Linear Stages
Precision Linear Stages and Scanners for Single-Axis Positioning
A linear stage or a linear translation stage is a positioning device used to achieve high precision along one single axis of motion. Composed by a base and a moving platform on top, it is propelled by one of several different technologies/drive options. To position a motorized linear stage, a motion controller is used while manual linear translation stages are controlled using a micrometer head or adjustment screw. Various bearing systems are used for guidance and limiting crosstalk. Each stage and technology has differentiated features depending on your need of velocity, accuracy or load.
To achieve motion and positioning in several axes visit our other stages or combine several linear stages. The choice of drive and sensor technology is irrelevant as the controller software is uniform for any combination.
We are happy to assist you with custom requests!
Quick links
Use the tabs to navigate and get information about available technology drives for linear translation stages. Click the product images to visit our suppliers website and find more stages.
DC & Stepper Motors
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 3 m
- Resolution – From 50 nm
- Load – Up to 150 Kg
- Velocity – Up to 100 mm/s
More information
A stepper motor divides a full revolution into a number of full steps with equal distance between them. As each step size is known, the stepper motor can operate in open-loop mode without any position sensors. A DC motor rotates constantly as an operating voltage is applied and the velocity is directly proportional to the input voltage. A linear translation stage utilizes bearing systems for guidance and encoders for position determination, there are various technologies to accommodate both and we offer a wide selection.
Piezo Actuators
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 2 mm
- Resolution – <1 nm Operating Frequency – Up to 2 kHz
- Compact footprint – > 30 mm x 30 mm
More information
A Piezo actuator changes in length when voltage is applied. Piezo actuators convert electrical energy directly into mechanical energy and vice versa and allow for motion movement in the sub-nanometer range. The precision guidance combined together with the lever amplification ensures long travel ranges and excellent accuracy. The position determination is made with direct measuring non-contact sensors.
Piezo Motors
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 52 mm
- Resolution – From 1 nm
- Load – Up to 20 N
- Velocity – Up to 200 mm/s
More information
There are two main principal piezo motor drives we offer. Piezo inertia drives are compact and inexpensive piezo based drives with high holding forces up to 10 N and medium travel range. Ultrasonic piezo motors are particularly suitable for applications that require fast precision positioning. The self-locking drive holds the position of the stage mechanically stable and optical encoders are optional for very high accuracy.
Magnetic Direct Motor/Drive
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 1 m
- Resolution – From 1 nm
- Load – Up to 500 N
- Velocity – Up to 1 m/s
More information
Voice coil actuators and magnetic linear drives utilize the fact that the force acting on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the current. This drive offers advantages compared to common spindle-based technologies as it uses few mechanical components. This results in less friction, therefore less wear, backlash and thus more precision as well as much higher dynamics.
Piezo Walk Drive
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 125 mm
- Resolution – From 1 nm
- Holding Force – Up to 800 N
- Velocity – Up to 15 mm/s
More information
A Piezo Walk Drive uses several piezo actuators that are preloaded against a guided rod. These actuators will either bending or use shear and clamping forces to move the rod or fix it in a specific position. The design enables analog motion with very high precision within the nanometer scale while the step function enables very long stroke. In theory there is no limit for the length of the rod. This technology is suitable for demanding applications where long term stability and reliability is needed.
