ZOLIX SK Series Precision Stainless Steel Manual Linear Translation Stage (Vacuum-Compatible)
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | SK Series |
| Price Range | USD 420 – 560 (FOB) |
| Product Type | Manual Translation Stage |
| Body Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Guide Mechanism | High-Precision Crossed Roller Bearings |
| Drive Options | Micrometer Head (Differential or Standard) or Fine-Pitch Threaded Actuator |
| Drive Positions | Center (C), Right (SR), Left (SL), Vertical Center (CZ) |
| Sensitivity | ≤2 µm |
| Minimum Micrometer Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Straightness | ≤3 µm |
| Horizontal Load Capacity | 5–7 kg |
| Vertical Load Capacity | 1.5–2.5 kg |
| Weight | 0.28–0.86 kg |
| Surface Finish | Sandblasted & Passivated |
| Vacuum Compatibility | Yes (with vacuum-grade lubricant) |
Overview
The ZOLIX SK Series is a family of high-precision manual linear translation stages engineered for demanding optical alignment, metrology setup, and vacuum-integrated laboratory applications. Based on the Couette principle of constrained mechanical motion, these stages utilize crossed roller bearing guideways to eliminate rotational play and ensure repeatable, friction-stable linear displacement. The monolithic 304 stainless steel construction—sandblasted and passivated per ASTM A967—provides dimensional stability across thermal gradients, resistance to oxidation in ambient and low-pressure environments, and compatibility with cleanroom and UHV (Ultra-High Vacuum) systems when re-lubricated with perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based vacuum grease (e.g., Fomblin Y25). Unlike aluminum-based alternatives, the stainless steel body minimizes creep under sustained load and suppresses micro-vibrational coupling during fine positioning—critical for interferometric alignment, laser cavity optimization, and fiber coupling tasks where sub-microradian angular deviation must be avoided.
Key Features
- Sub-2 µm sensitivity achieved via preloaded crossed roller bearings with <1 arcsec angular deviation over full travel
- Two drive modalities: standard fine-pitch threaded actuator (M4×0.5 or M5×0.25) and optional differential micrometer head (0.01 mm vernier scale, 10 µm effective resolution)
- Four standardized mounting configurations: center-driven (C), right-side driven (SR), left-side driven (SL), and vertically oriented center drive (CZ) for orthogonal space-constrained setups
- Passivated 304 stainless steel structure compliant with ISO 8502-3 for surface chloride testing; no outgassing concerns per ESA SCC 13120/13121 specifications
- Travel ranges from 13 mm to 25 mm with stage thicknesses optimized between 19.5–23 mm to balance rigidity and footprint
- No internal plastic components—fully metallic construction ensures long-term stability in temperature-cycled or radiation-exposed environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SK Series is compatible with standard optical breadboard mounting (M4 or #6–32 tapped holes on base and top plate) and integrates seamlessly with kinematic mirror mounts, fiber positioners, and detector translation assemblies. All models meet ISO 10110-7 surface quality requirements for optomechanical interfaces. For vacuum deployment, users must replace standard hydrocarbon grease with vacuum-rated PFPE lubricant and verify bake-out tolerance up to 120 °C (per manufacturer’s material certification). The stages comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU and are documented for GLP-aligned lab use—traceable serial numbering, material test reports (MTRs), and dimensional inspection certificates available upon request.
Software & Data Management
As a purely manual mechanical stage, the SK Series requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, it is fully compatible with third-party motion control ecosystems: its standardized mounting interface enables rigid coupling to motorized stages (e.g., ZOLIX LTS series) for hybrid manual/fine-auto positioning workflows. Position data logging can be performed using external encoders (e.g., Renishaw RESOLUTE™) mounted in parallel, supporting traceable calibration records required under ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used in regulated QC/QA environments.
Applications
- Precision alignment of laser diodes, collimators, and single-mode fiber arrays in telecom R&D labs
- Adjustment of reference mirrors in Michelson and Fabry–Pérot interferometers
- Positioning of photodetectors and beam profilers in LIDAR prototype development
- Stage platform for vacuum-compatible ellipsometry and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor heads
- Manual coarse/fine positioning backbone in multi-axis goniometers and tip-tilt assemblies
- Calibration artifact translation in NIST-traceable dimensional metrology rigs
FAQ
Can the SK Series be used in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments?
Yes—provided all lubricants are replaced with vacuum-compatible PFPE grease and the stage undergoes a 12-hour 100 °C bake-out prior to pump-down. Outgassing rate is <5×10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s·cm² at 23 °C per ASTM E595.
What is the maximum allowable moment load when used in cantilever configuration?
For SK13 models, maximum pitch/yaw moment is 0.12 N·m; for SK25, it is 0.28 N·m—calculated per ISO 10100 static load rating methodology.
Is differential micrometer head included by default?
No—the differential micrometer is an optional upgrade (part number SK-MICRO-DIFF); standard configuration uses a non-differential M4×0.5 threaded actuator with knurled knob.
Do you provide calibration certificates with NIST traceability?
Yes—certified calibration reports (including straightness, sensitivity, and hysteresis measurements) are available as a value-added service with ±0.5 µm uncertainty (k=2).
Are custom travel lengths or mounting hole patterns supported?
Yes—ZOLIX offers OEM engineering support for modified stroke lengths (up to 50 mm), non-standard hole patterns, and integrated limit switches upon request. Lead time extends by 3–4 weeks.
