ZOLIX SIN Series Sine-Mechanism Ball Screw Rotary Translation Stage
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Model | SIN Series |
| Type | Motorized Rotary Translation Stage |
| Construction | Hard-Anodized Aluminum Body |
| Drive | Imported 1 mm-Pitch Ball Screw + Japanese 2-Phase Stepper Motor (SHINANO STP-28D1003-08) |
| Guidance | Precision Linear Slide Rails with Ground Mounting Surfaces |
| Position Sensing | Dual SHARP GP1S092HCPI Optical Limit Switches |
| Electrical Interface | DB9 Male Connector |
| Cable | 0.2 m High-Flex German Cordset (HELUKABEL) |
| Compliance | RoHS, CE-EMC Directive 2014/30/EU |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 °C |
| Storage Temperature | –20–70 °C |
| Max Ambient Humidity | 85% RH (non-condensing) |
Overview
The ZOLIX SIN Series Sine-Mechanism Ball Screw Rotary Translation Stage is a compact, high-repeatability electromechanical positioning device engineered for precision angular displacement in constrained-space optical and metrological applications. Unlike conventional worm-gear or direct-drive rotary stages, the SIN series employs a kinematically optimized sine mechanism—where linear motion of a ball screw is converted into highly linearized rotational output via a fixed pivot and calibrated lever arm geometry. This design inherently minimizes backlash (10⁶ cycles, and delivers consistent torque transmission across the full angular range (±4° to ±6° depending on model). The stage’s core architecture integrates a 1 mm lead imported ball screw (ground-class C5 accuracy), paired with a Japanese SHINANO STP-28D1003-08 two-phase hybrid stepper motor (1.8° step angle, 1.3 A/phase, 78.5 mN·m holding torque), enabling open-loop resolution down to 0.01° per full step (or 0.0025° with 4x microstepping). Its rigid hard-anodized aluminum body (6061-T6) and ground rail mounting surfaces reduce thermal drift and mechanical hysteresis—critical for interferometric alignment, fiber coupling, and automated spectroscopic sample scanning.
Key Features
- Sine-mechanism kinematics for near-zero hysteresis and <5 arcsec bidirectional repeatability
- Imported C5-grade 1 mm pitch ball screw with preloaded nut assembly for minimal axial play
- Precision-ground linear slide rails with hardened stainless steel raceways and low-friction polymer sliders
- Integrated dual SHARP GP1S092HCPI reflective optical limit switches (NPN open-collector, DC 5–24 V)
- Modular high-flex HELUKABEL cordset (0.2 m, UL/CSA rated, 10M+ bend cycles)
- DB9 male interface compliant with standard pulse/direction control protocols (TTL-level compatible)
- No built-in homing sensor—designed for external referencing or system-level origin calibration
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SIN stage is compatible with standard Ø25 mm and Ø30 mm optical posts, lens mounts, and fiber alignment fixtures via M4 and M6 tapped holes on the rotating platform. It supports payloads up to 1.5 kg (centered) without compromising angular linearity or settling time (<30 ms to ±10 µrad at 50% rated load). All materials comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC regulations. Electromagnetic compatibility conforms to EN 61326-1:2013 (industrial environment). While not certified for cleanroom use (ISO Class 5+), its sealed rail interfaces and anodized surface inhibit particle generation under controlled lab conditions. The stage meets mechanical safety requirements per EN 60204-1:2018 for integrated motion subsystems.
Software & Data Management
The SIN stage operates as a hardware-level positioning module—requiring external motion controllers capable of generating TTL-compatible pulse trains (PUL+/PUL−, DIR+/DIR−) and interpreting limit switch status. Compatible with industry-standard platforms including National Instruments Motion Controllers (PCI/PXI), Galil DMC-4000 series, and Beckhoff AX5000 servo drives configured for stepper mode. ZOLIX provides optional TMC-USB-x-S242 USB-to-step-signal converter (firmware v2.1+) and HC-100 standalone controller with ASCII command set (SCPI-like syntax), supporting programmable acceleration profiles, position latching, and non-volatile memory for user-defined zero offsets. All controllers log timestamped motion events and limit-trigger states, enabling audit-ready traceability for GLP-compliant optical alignment workflows. No native cloud connectivity or proprietary drivers are embedded—ensuring long-term maintainability and integration into legacy automation architectures.
Applications
- Fiber optic collimator and isolator alignment in telecom component manufacturing
- Automated wavelength tuning of external cavity diode lasers (ECDLs)
- Multi-axis goniometric adjustment in Raman and FTIR spectrometer optical benches
- High-cycle wafer inspection stage rotation in semiconductor metrology tools
- Miniaturized beam steering for lidar prototype development
- Calibration reference rotation in laser interferometer-based length standards
FAQ
What is the maximum angular travel range for the SIN18-40 and SIN12-60 models?
The SIN18-40 offers ±4° total rotation; the SIN12-60 provides ±6°. Travel is mechanically limited by internal stops and confirmed by optical end switches.
Can the stage be used in vacuum environments?
No—standard units contain lubricants and polymer components not rated for UHV. Custom dry-lubricated variants require engineering consultation.
Is encoder feedback available as a factory option?
Not natively. Angular position must be inferred from commanded steps. For closed-loop operation, users integrate external rotary encoders (e.g., Renishaw RESOLUTE) via custom mounting brackets.
What is the recommended drive voltage for the SHINANO motor?
The motor is rated for 1.9 V phase-to-phase, but optimal torque-speed performance requires a chopper drive supplying 24 VDC with current limiting set to 1.3 A/phase.
Does ZOLIX provide SDKs or LabVIEW VIs for the TMC-USB controller?
Yes—Windows/Linux-compatible DLLs and LabVIEW 2015+ VIs are included with HC-100/TMC-USB purchases, documented per IEEE 1278.1-2021 metadata conventions.
