ZOLIX PSM25(A)-45 Series Precision Manual Translation Stage

Overview

The ZOLIX PSM25(A)-45 Series is a high-precision manual translation stage engineered for stability, repeatability, and mechanical integrity in optical alignment, interferometry, microscopy positioning, and laser beam steering applications. Based on the Couette-type linear motion principle with preloaded linear ball bearing rails, this stage delivers sub-micron positional resolution and minimal axial play under static and quasi-static loading conditions. Its rigid aluminum alloy body—machined to tight geometric tolerances—and hardened stainless steel micrometer screw ensure long-term dimensional stability and resistance to thermal drift across laboratory environments (20 ± 2 °C, 40–60% RH). The PSM25(A)-45 series conforms to fundamental metrological requirements for Class 1 optical positioning devices per ISO 10110-7 and supports traceable calibration protocols when integrated with external displacement sensors (e.g., capacitive or laser interferometric readouts).

Key Features

• 25 mm unidirectional travel range with 0.003 mm (3 µm) minimum incremental sensitivity—achieved via a 0.5 mm pitch micrometer screw with 100-division thimble scale and vernier-assisted reading
• 45 mm × 45 mm top plate with four M4 threaded mounting holes (20 mm pitch grid) and dual reference edges for orthogonal alignment verification
• Preloaded linear ball bearing guideways providing < 0.5 µm bidirectional repeatability (measured over 100 cycles at 23 °C, per ZOLIX internal test protocol Q/BJZLX 008-2022)
• Four configuration variants optimized for system integration: center-driven (PSM25(A)-45C), vertical-mount compatible (PSM25(A)-45CZ), right-side driven (PSM25(A)-45SR), and left-side driven (PSM25(A)-45SL)
• Load capacity up to 5 kg for horizontal orientation; 1.5 kg for vertical orientation (CZ variant), validated per ASTM E29-23 guidelines for static load testing of precision stages
• Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum housing with surface roughness Ra ≤ 0.8 µm, minimizing particulate generation in cleanroom-adjacent optical benches

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PSM25(A)-45 series is designed for compatibility with standard optical components including kinematic mounts, lens tubes (SM1, SM2), cage systems (30 mm, 60 mm), and fiber launch assemblies. It meets mechanical interface specifications defined in ISO 17025-accredited calibration labs for stage-based measurement setups. All variants are assembled and tested in a ZOLIX ISO 9001:2015-certified facility. While not inherently compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 (as it lacks electronic data logging), the stage supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when used with externally validated measurement chains—including digital readout micrometers meeting IEC 61000-4-3 immunity standards.

Software & Data Management

As a purely manual mechanical stage, the PSM25(A)-45 series does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or proprietary software. Position data acquisition requires integration with third-party instrumentation such as USB-capable digital micrometers (e.g., Mitutoyo Digimatic series), capacitive displacement sensors (e.g., Micro-Epsilon capaNCDT), or laser interferometers (e.g., Keysight 5530). When paired with compliant data acquisition systems, full audit trails—including operator ID, timestamp, environmental conditions, and raw sensor output—can be maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 and NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 controls for measurement traceability.

Applications

• Precision alignment of collimated beams in Michelson and Mach-Zehnder interferometers
• Coarse/fine positioning of objective lenses in confocal and super-resolution microscopy platforms
• Adjustment of grating angles and mirror positions in monochromators and spectrographs
• Calibration artifact positioning in optical CMMs and autocollimator-based flatness verification systems
• Integration into multi-axis goniometric stages for polarization-sensitive measurements (e.g., ellipsometry, Mueller matrix analysis)
• Stable sample translation in near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) configurations

FAQ

Is the PSM25(A)-45 series compatible with vacuum environments?

No—standard variants use lubricated linear bearings and polymer thimble components not rated for UHV or HV operation. Vacuum-compatible versions (with dry-film lubrication and vented housings) are available under custom order (model suffix “-VAC”).
Can multiple PSM25(A)-45 stages be stacked for XYZ motion?

Yes—orthogonal stacking is mechanically supported using optional mounting brackets (ZOLIX part #MB-PSM45). Stacking height tolerance must be verified per ISO 10360-2 for volumetric error propagation.
What is the recommended recalibration interval?

For metrology-critical applications, annual verification against a certified gauge block set (e.g., PTB-traceable Grade 0) is advised. Repeatability checks should be performed before each high-accuracy experiment.
Does ZOLIX provide mounting hardware or adapter plates?

Standard delivery includes M4 socket head cap screws and alignment dowel pins. Custom adapter plates (e.g., SM1-threaded, Thorlabs-compatible, or Kinematic base plates) are offered as optional accessories.
Is technical documentation available in English with dimensional drawings?

Yes—English-language user manuals, STEP/IGES CAD models, and GD&T-controlled 2D drawings (ASME Y14.5-2018 compliant) are provided upon request with purchase confirmation.