OWIS KTM40/LTM45 Series Motorized Translation Stages
| Brand | OWIS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model Series | KTM40, LTM45, and compatible precision motorized translation stages |
| Drive Options | Stepper Motor or DC Servo Motor |
| Travel Range | 5.5–130 mm (model-dependent) |
| Load Capacity | 7–200 N (model-dependent) |
| Max. Velocity | 0.2–40 mm/s |
| Repeatability | <2–<20 µm |
| Positioning Accuracy | <15–<30 µm per 100 mm |
| Vertical Deviation | <2–<5 µm |
| Horizontal Deviation | <2–<10 µm |
| Angular Resolution (Rotary) | Min. 0.02° |
| Max. Rotation Speed | 3600°/s |
| Filter Wheel Compatibility | Up to 8 positions, 24 V DC operation |
| Compliance | Designed for integration into ISO/IEC 17025-compliant optical alignment systems and GLP/GMP-adjacent research environments |
Overview
The OWIS KTM40 and LTM45 series motorized translation stages are high-precision, modular positioning platforms engineered for demanding optical laboratory applications—including laser beam steering, interferometer alignment, microscopy stage integration, and automated spectroscopic sample handling. These stages operate on the principle of electromechanical linear displacement via lead-screw or crossed-roller bearing mechanisms, driven by either high-torque stepper motors or closed-loop DC servo motors. Each model is constructed from anodized aluminum alloy with hardened stainless-steel guide rails and precision-ground ball screws, ensuring long-term dimensional stability and minimal thermal drift under continuous operation. The mechanical architecture supports sub-micron repeatability in select configurations and maintains orthogonal motion fidelity across multi-axis assemblies (e.g., XY, XYZ, or rotary-linear combinations). All stages comply with RoHS and CE directives and are designed for compatibility with standard 30 mm and 60 mm optical rail systems.
Key Features
- Modular design supporting linear, XY, vertical (Z), rotary, goniometric, and filter-wheel configurations
- Selectable drive technology: open-loop stepper motors for cost-sensitive setups or closed-loop DC servo motors with encoder feedback for dynamic trajectory control and stall detection
- Travel ranges spanning 5.5 mm (KTM40 compact stage) to 130 mm (LTM45 extended stroke), with load capacities from 7 N (angular tilt stages) to 200 N (heavy-duty Z-lift units)
- Crossed-roller or recirculating ball-bearing guideways delivering low hysteresis (<0.5 µm) and consistent velocity profiles across full travel
- Integrated limit switches and home-sensor options for deterministic initialization and safety interlocking
- Standard M4 and M6 mounting threads with kinematic dowel pin alignment features for repeatable system integration
- Optional vacuum-compatible versions (up to 10⁻⁶ mbar) available upon request for ultra-high-vacuum optical cavity assembly
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
These translation stages accommodate a broad spectrum of optical payloads: collimated laser modules (e.g., HeNe, diode, or fiber-coupled sources), objective lenses (up to 200 mm focal length), photodetector arrays, microfluidic chips, and custom optomechanical subassemblies. Mechanical interfaces conform to DIN 3160 and ISO 8578 standards for linear motion components. When integrated into regulated workflows—such as those governed by ISO/IEC 17025 (calibration laboratories) or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records)—the optional servo-driven variants support audit-trail-capable motion logs via RS-485 or USB-CDC communication protocols. All firmware adheres to IEC 61508 functional safety principles for industrial motion control subsystems.
Software & Data Management
OWIS provides native drivers for Windows (x64), Linux (ARM/x86), and macOS, supporting ASCII-based serial command sets (SCPI-like syntax) for seamless integration into LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (PySerial), or EPICS-based control frameworks. The included OWIS Motion Studio software enables graphical trajectory programming, real-time position monitoring, and batch calibration file import/export (CSV-formatted error map compensation). For GMP-aligned environments, optional firmware upgrades enable time-stamped motion logging with SHA-256 hash integrity verification—meeting traceability requirements under Annex 11 and ALCOA+ data governance principles.
Applications
- Precision alignment of fiber-optic couplers and free-space-to-fiber interfaces
- Automated focus scanning in confocal and multiphoton microscopy systems
- Dynamic aperture and field-stop positioning in adaptive optics testbenches
- Multi-wavelength spectral filtering via synchronized filter wheel and linear stage actuation
- Thermal expansion coefficient measurement using dual-interferometer displacement referencing
- Robotic optical assembly stations requiring programmable 5-axis coordinated motion
FAQ
What drive technologies are supported?
Stepper motor (open-loop) and DC servo motor (closed-loop with incremental encoder) options are available across all KTM40 and LTM45 models.
Can these stages be used in vacuum environments?
Yes—vacuum-rated variants (10⁻⁶ mbar) are available with modified lubricants, non-outgassing materials, and ceramic-insulated wiring.
Is position error mapping supported?
Yes. OWIS Motion Studio accepts user-defined bidirectional error compensation tables in CSV format for enhanced absolute accuracy.
What communication interfaces are standard?
RS-485 (multi-drop capable), USB-CDC (virtual COM port), and optional Ethernet/IP or EtherCAT for industrial automation integration.
Do you provide OEM integration support?
Yes—custom mechanical interfaces, firmware branding, and API documentation packages are available under NDA for volume OEM deployments.
