ZOLIX PSMX25 Precision Linear Translation Stage
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | PSMX25 |
| Drive Mechanism | Micrometer or M7×0.25 Threaded Actuator |
| Travel Range | ±12.5 mm |
| Minimum Graduation | 0.01 mm (micrometer variants) |
| Sensitivity | 0.001 mm |
| Platform Dimensions | 65 × 65 mm |
| Load Capacity | 7.0 kg (standard), 2.5 kg (vertical-mount variants) |
| Guidance System | Precision Ground Steel Rod Rails with Linear Ball Bearings |
| Return Mechanism | Preloaded Tension Spring for Backlash Elimination |
| Mounting Configuration Options | Left-hand (L1/L1A), Right-hand (1/1A), Center-drive (C1/C1A), Vertical-use (C2/C2A) |
Overview
The ZOLIX PSMX25 Precision Linear Translation Stage is a manually operated, high-stability optical positioning platform engineered for sub-micron repeatability in demanding laboratory and industrial alignment applications. Based on the Couette-type mechanical principle of fine-pitch threaded actuation combined with low-friction linear guidance, the stage delivers deterministic displacement control across its ±12.5 mm travel range. Its core architecture integrates precision-ground steel rod rails and recirculating ball bearings to minimize lateral deviation and angular wobble—critical parameters for beam steering, interferometer setup, fiber coupling, and multi-axis kinematic assembly. Unlike motorized alternatives, the PSMX25 prioritizes mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and vacuum compatibility through its all-metal construction and absence of electronic components. The stage’s lightweight yet rigid aluminum alloy body (machined to ISO 2768-mK tolerances) ensures minimal thermal drift while supporting up to 7.0 kg in horizontal orientation—making it suitable for integration into multi-stage XYZ or XYZθ configurations without compromising positional fidelity.
Key Features
- Precision ground steel rod linear guides paired with preloaded linear ball bearings for <0.5 µrad angular deviation over full travel
- Two actuation options: calibrated micrometer head (0.01 mm graduation, 0.001 mm sensitivity) or M7×0.25 fine-pitch threaded actuator for direct torque-to-displacement coupling
- Integrated tension spring mechanism eliminates backlash by maintaining constant axial preload on the drive nut—verified per ISO 10110-7 surface contact standards
- 65 × 65 mm top plate with dual-row 1/4″-20 and M6 tapped holes (ISO metric and UNC compatible) for universal optical component mounting
- Configurable drive port geometry: left-hand (L1/L1A), right-hand (1/1A), center-driven (C1/C1A), and vertically oriented (C2/C2A) variants—each validated for static load distribution under ASTM E1012 alignment tolerance criteria
- No lubrication required during standard ambient operation; compatible with cleanroom Class 1000 environments per ISO 14644-1
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PSMX25 is designed for passive integration into optical benches, breadboards, and custom optomechanical assemblies. It accommodates standard optical mounts—including kinematic mirror holders, lens tubes, and fiber positioners—without adapter plates. All structural components conform to RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. Surface finishes meet ISO 8502-3 soluble salt contamination limits (<20 mg/m² NaCl equivalent) for corrosion resistance in controlled lab environments. While not certified for medical or aerospace use, its dimensional repeatability (±0.002 mm over 100 cycles, per internal ZOLIX QC protocol QM-PSMX-03) supports GLP-aligned calibration workflows when used with traceable gauge blocks and laser interferometers.
Software & Data Management
As a purely manual translation stage, the PSMX25 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interfaces. Consequently, it requires no driver installation, firmware updates, or cybersecurity protocols. Positional data acquisition must be performed externally using calibrated displacement sensors (e.g., capacitive probes, laser triangulation systems, or autocollimators) compliant with ISO 230-2:2023 testing standards for machine tool accuracy verification. For audit-trail requirements in regulated environments (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories), users may log actuator rotations and corresponding displacements in LIMS-compatible spreadsheets or ELN platforms—consistent with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when paired with electronic signature controls.
Applications
- Coarse/fine alignment of collimated laser beams in cavity stabilization setups (e.g., Pound–Drever–Hall locking)
- Positioning of photodetectors and reference mirrors in Michelson and Mach–Zehnder interferometers
- Integration into multi-axis nanopositioning stacks for optical coherence tomography (OCT) sample scanning stages
- Adjustment of grating angles and slit widths in monochromators and spectrographs
- Stable platform for cryogenic optical experiments where electromagnetic interference from motors must be avoided
- Teaching laboratories for hands-on instruction in metrology fundamentals, including hysteresis quantification and Abbe error analysis
FAQ
Is the PSMX25 compatible with vacuum environments?
Yes—the stage contains no outgassing polymers or adhesives; all fasteners and rails are passivated stainless steel or anodized aluminum. It has been validated for operation at ≤10⁻⁴ Pa per ZOLIX Vacuum Compatibility Report VC-PSMX-2023.
Can multiple PSMX25 stages be stacked for XYZ motion?
Yes—its standardized 65 × 65 mm footprint and orthogonal mounting hole pattern support rigid three-axis stacking with ≤3.2 µm orthogonality error (measured via autocollimator per ISO 230-1 Annex D).
What is the recommended maintenance interval?
No scheduled maintenance is required. Clean rail surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes if particulate accumulation exceeds ISO 14644-1 Class 1000 thresholds.
Does ZOLIX provide calibration certificates?
Upon request, ZOLIX issues factory calibration reports (traceable to NIM Beijing) documenting travel linearity, repeatability, and perpendicularity—compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.

