ZOLIX ASM-XYZ-1A XYZ Precision Translation Stage

Overview

The ZOLIX ASM-XYZ-1A XYZ Precision Translation Stage is a modular, manually operated three-axis positioning system engineered for high-stability optical alignment and micro-positioning tasks in research laboratories and industrial metrology environments. Built upon the proven mechanical architecture of ZOLIX’s TSM-series precision stages, this assembly integrates two TSM25-1A linear translation stages (for X and Y motion) and one TSMV13-1A vertical lift stage (for Z-axis adjustment), delivering coordinated orthogonal displacement with mechanical repeatability consistent with sub-micron alignment requirements. The stage operates on precision-ground stainless steel dovetail guides with PTFE-impregnated bronze bushings, ensuring smooth, backlash-free motion and long-term dimensional stability under static and cyclic loading. Its design follows fundamental principles of kinematic constraint and minimal Abbe error—critical for applications where optical path length, beam height, or focal plane registration must be maintained across multi-axis adjustments.

Key Features

• Modular XYZ configuration using standardized ZOLIX TSM-series components for field-reconfigurability and serviceability
• X- and Y-axis travel of 25 mm each, achieved via micrometer-driven lead screws with 10 µm graduation and vernier scale for manual fine positioning
• Z-axis vertical lift of 13 mm, implemented via a low-profile TSMV13-1A stage featuring anti-rotation guide pins and load-balanced spring compensation to minimize tilt during elevation
• Integrated mounting interface: 4 × M4 threaded holes on top plate (25 mm grid), compatible with standard optomechanical posts, lens mounts, and fiber couplers
• Black anodized aluminum construction (6061-T6) for dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and low thermal expansion coefficient (23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C)
• No electrical or pneumatic components—fully passive operation suitable for ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-compatible modifications and EMI-sensitive setups

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASM-XYZ-1A is designed for integration into optical tables, breadboard systems, and custom instrument enclosures. It supports payloads up to 2.5 kg uniformly distributed, maintaining angular deviation < 30 arcsec over full Z-travel and lateral runout < 5 µm across X/Y range. While not certified to a specific international standard as a standalone unit, its component-level compliance aligns with common laboratory equipment expectations: TSM-series stages meet ISO 9001 manufacturing controls; surface finish and thread tolerances conform to ISO 2768-mK general tolerances; and material traceability documentation is available upon request for GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols. The stage is routinely deployed in setups requiring adherence to ASTM E1317 (laser alignment procedures) and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration workflows—particularly where mechanical positioning uncertainty must be quantified and reported as part of measurement uncertainty budgets.

Software & Data Management

As a purely manual mechanical stage, the ASM-XYZ-1A does not include embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interfaces. Position data acquisition requires external instrumentation—such as dial indicators, capacitive sensors, or laser interferometers—connected via standard BNC or SMA interfaces on adjacent optical benches. For labs implementing automated metrology workflows, the stage’s modular footprint allows seamless integration with third-party motorized controllers (e.g., Thorlabs KDC101, Newport ESP300) when retrofitted with compatible stepper motor kits (sold separately). All mechanical dimensions, mounting hole patterns, and tolerance stack-ups are provided in STEP and PDF formats compliant with ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards—enabling precise CAD-based system integration and tolerance analysis.

Applications

• Precision alignment of collimated laser beams, interferometer arms, and fiber-optic coupling optics
• Positioning of photodetectors, CCD/CMOS sensors, and spectrometer entrance slits in spectroscopic and imaging systems
• Stage-based sample raster scanning in confocal microscopy, Raman mapping, and near-field optical microscopy (SNOM)
• Calibration fixture setup for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and vision inspection systems
• Adjustment platform for optical cavity mirrors in cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) locking experiments
• Teaching platform for undergraduate optics laboratories demonstrating Cartesian coordinate manipulation and Abbe error analysis

FAQ

Is the ASM-XYZ-1A compatible with vacuum environments?
Yes—its all-metal construction (aluminum body, stainless steel screws and guides) and absence of lubricants or adhesives make it suitable for rough vacuum (10⁻³ mbar) out-of-the-box. For UHV applications (<10⁻⁹ mbar), optional vacuum-compatible greases and bake-out–rated fasteners are available.
Can I replace individual axes without disassembling the entire stack?
Yes—the modular design uses standardized M4 socket-head cap screws and alignment dowel pins. Each TSM25-1A and TSMV13-1A stage can be unbolted and serviced independently while preserving base plate integrity.
What is the typical positional repeatability under manual operation?
When used with calibrated micrometer drives and consistent operator technique, repeatability is ±1.5 µm (2σ) across X/Y and ±2.0 µm across Z, verified per ISO 230-2 Annex C test procedures.
Does ZOLIX provide calibration certificates for this stage?
Factory calibration reports (including travel linearity and orthogonality verification) are available as an optional add-on, traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) standards.
Are metric and imperial mounting accessories available?
Standard mounting hardware is metric (M4/M6). Imperial equivalents (e.g., ¼”-20 taps) can be supplied on request for legacy system integration.