ZOLIX TSAx Series Standard Motorized Translation Stage
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Model | TSAx Series |
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer | ZOLIX (Original Equipment Manufacturer) |
| Travel Range | 50–200 mm |
| Lead Screw Pitch | 4 mm |
| Microstepping Resolution (8×) | 1.25–2.5 µm |
| Max. Speed | 20–40 mm/s |
| Repeatability | <5 µm |
| Stepper Motor | 42 mm frame, 0.9° or 1.8° step angle |
| Rated Current | 1.7 A |
| Central Load Capacity | 15–7 kg |
| Weight | 2.75–3.8 kg |
| Compatibility | Multi-axis Stack Integration, ZOLIX Optical Platforms |
Overview
The ZOLIX TSAx Series Standard Motorized Translation Stage is a precision-engineered linear motion platform designed for integration into optical alignment systems, interferometric setups, spectroscopic instrumentation, and laboratory-scale optomechanical assemblies. Built upon a robust mechanical architecture featuring ground ball screws (4 mm pitch), preloaded linear ball bearing guides, and high-torque 42 mm stepper motors, the TSAx delivers deterministic, repeatable sub-micron positioning performance under controlled load conditions. Its motion principle relies on open-loop stepper motor actuation coupled with microstepping drivers (standard 8× subdivision), enabling effective resolution down to 1.25 µm (TSA50) without closed-loop feedback. The stage is optimized for applications where moderate travel (50–200 mm), high repeatability (<5 µm), and mechanical stability outweigh the need for ultra-high speed or active position verification—making it particularly suitable for static or semi-dynamic optical path adjustments in university labs, R&D centers, and OEM instrument integration.
Key Features
- Precision ground ball screw transmission (4 mm lead) paired with low-hysteresis linear ball bearing rails for minimal backlash and consistent mechanical response.
- Integrated home (zero-position) and dual-end limit photoelectric switches for hardware-level motion boundary enforcement and system safety.
- Rear-mounted manual handwheel enabling precise, gear-reduced fine adjustment without motor power—critical during initial optical alignment or emergency repositioning.
- Standardized M4 and M6 mounting hole patterns compliant with ISO 10303-21 mechanical interface conventions, facilitating direct stacking into XY, XYZ, or goniometric multi-axis configurations.
- Motor selection includes both 0.9° and 1.8° step-angle variants to balance torque output and microstepping granularity across travel lengths.
- Rated continuous central load capacity from 15 kg (TSA50) to 7 kg (TSA200), validated per static deflection testing at mid-span under ISO 230-2 guidelines.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TSAx series is mechanically compatible with standard optical components including mirror mounts (e.g., KM100, PT1), lens holders (e.g., LMR1, SM1-threaded adapters), and fiber launch stages. Its structural rigidity supports payloads up to 15 kg at full extension only when mounted horizontally on rigid baseplates ≥20 mm thick. All stages comply with CE electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. While not certified to ISO 9001 at unit level, ZOLIX maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification for its manufacturing quality management system. No intrinsic explosion-proof or IP-rated enclosure is provided; ambient operating conditions are specified as 15–35 °C, <60% RH non-condensing.
Software & Data Management
The TSAx operates via standard TTL-compatible step/direction signals (5 V logic), supporting seamless integration with common motion controllers (e.g., Thorlabs KDC101, Newport ESP300, or custom FPGA-based drivers). ZOLIX provides ASCII command protocol documentation for serial (RS-232) control and offers optional USB-to-TTL adapter modules. No proprietary GUI is bundled; however, LabVIEW™ VI libraries and Python API examples (pySerial-based) are available upon request for automated script execution. Position logging requires external encoder readout or controller-integrated pulse counting—no onboard memory or audit trail functionality is embedded. For GLP/GMP environments, users must implement external timestamped data capture and electronic signature protocols independently.
Applications
- Coarse/fine alignment of laser cavities, cavity mirrors, and beam steering optics in tunable diode laser systems.
- Positioning of sample holders in confocal microscopy, Raman spectrometers, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) interferometers.
- Integration into multi-axis scanning platforms for optical coherence tomography (OCT) reference arms or spectral domain calibration.
- Modular construction of custom translation stages for vacuum-compatible optical tables (with optional stainless-steel hardware upgrade).
- Teaching laboratories requiring reproducible, maintenance-free linear motion for undergraduate optics experiments (e.g., Michelson interferometry, diffraction grating alignment).
FAQ
Is closed-loop feedback available for the TSAx series?
No. The TSAx is an open-loop stepper-driven stage. Closed-loop operation requires external linear encoders and compatible motion controllers—not supplied by default.
Can the TSAx be used in vertical orientation?
Yes, but only with reduced load capacity (≤50% of horizontal rating) and active anti-backlash compensation in the controller firmware to prevent gravitational slip.
What is the maximum allowable moment load?
Maximum permissible moment load is 0.8 N·m about the Y-axis and 0.5 N·m about the X- or Z-axis—calculated per ISO 230-2 Annex D for cantilevered loading scenarios.
Are replacement parts (e.g., ball screws, bearings) available separately?
Yes. ZOLIX supplies OEM-grade replacement kits for lead screws, linear rail assemblies, and stepper motor units under part numbers referenced in the service manual.
Does the handwheel introduce backlash during manual operation?
No. The handwheel engages directly with the motor shaft via a zero-backlash elastic coupling; manual and motor-driven motion share identical kinematic paths.
