OWIS LIMES150 High-Precision Motorized Linear Translation Stage

Overview

The OWIS LIMES150 is a high-precision motorized linear translation stage engineered for demanding optical alignment, interferometry, metrology, and automated laboratory applications where sub-micron repeatability, mechanical stability, and long-term reliability are critical. Based on a robust kinematic design featuring preloaded spherical roller screws and hardened linear guide rails, the LIMES150 eliminates backlash while maintaining high load capacity and exceptional motion fidelity. Its core architecture leverages a low-friction, wear-resistant drivetrain—comprising a 2 mm pitch preloaded spherical screw and matched ball bearing carriage—to ensure consistent positional performance across its full 100 mm to 300 mm travel range. The stage body is machined from high-strength aluminum alloy and finished with a durable, non-reflective black anodized coating optimized for cleanroom and vibration-sensitive optical environments.

Key Features

• Backlash-free linear motion enabled by preloaded spherical screw and precision-ground linear guides
• Bidirectional repeatability better than ±2 µm—verified under ISO 230-2 standard test conditions (no load, 20 °C ambient)
• Positional accuracy of < ±10 µm per 100 mm travel, supported by traceable calibration documentation
• High rigidity design supporting up to 600 N static load without measurable deflection or hysteresis
• Dual-drive compatibility: configurable with either 200-step-per-revolution stepper motor or high-resolution 5000-count-per-revolution DC servo motor
• Integrated Hall-effect limit switches with electrical noise immunity for reliable end-of-travel detection
• Optional high-resolution incremental optical encoder (±3 µm/m linearity error, 0.1 µm interpolation resolution) for closed-loop position verification
• Modular accessory interface supporting mechanical hard stops, electromagnetic brake units, and custom mounting adapters

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LIMES150 is designed for integration into ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms and optomechanical systems requiring minimal particulate generation and thermal drift. Its black anodized surface meets MIL-A-8625 Type II specifications for corrosion resistance and ESD-safe conductivity. All electrical interfaces comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) standards. When equipped with optional encoder feedback and configured with appropriate controller firmware, the stage supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP frameworks—including full traceability of motion logs, user authentication, and electronic signature capability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in regulated QC/QA environments.

Software & Data Management

The LIMES150 is compatible with OWIS’ proprietary STAGECONTROL software suite and third-party motion control platforms including Thorlabs Kinesis, Newport Motion Control SDK, and LabVIEW via standard RS-232, USB, or Ethernet (TCP/IP) interfaces. Encoder-equipped variants support real-time position streaming at up to 1 kHz sampling rate, enabling synchronization with external triggers (e.g., laser pulses, camera exposure signals). All motion profiles—including trapezoidal, S-curve, and user-defined velocity ramps—are programmable with microsecond-level timestamping. Data export formats include CSV, HDF5, and XML, facilitating direct import into MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or statistical process control (SPC) tools.

Applications

• Precision optical path length adjustment in Michelson and Mach-Zehnder interferometers
• Automated sample positioning in confocal microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ellipsometry systems
• Stage calibration reference in coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and laser tracker validation setups
• Beam steering and collimation alignment in ultrafast laser laboratories
• Wafer inspection platform translation in semiconductor metrology tools
• Multi-axis nanopositioning system base layer (when stacked with OWIS MINITRAC or PISTON series stages)

FAQ

What is the maximum achievable resolution with the optional encoder option?

With the incremental optical encoder and appropriate interpolation electronics, the system achieves 0.1 µm minimum controllable increment and ±3 µm/m linearity over full travel.
Can the LIMES150 be operated in vacuum environments?

Standard versions are rated for ambient air operation only; vacuum-compatible variants (with modified lubrication and outgassing-certified materials) are available upon request and require custom configuration.
Is it possible to daisy-chain multiple LIMES150 stages using a single controller?

Yes—OWIS ELC-4 and ELC-8 multi-axis controllers support synchronized motion control of up to eight LIMES stages with shared trajectory planning and inter-stage triggering.
Does the stage support absolute positioning without homing?

No—like all open-loop stepper configurations, homing to a physical reference (e.g., Hall sensor) is required prior to absolute coordinate initialization. Encoder-equipped servo variants retain position memory after power cycling if backed by non-volatile storage.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term accuracy retention?

OWIS recommends biannual inspection of rail preload and screw torque; no routine lubrication is required due to sealed, lifetime-lubricated bearing assemblies.