OWIS LIMES170 High-Precision Motorized Linear Translation Stage
| Brand | OWIS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | LIMES170 |
| Type | Motorized Linear Translation Stage |
| Travel Options | 400 mm / 600 mm / 1000 mm / 1500 mm |
| Drive Options | Stepper Motor or DC Servo Motor |
| Max Speed | 80 mm/s (stepper) / 150 mm/s (servo) |
| Max Load Capacity | 1500 N |
| Max Thrust Force | 400 N (stepper) / 150 N (servo) |
| Lead Screw Pitch | 5 mm |
| Bidirectional Repeatability | < 3 µm |
| Positioning Error | < 10 µm per 100 mm |
| Tilt & Pitch Errors | < 75 µrad (stepper), < 150 µrad (servo) |
| Vertical & Horizontal Deviation | < 2 µm per 100 mm |
| Motor Voltage | up to 40 V (stepper), up to 50 V (servo) |
| Max Current | 1.4 A – 4.9 A (depending on drive type) |
| Steps per Revolution | 200 (stepper), 10,000 (servo) |
| Optional Encoders | Incremental linear encoder (±3 µm/m accuracy, 0.1 µm resolution) |
| Housing Material | Anodized black electroplated aluminum alloy |
| Bearing System | Preloaded spherical bearing assembly |
| Guiding Mechanism | Precision recirculating ball guide rail with zero backlash |
Overview
The OWIS LIMES170 is a high-precision motorized linear translation stage engineered for demanding optical alignment, interferometry, metrology, and automated microscopy applications. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the LIMES170 integrates a rigid aluminum alloy frame with a zero-backlash spherical lead screw drive and a high-stiffness recirculating ball guide rail system—ensuring exceptional positional stability, minimal hysteresis, and long-term mechanical reliability under continuous operation. Its modular architecture supports travel lengths of 400 mm, 600 mm, 1000 mm, and up to 1500 mm, making it suitable for both compact optical benches and large-scale precision motion systems. The stage operates under two distinct drive configurations: a robust hybrid stepper motor variant optimized for open-loop repeatability and cost-sensitive integration, and a high-dynamic DC servo motor variant delivering enhanced speed, acceleration control, and closed-loop compatibility. Both variants maintain sub-microradian angular stability and sub-3 µm bidirectional repeatability across the full stroke—critical parameters for beam steering, cavity length tuning, and multi-axis coordinate metrology.
Key Features
- Zero-backlash spherical lead screw with factory preloaded spherical bearings for consistent torque transmission and extended service life
- Precision-ground recirculating ball guide rails providing low friction, high load capacity (up to 1500 N), and exceptional straightness performance
- Bidirectional repeatability better than ±3 µm across all travel options—verified at 20 °C in accordance with ISO 230-2
- Anodized black electroplated aluminum housing offering superior corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and ESD-safe surface properties
- Integrated Hall-effect limit switches with mechanical redundancy option for fail-safe end-of-travel detection
- Optional high-resolution incremental linear encoder (±3 µm/m linearity error, 0.1 µm interpolation resolution) enabling traceable closed-loop positioning
- Modular mounting interface compatible with OWIS’s standardized optical breadboard and kinematic baseplate systems (M6 threaded holes on 25 mm grid)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LIMES170 is designed for integration into cleanroom-compatible, vibration-sensitive, and vacuum-adjacent environments typical of photonics laboratories and semiconductor metrology facilities. Its non-outgassing surface finish and absence of lubricant migration pathways meet ISO 14644-1 Class 5 particulate requirements when operated under controlled ambient conditions. While not rated for ultra-high vacuum (UHV), the stage complies with CE marking directives for electromagnetic compatibility (2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (2014/35/EU). Mechanical design adheres to DIN 31000-based risk assessment principles, and optional braking modules satisfy EN ISO 13850 emergency stop requirements. For regulated environments—including GLP-compliant optical calibration labs—the encoder-equipped configuration supports audit-ready position logging when paired with compliant motion controllers supporting IEC 62304 software lifecycle documentation.
Software & Data Management
OWIS provides native support for the LIMES170 via its proprietary OWIS Motion Control Suite (v4.2+), which delivers deterministic real-time trajectory planning, S-curve acceleration profiling, and synchronized multi-axis coordination. The suite exports position logs in CSV and HDF5 formats, with timestamped metadata including motor current, temperature drift compensation flags, and encoder quadrature counts. Third-party interoperability is ensured through standard communication protocols: USB 2.0 (CDC ACM class), RS-485 (Modbus RTU), and Ethernet/IP (CIP). When integrated with LabVIEW™, MATLAB® Instrument Control Toolbox, or Python-based PyVISA frameworks, the stage supports full script-driven calibration routines—including bi-directional backlash mapping and periodic error compensation (PEC) table generation. All firmware updates are digitally signed and validated against OWIS’s secure bootloader, satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records integrity when deployed in regulated QC workflows.
Applications
- Precision optical path length adjustment in Michelson and Fabry–Pérot interferometers
- Automated focus scanning in confocal and light-sheet fluorescence microscopes
- Beam collimation and wavefront alignment in adaptive optics testbeds
- Position-controlled sample translation in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman mapping systems
- Multi-degree-of-freedom alignment stages for fiber coupling and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging
- Calibration reference stages for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and laser tracker validation
FAQ
What drive types are available for the LIMES170, and how do they differ in performance?
The LIMES170 offers two drive configurations: hybrid stepper motor (max speed 80 mm/s, max thrust 400 N) and DC servo motor (max speed 150 mm/s, max thrust 150 N). Stepper variants prioritize open-loop repeatability and simplicity; servo variants provide higher dynamic response and closed-loop compatibility.
Is the LIMES170 compatible with vacuum environments?
Standard units are rated for ambient and cleanroom use only. Vacuum-compatible versions (with dry-lubricated guides and UHV-grade materials) are available upon request and require custom configuration.
Can the LIMES170 be integrated into a multi-axis gantry system?
Yes—the stage features standardized M6 mounting patterns and mechanical reference datums aligned to ISO 10360-7 geometric tolerancing, enabling repeatable stacking and orthogonal alignment with other OWIS linear and rotary stages.
What encoder resolution is achievable with the optional linear scale?
The incremental linear encoder option provides 0.1 µm interpolated resolution and ±3 µm/m linearity error over the full travel range, traceable to national metrology institute standards.
Does OWIS provide calibration certificates for the LIMES170?
Factory calibration reports—including bidirectional repeatability, positioning error, and angular deviation measurements—are supplied with each unit. ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services are available through OWIS’s certified metrology partners.
