ZOLIX SK13(A)-40 Series Stainless Steel High-Precision Manual Translation Stage

Overview

The ZOLIX SK13(A)-40 Series Stainless Steel High-Precision Manual Translation Stage is an engineered solution for sub-micron-level positional control in optical alignment, photonics integration, and vacuum-compatible instrumentation environments. Designed and manufactured in Beijing by ZOLIX (Zhongli Han Guang Instrument Co., Ltd.), this stage employs a monolithic 304 stainless steel body structure—selected for its dimensional stability, non-magnetic properties, and resistance to oxidation and chemical degradation. Its core motion architecture relies on preloaded crossed-roller bearings, which eliminate backlash and minimize elastic hysteresis during translation. The stage operates on the principle of constrained linear displacement via high-precision mechanical actuation, delivering repeatable positioning with sensitivity better than 2 µm and full-stroke straightness under 3 µm—performance metrics validated under ISO 10360-2 compliant test protocols for coordinate measuring systems.

Key Features

• Sub-2 µm sensitivity achieved through proprietary precision grinding of bearing raceways and matched roller sets, ensuring minimal play and consistent tactile feedback.
• 304 stainless steel construction enables compatibility with Class 100 cleanrooms, UHV environments (≤10⁻⁷ Pa), and corrosive ambient conditions—when paired with Fomblin® or similar perfluoropolyether-based vacuum greases.
• Dual-drive configuration support: interchangeable micrometer heads (10 µm graduation, ±0.5 µm repeatability) and fine-pitch M4×0.5 threaded actuators (0.5 µm theoretical pitch resolution).
• Modular mounting interface: standardized 4-40 UNC and M3 threaded holes across top and base plates facilitate integration with ZOLIX KSM kinematic mounts and NFP optical post adapters.
• Three drive-position variants (left-, right-, and center-actuated) plus vertical-mount versions allow for cascaded multi-axis assemblies without custom machining.
• Compact footprint (40 mm × 40 mm top plate, 13 mm travel) supports dense packaging in fiber coupling benches, DPSS laser cavity alignment rigs, and integrated photonic test stations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK13(A)-40 series is designed for use with optical components ranging from single-mode fiber ferrules (Ø2.5 mm) to micro-optical isolators (≤12 mm × 8 mm). Its non-outgassing structural design meets ASTM E595 requirements for total mass loss (TML) < 1.0% and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) < 0.10% when conditioned at 125 °C in vacuum. Surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm) complies with ISO 4287 specifications for machined stainless steel interfaces. The stage conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and carries CE marking for machinery safety (2006/42/EC). It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant optical calibration labs where traceability to NIST-traceable length standards is required.

Software & Data Management

As a purely manual stage, the SK13(A)-40 requires no firmware, drivers, or software dependencies. However, its dimensional consistency and repeatability make it ideal for integration into semi-automated workflows using third-party motion controllers (e.g., Thorlabs KDC101, Newport ESP300) via custom adapter plates. Position logs generated during manual adjustment can be recorded in laboratory notebooks compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements when paired with electronic signature-capable documentation systems. Calibration certificates—including as-measured sensitivity, straightness, and orthogonality data—are available upon request and archived per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.

Applications

• Precision alignment of single-mode fiber arrays in telecom transceiver modules.
• Active/passive alignment of pump diodes and Nd:YVO₄ crystals within DPSS laser cavities.
• Positioning of waveguide grating couplers during photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing.
• Adjustment of objective lens focus in confocal Raman spectroscopy sample stages.
• Mounting platform for beam-steering mirrors in ultrafast amplifier seed injection systems.
• Vacuum-compatible translation element in synchrotron beamline endstations requiring bake-out capability up to 150 °C.

FAQ

Is the SK13(A)-40 stage compatible with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems?

Yes—when assembled with vacuum-rated crossed-roller bearings and lubricated with Fomblin Y LVA 25/6 or equivalent PFPE grease, the stage is rated for continuous operation at pressures down to 1×10⁻⁹ mbar.
Can multiple SK13(A)-40 stages be stacked for XYZ motion?

Yes—standardized hole patterns and low-profile design (≤22 mm height) enable stable orthogonal stacking; recommended maximum stack height is three stages to maintain rigidity and load-bearing integrity.
What is the maximum static load capacity in vertical orientation?

4.5 kg at room temperature; derate by 15% above 60 °C due to thermal expansion mismatch between stainless steel and bearing materials.
Does ZOLIX provide calibration reports with NIST-traceable uncertainty statements?

Yes—certified calibration reports (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) are available as an optional add-on, covering position error, straightness, and sensitivity verification against laser interferometer reference standards.
Are replacement micrometer heads available separately?

Yes—ZOLIX supplies calibrated 0–13 mm micrometer heads with 10 µm scale divisions and ±0.3 µm linearity error, fully interchangeable with original SK13(A)-40 units.