ZOLIX KSAxxx-13 Series Precision Motorized Translation Stage
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model | KSAxxx-13 Series |
| Quotation | Available upon Request |
| Travel Range | 50–400 mm |
| Lead Screw Pitch | 4–5 mm |
| Closed-Loop Resolution | 1 µm |
| Open-Loop Resolution | 2.5–3.125 µm |
| Max. Speed | 40–50 mm/s |
| Repeatability | <3 µm |
| Backlash | <5 µm |
| Wobble | <15–30 arcsec |
| Pitch/Yaw | <15–40 arcsec |
| Straightness | 10–20 µm |
| Stepper Motor | 42/57 mm NEMA size, 1.8° step angle |
| Holding Current | 1.7–2.4 A |
| Standard Encoder | Imported 1 µm-resolution optical linear encoder |
| Optional Encoders | Higher-resolution variants available |
| Drive Mechanism | Precision ground ball screw |
| Guidance System | Ultra-precision linear rail |
| Structural Design | U-shaped rigid baseplate |
| Sealing | Elastic compression gasket for dynamic environmental protection |
| Safety Features | Dual end-limit switches + home position switch |
| Control Compatibility | Fully compatible with ZOLIX MC600 motion controller for closed-loop operation |
Overview
The ZOLIX KSAxxx-13 Series Precision Motorized Translation Stage is an engineered solution for high-stability, high-repeatability linear positioning in demanding optical and photonics applications. Designed specifically for industrial integration and multi-axis system assembly, this stage employs a U-shaped monolithic base architecture to maximize structural rigidity—critical for maintaining sub-micron positional fidelity under dynamic load conditions. Its core motion system combines a ground ball screw with ultra-precision linear recirculating rails, delivering consistent straightness, minimal angular deviation, and long-term mechanical stability. The stage operates on a closed-loop control architecture when paired with the ZOLIX MC600 motion controller, leveraging a factory-calibrated, imported 1 µm-resolution optical linear encoder for real-time position feedback. All critical components—including the baseplate, carriage, and screw housing—are manufactured in-house using ultra-precision machining processes, ensuring tight geometric tolerances and batch-to-batch performance consistency. The integrated elastic compression seal maintains environmental integrity during motion, making the stage suitable for use in controlled cleanroom environments or systems requiring particulate containment.
Key Features
- U-shaped rigid base design optimized for high-load capacity and multi-axis stacking without cumulative deflection.
- Closed-loop positioning enabled by standard 1 µm-resolution optical linear encoder; optional higher-resolution encoders available for sub-500 nm applications.
- Ground ball screw drive with 4 mm or 5 mm lead pitch, matched to NEMA 17 (42 mm) or NEMA 23 (57 mm) stepper motors featuring 1.8° step angle and rated holding currents of 1.7 A or 2.4 A respectively.
- Ultra-precision linear rail guidance system ensures motion straightness of ≤20 µm over full travel and angular deviations (pitch/yaw) below 40 arcseconds.
- Dual mechanical limit switches and a dedicated home (zero) position switch provide hardware-level motion boundary enforcement and repeatable origin referencing.
- Dynamic sealing via elastomeric compression gasket maintains IP52-equivalent ingress protection during continuous translation—ideal for vacuum-adjacent or dust-sensitive optical benches.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KSAxxx-13 series is designed for integration into OEM optical subsystems, automated alignment stations, interferometric setups, and laser beam steering platforms. It complies with ISO 9001 manufacturing protocols and conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. Mechanical interface dimensions follow standardized mounting patterns (M4/M6 tapped holes per model), enabling direct compatibility with common optical breadboards and kinematic mounts. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 for EMC immunity/emission, the stage meets functional electromagnetic compatibility requirements when operated within shielded enclosures typical of laboratory-grade optical instrumentation. No intrinsic safety or explosion-proof certification is provided; use in classified hazardous locations requires external engineering validation.
Software & Data Management
The stage is natively supported by ZOLIX’s proprietary MotionMaster™ software suite (Windows 10/11, 64-bit), offering GUI-based trajectory planning, multi-axis synchronization, and real-time encoder data logging at up to 1 kHz sampling rate. API libraries (C/C++, .NET, Python) enable seamless integration into LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python-based automation frameworks. All position data includes timestamped audit trails compliant with GLP/GMP documentation standards. When deployed with MC600 controllers, firmware supports non-volatile memory storage of calibration offsets and user-defined homing routines. Data export formats include CSV, HDF5, and XML—facilitating traceability in regulated environments where 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements apply.
Applications
- Precision alignment of fiber-optic couplers, collimators, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
- Automated focus scanning in confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems.
- Beam path adjustment and wavelength tuning in tunable laser cavities and external cavity diode lasers (ECDLs).
- Multi-axis nanopositioning stages for wafer-level metrology and mask alignment in microfabrication tools.
- Dynamic sample translation in Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and hyperspectral imaging platforms.
- Integration into ISO-standard optical test benches per ISO 10110-7 for surface figure verification and wavefront error mapping.
FAQ
What is the maximum payload capacity for each KSAxxx-13 model?
Payload ratings are model-specific and depend on orientation (horizontal vs. vertical), acceleration profile, and duty cycle. Typical static horizontal load capacity ranges from 5 kg (KSA050-13) to 15 kg (KSA400-13); detailed static/dynamic load curves are provided in the technical datasheet.
Can the stage be used in vacuum environments?
Standard units are not vacuum-rated. For low-outgassing operation (<10⁻⁶ mbar), optional vacuum-compatible variants with stainless steel construction, dry-lubricated screws, and ceramic-coated rails are available upon request.
Is backlash compensation implemented in firmware?
Yes—MC600 controller firmware includes programmable backlash compensation tables, adjustable per axis, with resolution down to 0.1 µm increments.
Does the optical encoder support differential RS-422 output?
All standard encoders feature quadrature A/B/Z TTL outputs; RS-422 differential interface is available as a factory-configurable option.
How is thermal drift managed across the operating temperature range?
The aluminum alloy baseplate exhibits a CTE of ~23 ppm/°C; for sub-micron stability over ±5°C ambient variation, active thermal stabilization or software-based temperature-compensated calibration is recommended.

