual Actuators
• Compatible with 1/4"-80 Thread or Ø3/8" (9.525 mm) Barrel-Fitted Stages and Mounts
• Limit Switches for Zero Datum and Actuator Protection
• Also Available in 6 mm and 25 mm Travel Versions

These Motorized Actuators are engineered for use with optical positioning devices. They offer high resolution in a lightweight package, which makes them ideally suited for demanding optical laboratory automation applications. The Z812 delivers 12 mm of travel and has been designed as a replacement for the former-generation Z712 motor.

Commercial limit switches have been added to provide overdrive protection and accurate home positioning. The motor in the Z8 provides a motion velocity of 2.3 mm/s. The precision of the encoder (512 counts/rev) results in a minimum resolution of about 29 nm.

The Z812 has been designed specifically to replace the manual adjusters in stages and mirror mounts that have 1/4"-80 screw-in fittings, while the Z812B is for use with 3/8" barrel clamps (e.g., the 1/2" manual micrometer in the MT Series Translation Stages). Simply remove the existing manual adjuster from the mount, and screw in our Z8 actuator. The photo below shows a KS2 mirror mount with one of the thumbscrew actuators replaced by a Z812 motor actuator.

In addition to the Z812 and Z812B motorized actuators, we also offer the Z812V and Z812BV vacuum-compatible versions (sold below), which are rated for use down to 10^-6 Torr and are shipped with a 1.6' flat ribbon cable, IDC connector, and converter cable for use with our KDC101 controller. For applications with different travel requirements, please see our 6 mm Z806 and 25 mm Z825 actuators.

The KDC101 DC Servo Controller is the required driver for the Z8 series actuators. Please note that older TDC001 units will require a firmware upgrade to V1.0.10 or later, before they can be used with the Z8 series motors. An upgrade is included with the latest APT server software, which can be downloaded here.

The units are shipped with a non-detachable 1.6' (0.5 m) cable. A 2.5 m (8 ft) extension cable (PAA632) is available separately.

How to Calculate the Linear Displacement per Encoder Count

For the Z812 and Z812B, there are 512 encoder counts per revolution of the motor. The output shaft of the motor goes into a 67:1 planetary gear head. This requires the motor to rotate 67 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead screw one revolution. The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm.

The linear displacement of the actuator per encoder count is given by

512 x 67 = 34,304 encoder counts per revolution of the lead screw,

whereas the linear displacement of the lead screw per encoder count is given by

1.0 mm / 34,304 counts = 2.9 x 10^-5 mm (29 nm).

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Features

• 6 VDC Servo Actuator
• Submicron Resolution
• Maximum Velocity: 2.3 mm/s
• Drop In Replacement for Most 12 mm Manual Actuators
• Compatible with 1/4"-80 Thread (Z812V) and Ø3/8" (9.525 mm) Barrel-Fitted (Z812BV) Stages and Mounts
• Limit Switches for Zero Datum and Actuator Protection
• Rated Down To 10^-6 Torr.
• Also Available in 6 mm and 25 mm Travel Versions

The Z812V and Z812BV offer all the features and specifications of the standard Z812 actuators described above with the added benefit of being vacuum compatible down to 10^-6 Torr. These motors feature vacuum rated servo motors, phosphorus bronze internal coupling mechanism and mounting bush, and high vacuum grease.

These actuators are shipped with a 1.6' (0.5 m) vacuum-compatible flat ribbon cable with IDC connector. The cable has a 0.05" (1.27 mm) pitch, 28 AWG stranded conductors, and Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) insulation. A converter cable for use with the KDC101 controller is also supplied, but it is not vacuum compatible and should only be used outside the chamber.

For applications with different travel requirements, please see our 6 mm and 25 mm actuators. For vacuum-compatible versions of our stages and mirror mounts, please contact Tech Support.

The KDC101 DC Servo Controller is the required driver for the Z8 series actuators. Please note that previous generation TDC001 units will require a firmware upgrade to V1.0.10 or later before they can be used with the Z8 series motors. An upgrade is included with the latest APT Server software, which can be downloaded here.

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Required Controller
KDC101

• 34,304 Microsteps per Revolution
• 15 V Output at 2.5 W
• Trapezoidal Velocity Profile

How to Calculate the Linear Displacement per Encoder Count

For the Z812V and Z812BV, there are 512 encoder counts per revolution of the motor. The output shaft of the motor goes into a 67:1 planetary gear head. This requires the motor to rotate 67 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead screw one revolution. The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm.

The linear displacement of the actuator per encoder count is given by

512 x 67 = 34,304 encoder counts per revolution of the lead screw,

whereas the linear displacement of the lead screw per encoder count is given by

1.0 mm / 34,304 counts = 2.9 x 10^-5 mm (29 nm).

The vacuum-compatible cable integrated with the Z812V and Z812BV is terminated in a Female IDC 10-Pin socket connector. A short converter cable, which adapts this female IDC socket connector to a D-Type male HD15 pin connector, is included with the Z812V and Z812BV to facilitate connecting the actuator to the recommended KDC101 controller. This converter cable, whose terminating connectors are shown at right, is not vacuum compatible.  Information describing the pin assignments for both the female IDC socket and Male D-Type HD connector (when it is connected to the female IDC socket connector) follows. 

Pin Diagram

10 Pin Female IDC Socket Connector
(Amphenol T812 Series, 2.54 mm Pitch)

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10 Pin Female IDC Socket Connector
(Amphenol T812 Series, 2.54 mm Pitch)

Pin Diagram

High-Density D-Type Male 15 Pin Connector

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Connectors terminating the converter cable. The image on the left shows the high-density D-Type male 15-pin connector, and the image on the right shows the 10-pin male IDC socket connector.

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Required Controller:
KIM001 or KIM101

• KIM001: Single-Channel Output
• KIM101: Four Output Channels, Capable of Multi-Channel Operation
• Standalone Control via Top Panel or PC Control via USB
• Voltage Output from 85 V to 125 V

Click for Details
The control cable can be adjusted up to 110° for space-constrained applications.

Features

• Compact Design: 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm (W x H)
• 20 nm Typical Step Size
• Manual Adjustment via Knob on Adjuster Screw
• 125 V Maximum Operating Voltage
• Ø3/8" Mounting Barrel for Compatibility with Translation Stages
• Ideal for Set-and-Hold Applications that Require High-Resolution Relative Positioning
• Also Available in 10 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm Travel Versions

Thorlabs' PIA13 Piezoelectric Inertia Actuator provides high-resolution linear motion control with a long piezo-controlled translation range in a compact package. It can support loads up to 2.5 kg and preloads up to 25 N with typical movements of 20 nm and no backlash. The step size can be adjusted up to 30% to a maximum of approximately 30 nm using the KIM101 Controller and Kinesis^® software. However, due to the open-loop design, hysteresis, and application conditions, the achieved step size of the system can vary by up to 20%. An external feedback system will need to be used to overcome this variance.

This actuator has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.525 mm) barrel that can be mounted in a manual stage that has a Ø3/8" mounting clamp. For compatibility with 1/4"-80 threaded mirror mounts see our 10 mm travel piezo inertia actuator. The actuator is self-locking when at rest and when there is no power supplied to the piezo, making the actuator ideal for set-and-hold applications that require nanometer resolution and long-term alignment stability. Manual adjustments can be made using the knob on the adjuster screw, as long as the piezo is not actively translating the screw; the knob is also compatible with 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex keys.

Powered by a 10 mm long discrete piezo stack, the actuator can operate at speeds of up to 3.5 mm/minute. The design of the piezo motor will rotate the tip of the lead screw during translation. For information on the design of our piezo inertia "slip-stick" motor actuators, please see the complete presentation here.

Required Controller
A KIM001 or KIM101 controller is required to operate our PIA13 Piezo Inertia Actuator; the actuator cannot be operated using a standard piezo controller. These drivers have an internal sawtooth voltage signal generator capable of sending sub-millisecond pulses (steps) with controllable amplitudes from 85 V to 125 V. The KIM001 and KIM101 controllers offer one and four output channels, respectively.

For more information, please see the full web presentation.

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PIA13 Inertia Actuator Being Used to Drive an MT1 13 mm
Translation Stage (Stage Sold Separately)

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Required Controller:
KIM001 or KIM101

• KIM001: Single-Channel Output
• KIM101: Four Output Channels, Capable of Multi-Channel Operation
• Standalone Control via Top Panel or PC Control via USB
• Voltage Output from 85 V to 125 V

Features

• Compact Design: 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm (W x H)
• 20 nm Typical Step Size
• Manual Adjustment via Knob on Adjuster Screw
• Rated Down to 10^-6 Torr
• 125 V Maximum Operating Voltage
• Ø3/8" Mounting Barrel for Compatibility with Translation Stages
• Ideal for Set-and-Hold Applications that Require High-Resolution Relative Positioning
• Vacuum-Compatible PIAK10VF Actuator for KS1TV Mirror Mount Also Available

Thorlabs' PIA13VF Vacuum-Compatible Piezoelectric Inertia Actuator is rated down to 10^-6 Torr operation and provides high-resolution linear motion control with a long piezo-controlled translation range in a compact, vacuum-compatible package. It can support loads up to 2.5 kg and preloads up to 25 N with typical movements of 20 nm and no backlash. The step size can be adjusted up to 30% to a maximum of approximately 30 nm using the KIM101 Controller and Kinesis^® software. However, due to the open-loop design, hysteresis, and application conditions, the achieved step size of the system can vary by up to 20%. An external feedback system will need to be used to overcome this variance.

This actuator has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.525 mm) barrel that can be mounted in a manual stage that has a Ø3/8" mounting clamp. The actuator is self-locking when at rest and when there is no power supplied to the piezo, making the actuator ideal for set-and-hold applications that require nanometer resolution and long-term alignment stability. Manual adjustments can be made using the knob on the adjuster screw, as long as the piezo is not actively translating the screw; the knob is also compatible with 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex keys.

Each actuator has an integrated 0.75 m flying lead, plus 1.0 m of cored cable for wiring outside the vacuum chamber. The flying leads and cored cable lengths can be cut down as needed, but the total length (inside and outside) should not exceed 2.0 m. As shown in the image below, the flying lead for each actuator can be rotated up to 110° for space-constrained applications.

Powered by a 10 mm long discrete piezo stack, the actuator can operate at speeds of up to 3.5 mm/minute. The design of the piezo motor will rotate the tip of the lead screw during translation. For information on the design of this piezo inertia "slip-stick" motor actuator, please see the complete presentation here.

Required Controller
A KIM001 or KIM101 controller is required to operate our PIA13VF Piezo Inertia Actuator; the actuator cannot be operated using a standard piezo controller. These drivers have an internal sawtooth voltage signal generator capable of sending sub-millisecond pulses (steps) with controllable amplitudes from 85 V to 125 V. The KIM001 and KIM101 controllers offer one and four output channels, respectively.

For more information, please see the full web presentation.

Click for Details
The flying lead can be adjusted up to 110° for space-constrained applications.

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Features

• 1.5 cc Syringe of Apiezon 100 Grease
• Convenient, Inexpensive Package that Reduces Waste
• Prolongs Lifetime of Actuator
• Ready to Dispense
• Vacuum Compatible to 10^-9 Torr

This Apiezon grease has excellent anti-seize properties. It contains PTFE for maximum lubricity and is ideal for re-lubricating the lead screw threads of our ZST, ZFS, and Z8 series actuators described above. It is supplied in a syringe for easy application and is recommended both for general use and for vacuum applications down to 10^-9 Torr. It has an optimal working range of 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F).

Note: It is recommended that the lead screws of the Z8, ZFS, and ZST motors are lubricated every 50,000 cycles or 6 months, whichever comes first.