ZOLIX TSMV13-1A Precision Manual Vertical Translation Stage
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | TSMV13-1A |
| Travel | 13 mm |
| Accuracy | ±0.005 mm |
| Minimum Scale Division | 0.01 mm |
| Resolution | 0.002 mm |
| Platform Dimensions | 44 × 62 mm |
| Load Capacity | 2 kg |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
Overview
The ZOLIX TSMV13-1A Precision Manual Vertical Translation Stage is an engineered mechanical positioning solution designed for high-stability optical alignment and micro-adjustment tasks in research-grade optical laboratories. Built upon a kinematically over-constrained linear guide system incorporating imported high-precision linear ball bearing assemblies, the stage delivers exceptional motion smoothness, minimal wobble, and repeatable vertical displacement with sub-micron resolution capability. Its core function—controlled vertical translation—is realized via a calibrated micrometer drive mechanism featuring a hardened stainless steel spindle and precision-ground brass nut, ensuring consistent torque transmission and tactile feedback during fine adjustment. This architecture eliminates backlash and hysteresis commonly observed in lower-tier manual stages, making the TSMV13-1A suitable for applications demanding positional fidelity under static and quasi-static loading conditions—including laser beam height tuning, objective lens focusing in microscopy setups, and interferometric path-length balancing.
Key Features
- Over-constrained linear guide system using imported high-accuracy linear ball bearings for enhanced rigidity and reduced yaw/pitch deviation during vertical travel.
- Micrometer-driven actuation with engraved scale (0.01 mm minimum division) and vernier-assisted readout, enabling direct visual quantification of displacement without external measurement tools.
- High-resolution positional control down to 0.002 mm per incremental turn, supported by optimized gear ratio and low-friction interface design.
- Extended slot-style platform (44 × 62 mm) compatible with standard Ø12 mm posts (e.g., PHSP12 series), facilitating rapid integration into modular optical breadboard or cage system configurations.
- Stainless steel and anodized aluminum construction ensures dimensional stability across ambient temperature fluctuations and long-term resistance to oxidation and wear.
- Compact form factor (0.6 kg mass) minimizes inertial loading on supporting optical tables or vibration isolation platforms while maintaining 2 kg static load capacity.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TSMV13-1A is not a sample-analysis instrument; rather, it serves as a foundational mechanical component within optical alignment workflows. It is routinely deployed in setups compliant with ISO 10110 (optical element surface specification), ISO 9022 (environmental testing of optical instruments), and ANSI Z80.10 (ophthalmic optics testing standards). Its mechanical repeatability and thermal stability support GLP-aligned experimental protocols where stage position must be documented and traceable. While no electrical safety certification applies (as it is fully passive), its materials and finish meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements for restricted hazardous substances.
Software & Data Management
As a purely manual, non-motorized translation stage, the TSMV13-1A does not incorporate embedded electronics, sensors, or firmware. Position data is recorded manually via operator-read micrometer values and logged in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. For traceability in regulated environments (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs), users may assign unique asset IDs and maintain calibration logs documenting periodic verification against certified gauge blocks (e.g., NIST-traceable 0.001 mm step gauges). No software driver, API, or connectivity protocol is associated with this device.
Applications
- Fine vertical alignment of laser diodes, collimators, and fiber couplers in free-space optical interconnects.
- Height adjustment of microscope objectives or sample stages in confocal and Raman spectroscopy systems.
- Dynamic nulling of optical path differences in Michelson and Mach–Zehnder interferometers.
- Positioning of photodetectors, apertures, and neutral density filters in spectrophotometric calibration rigs.
- Integration into multi-axis optomechanical assemblies requiring orthogonal, decoupled motion axes (e.g., XYZ stacks using complementary TSM-series stages).
- Teaching laboratories for hands-on instruction in precision mechanics, metrology fundamentals, and error analysis in manual positioning systems.
FAQ
Is the TSMV13-1A compatible with metric and imperial optical rails or breadboards?
Yes — the base plate features M4 threaded holes on standard 25 mm and 50 mm pitch patterns, enabling secure mounting to both metric optical tables (e.g., Thorlabs, Newport) and legacy imperial systems using adapter plates.
Can this stage be used in vacuum environments?
It is not vacuum-rated out-of-the-box due to lubricant composition and absence of vacuum-compatible surface treatments; however, custom variants with dry-film lubricants and vacuum-baked assembly are available upon OEM request.
What is the recommended recalibration interval for the micrometer scale?
For critical metrology applications, verify scale accuracy annually using certified slip gauges; for general lab use, functional verification before each experimental session is sufficient.
Does ZOLIX provide calibration certificates with purchase?
Factory calibration reports (including travel linearity and repeatability test data) are provided as standard; NIST-traceable certificates require optional third-party certification at time of order.
Can multiple TSMV13-1A stages be stacked vertically?
Mechanically feasible with appropriate spacers and locking hardware, though cumulative angular error and load derating must be calculated per ISO 230-2 Annex B guidelines for stacked positioning systems.

