XY(Z) Stages
Sample holders for microscopy and metrology stages
Metrology stages are used to achieve a planar horizontal motion often referred to as XY stages. Stability, precision and dynamics are crucial as well as the mechanical size, Magnetic linear and Piezo motors fit these requirements while air bearings and crossed rollers are used to get a very planar and friction free guidance. Microscopy stages are mainly used in high-resolution and scanning setups in the XYZ domain. Each stage and technology has differentiated features depending on your need of velocity, accuracy or load. 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!
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Product technologies
Use the tabs to navigate and get information about available technology drives for multi-axis stage. Click the product images to visit our suppliers website and find more stages.
DC & Stepper Motor
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 205×205 mm
- Resolution – From 10 nm
- Load – Up to 250 N
- 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 sensor. A DC motor rotates constantly as an operating voltage is applied and the velocity is directly proportional to the input voltage. These stages utilize bearing systems for guidance and encoders for position determination, there are various technologies to accommodate both and we offer a great selection.
Piezo Actuators
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 300 x 300 x 300 µmeters
- Resolution – <1 nm
- Operating Frequency – Up to 700 Hz
- Compact footprint – > 40 x 40 x 40 mm
More information
A Piezo actuator changes in length when a voltage is applied. Piezo actuators convert electrical energy directly into mechanical energy and vice-versa and allow for motions in the subnanometer range. The precision guidance combined with the lever amplification ensure long travel ranges and excellent accuracy. Determining the position is made with direct measurement with non-contact sensors.
Piezo Motors
Technical information
- Travel Range – Up to 135 x 85 mm
- Resolution – From 10 nm
- Load – Up to 25 N
- Velocity – Up to 200 mm/s
More information
There are two main principals regarding piezo motor drives. The first is piezo inertia drives which are compact and inexpensive piezo-based drives with high holding forces up to 10 N and medium travel range. The second is 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 250 N
- Velocity – Up to 2 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. The result is less friction, less wear and less backlash enabling better precision as well as achieving much higher dynamics.
