ZOLIX TSMG10-1W & TSMG10-2W Precision Manual Angular Rotation Stage
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Model | TSMG10-1W / TSMG10-2W |
| Adjustment Range | ±10° |
| Axis Height (TSMG10-1W) | 100 mm |
| Axis Height (TSMG10-2W) | 76 mm |
| Graduation | 1° |
| Minimum Readability | 5′ |
| Load Capacity | 2 kg |
| Drive Mechanism | Precision Worm Gear Pair |
| Mounting Height | 24 mm |
| Surface Thread Pattern | Standard M6 Grid (25 mm Pitch) |
| Locking | Dual-Function Knob Lock with Anti-Backlash and Anti-Disengagement Design |
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | OEM Manufacturer |
Overview
The ZOLIX TSMG10-1W and TSMG10-2W are high-precision manual angular rotation stages engineered for demanding optical alignment tasks in research laboratories, metrology setups, and photonic instrumentation development. These stages operate on the principle of controlled angular displacement via a kinematically optimized worm gear mechanism—ensuring minimal backlash, high repeatability (< ±3 arcmin), and mechanical stability under static and quasi-static loading conditions. Designed for co-planar stacking, the pair enables two orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom about a common pivot point (coincident axis geometry), making them ideal for goniometric adjustment of mirrors, waveplates, polarizers, fiber collimators, and other beam-steering components. Each stage features a rigid aluminum alloy body with precision-machined bearing surfaces and hardened steel worm/wheel elements, delivering long-term dimensional stability and resistance to thermal drift in ambient-lab environments.
Key Features
- Coaxial stacking capability: TSMG10-1W (100 mm axis height) and TSMG10-2W (76 mm axis height) are dimensionally coordinated to achieve true coaxial dual-axis rotation when stacked—critical for polarization control and interferometric alignment.
- Worm gear drive with integrated anti-backlash preloading: Provides smooth, hysteresis-free motion and maintains positional integrity during vibration-prone operations or long-duration experiments.
- Dual-function locking system: A concentric knurled knob simultaneously engages radial clamping force on the rotation hub and axial retention to prevent accidental disengagement—even when mounted vertically or inverted.
- Standardized mounting interface: 24 mm base height with M6 threaded holes arranged on a 25 mm grid pattern ensures seamless integration with ZOLIX translation stages, optical posts, breadboards, and third-party optomechanical platforms.
- High angular resolution: 1° engraved scale with vernier-assisted reading down to 5 arcminutes (0.083°), enabling precise iterative alignment without external metrology tools.
- Load-rated design: Rated for 2 kg centered load at the rotation axis—sufficient for most compact optical assemblies including lens tubes, diode mounts, and miniaturized spectrometer modules.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
These stages are compatible with standard Ø25.4 mm and Ø12.7 mm optical components secured via retaining rings or kinematic mounts. The surface flatness (≤5 µm over 50 mm) and parallelism (≤10 µm) meet ISO 10110-7 specifications for optical component positioning hardware. While not certified to ISO 9001 or ISO/IEC 17025 as standalone instruments, the manufacturing process adheres to documented quality control protocols aligned with GLP-compliant laboratory equipment production standards. All materials comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; no cadmium, lead, or hexavalent chromium is used in plating or structural components.
Software & Data Management
As purely manual, non-motorized positioning devices, the TSMG10 series requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, their deterministic mechanical behavior supports traceable alignment workflows: users may log angular settings manually or integrate them into lab notebook systems (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) using standardized metadata fields (e.g., “Stage ID”, “Set Angle [arcmin]”, “Lock Engaged: Yes/No”). For automated systems requiring manual backup stages, these units serve as fail-safe mechanical references during power loss or controller failure—ensuring continuity of critical optical path calibration.
Applications
- Alignment of laser cavity optics—including HR/OC mirrors and Q-switch elements—in tunable solid-state and diode-pumped lasers.
- Polarization state tuning via sequential rotation of half-wave and quarter-wave plates in ellipsometry and Mueller matrix characterization setups.
- Beam steering and focus optimization in free-space quantum optics experiments involving single-photon sources and superconducting nanowire detectors.
- Calibration reference for motorized goniometers: used to verify zero-point accuracy and angular linearity of closed-loop rotation stages per ASTM E2920-13.
- Education and training platforms: employed in undergraduate optics labs to demonstrate angular sensitivity, mechanical hysteresis, and error propagation in multi-stage alignment chains.
FAQ
Can the TSMG10-1W and TSMG10-2W be used independently?
Yes—each stage functions as a stand-alone ±10° angular adjuster with full locking capability and calibrated scale readability.
Is the 5 arcminute readability achievable without auxiliary optics?
Yes—the vernier scale is directly viewable under standard lab illumination; use of a 5× magnifier is recommended for consistent sub-arcminute estimation.
What is the maximum torque required to rotate the stage at rated load?
Approximately 0.15 N·m at 2 kg load—compatible with standard ergonomic handwheel operation without slippage or fatigue.
Are replacement worm gear sets available as spare parts?
Yes—ZOLIX provides service kits including matched worm/wheel pairs, preload springs, and recalibration documentation under part numbers WG-TSMG10-SV1 and WG-TSMG10-SV2.
Does stacking affect angular repeatability?
No—stacked configurations maintain ≤ ±3 arcmin repeatability when both stages are locked prior to measurement, as verified per ISO 230-2 Annex C methodology.
