ZOLIX SK25(A)-65 Series Stainless Steel High-Precision Manual Translation Stage

Overview

The ZOLIX SK25(A)-65 Series is a high-precision manual translation stage engineered for demanding optical alignment tasks where sub-micron repeatability, mechanical stability, and environmental robustness are critical. Based on the Couette principle of constrained linear motion, this stage employs a rigid monolithic base structure milled from solid AISI 304 stainless steel—selected for its low thermal expansion coefficient (~17.3 µm/m·K), non-magnetic properties, and resistance to oxidation and outgassing. The 25 mm travel is achieved via either a calibrated micrometer drum with 10 µm resolution or a fine-pitch M4×0.25 threaded actuator, both integrated into a kinematically optimized carriage assembly. Motion transmission is realized through preloaded crossed-roller bearings mounted in hardened stainless steel raceways, eliminating backlash and ensuring consistent straightness (< 5 µm over full travel) and minimal angular deviation (< 5 arcsec pitch/yaw). Unlike aluminum-based stages, the all-stainless construction supports operation in cleanroom environments, dry nitrogen purged enclosures, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems down to 10⁻⁷ Pa—provided vacuum-rated lubricants (e.g., Apiezon N or Fomblin Y LVAC) are substituted during assembly.

Key Features

• Sub-2 µm sensitivity enabled by precision-ground bearing surfaces and zero-backlash drive coupling
• AISI 304 stainless steel body with passivated surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm), minimizing particulate generation and corrosion susceptibility
• Crossed-roller guide system with dual preload adjustment, delivering > 5 N axial stiffness and < 0.1 µm hysteresis
• Dual-drive configuration: interchangeable micrometer drum (with locking knob) or fine-thread actuator—both compatible with standard 1/4″-28 or M6 mounting holes
• Modular orientation options: left-hand, right-hand, center-drive, and vertical-mount variants with reinforced base plates for gravity-load stability
• Compact footprint (92 mm × 92 mm × 28 mm max height) optimized for multi-axis stacking in confined optical breadboard spaces

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK25(A)-65 series is designed for integration into ISO-standard optical tables (e.g., Newport RS4000, Thorlabs Breadboards) and laser safety-compliant enclosures. Its stainless steel construction meets ASTM F86-22 requirements for metallic implant surface preparation and complies with ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom particulate limits when handled with Class 100 gloves. No RoHS exemptions apply; lead-free solder and cadmium-free plating are used throughout. For vacuum applications, the stage conforms to NASA-SSP-30237 (Vacuum Compatibility of Materials) when assembled with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants. It is not intended for use in explosive atmospheres (ATEX/IECEx) or radiation-intensive environments without prior qualification testing.

Software & Data Management

As a fully manual stage, the SK25(A)-65 requires no firmware, drivers, or software interfaces. All positional settings are recorded manually using calibrated scale reading or external metrology tools (e.g., Mitutoyo IP67-certified digital calipers, Zygo Verifire Interferometer). For traceable calibration workflows, users may log adjustments in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling), referencing the stage’s unique serial number engraved on the base plate. Optional accessories—including kinematic mounting adapters and orthogonal stacking kits—are documented in ZOLIX’s publicly available Mechanical Integration Handbook (Rev. 4.2, 2023), which includes GD&T callouts and tolerance stack-up analyses for multi-stage assemblies.

Applications

• Fiber-to-waveguide coupling alignment in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging, where < 1 µm lateral offset control directly impacts insertion loss
• Thermal drift compensation in DPSS laser cavity optimization, leveraging the stage’s low CTE and minimal hysteresis under repeated thermal cycling (−20 °C to +60 °C)
• Multi-axis beam steering platforms for interferometric biosensors, where orthogonal SK25(A)-65 units enable independent X/Y/Z coarse positioning prior to piezo fine adjustment
• In-situ vacuum chamber alignment of EUV lithography mask holders, utilizing vacuum-compatible grease and bake-out tested components
• Calibration reference stages for optical encoder verification, serving as stable, non-electronic benchmarks in NIST-traceable metrology labs

FAQ

Is the SK25(A)-65 compatible with motorized controllers or stepper motor retrofits?
No—the stage is purely manual and lacks tapped holes or interface features for motor integration. Retrofitting would compromise structural integrity and void warranty.
What is the maximum recommended load for horizontal vs. vertical orientation?
Horizontal: 5 kg static load (centered); Vertical: 1.2 kg (with center-drive variant only; requires anti-rotation pin kit, sold separately).
Can I use standard lithium-based grease in ambient air environments?
Yes—Shell Gadus S2 V220 2 is approved for non-vacuum use. However, it must be fully removed before vacuum deployment.
Does ZOLIX provide ISO 17025-accredited calibration certificates?
Calibration reports (per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.3) are available upon request at additional cost; they include measurement uncertainty budgets for travel linearity and sensitivity.
Are replacement micrometer drums or threaded actuators available as spare parts?
Yes—all drive components are serialized and stocked globally. Lead time is typically 2–3 weeks ex-Beijing warehouse.