ZOLIX ASM13-XY-1(1A) Two-Axis Orthogonal Translation Stage

Overview

The ZOLIX ASM13-XY-1(1A) is a manually operated, orthogonal two-axis translation stage engineered for high-stability optical alignment and micropositioning tasks in research-grade optical laboratories. Built upon the modular TSM13-1(1A) precision linear translation platform, this XY-stage configuration enables independent, decoupled motion along orthogonal X and Y axes—each with a calibrated travel range of 13 mm. Its mechanical design follows classical crossed-roller bearing architecture, ensuring minimal wobble, low angular deviation (<5 arcsec per mm of travel), and repeatable positioning accuracy within ±1 µm under consistent loading conditions. The stage operates on fine-pitch stainless steel lead screws (0.5 mm pitch) coupled with knurled aluminum adjustment knobs, delivering tactile feedback and smooth, backlash-minimized translation. It is intended for integration into free-space optical setups—including interferometry, laser beam steering, fiber coupling, and microscope stage augmentation—where sub-millimeter repeatability and long-term mechanical stability are critical.

Key Features

• Orthogonal XY kinematic architecture with fully independent X- and Y-axis control
• 13 mm linear travel per axis, mechanically limited and reproducible
• Constructed from black-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for dimensional stability and corrosion resistance
• Pre-loaded crossed-roller bearings provide low-friction motion and high load capacity (up to 2 kg static, 1 kg dynamic)
• Integrated mounting holes (M4 and 1/4″-20) on base and top plate for compatibility with standard optical rails, posts, and breadboards
• No internal electronics or motors—designed for manual operation in EMI-sensitive or vacuum-adjacent environments
• Modular interface allows direct stacking with additional Z-axis stages or rotation mounts using standardized spacer plates

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASM13-XY-1(1A) is not a sample-analysis device but a mechanical positioning subsystem; therefore, it does not process samples or generate analytical data. Its compliance framework relates to mechanical safety and integration readiness: all structural components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU material restrictions; surface finish and torque specifications conform to ISO 2768-mK general tolerances for machined parts. When integrated into larger systems subject to regulatory oversight (e.g., medical laser delivery platforms or metrology instruments), the stage’s passive mechanical traceability supports GLP-aligned documentation—particularly when used with calibrated displacement sensors or encoder retrofits. No CE marking is applied, as the unit falls outside the scope of EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC due to its non-powered, non-hazardous nature.

Software & Data Management

This is a purely manual translation stage with no embedded firmware, digital interface, or software dependency. Position tracking requires external instrumentation—such as dial indicators, capacitive displacement sensors, or laser interferometers—connected via standard BNC or analog voltage outputs. Users integrating the stage into automated workflows typically pair it with motorized counterparts (e.g., ZOLIX LSM series) controlled via LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python-based motion libraries (e.g., PyMotion). Audit trails, calibration logs, and positional metadata must be maintained externally in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements if deployed in regulated quality control environments.

Applications

• Precise alignment of collimated laser beams in Michelson or Mach-Zehnder interferometers
• Positioning of photonic components (lenses, filters, waveplates) during optical system prototyping
• Coarse positioning substrate holders in thin-film characterization rigs (e.g., ellipsometers or reflectometers)
• Manual scanning of detector arrays in near-field optical microscopy (NSOM) alignment procedures
• Integration into custom-built optical tweezers setups requiring stable lateral sample displacement
• Education labs for teaching fundamental concepts of Cartesian coordinate manipulation and mechanical error sources (Abbe error, cosine error, orthogonality deviation)

FAQ

Is the ASM13-XY-1(1A) compatible with vacuum environments?
No—standard version uses lubricated crossed-roller bearings and non-vacuum-rated adhesives; vacuum-compatible variants require custom sealing and dry-film lubrication.
Can I mount a rotation stage on top of this XY platform?
Yes—its top plate includes M4 threaded holes on a 25 mm grid pattern, enabling rigid attachment of ZOLIX RSP-series rotation stages or third-party Ø1″ kinematic mounts.
What is the maximum recommended load for bidirectional stability?
2 kg static load centered on the top plate; exceeding this may increase hysteresis and reduce repeatable accuracy beyond ±2 µm.
Does ZOLIX provide calibration certificates for this stage?
Not by default; however, certified calibration (per ISO 10360-2) can be arranged as an optional service with traceable interferometric verification.
Are replacement knobs or lead screws available as spare parts?
Yes—ZOLIX maintains full part numbers for all mechanical subassemblies, including knob assemblies (PN: KNOB-TSM13), lead screws (PN: LS-0.5P-13), and bearing cartridges (PN: CRB-TSM13).