ZOLIX TSMV13-2A Precision Manual Vertical Translation Stage

Overview

The ZOLIX TSMV13-2A Precision Manual Vertical Translation Stage is an engineered optical positioning component designed for high-stability vertical displacement in laboratory and industrial optical alignment systems. Based on a robust micrometer-driven mechanical architecture, it employs a precision-ground stainless steel lead screw and brass nut assembly to deliver repeatable, backlash-minimized linear motion along the Z-axis. Unlike its sibling model TSMV13-1A, the TSMV13-2A features an externally mounted micrometer head—positioned orthogonally to the stage body—which provides unobstructed access for manual adjustment and eliminates interference with adjacent optical elements or mounting hardware. This configuration is particularly advantageous in multi-stage optical benches, interferometric setups, and laser cavity alignment where peripheral clearance and ergonomic adjustability are critical.

Key Features

• External micrometer drive mechanism enabling unrestricted manual rotation and tactile feedback during fine Z-axis positioning
• High-resolution micrometer scale with 0.002 mm graduation and vernier-assisted reading capability for sub-micron repeatability
• Stainless steel base and top plate with black anodized aluminum housing for dimensional stability and corrosion resistance
• Low-profile design (height ≈ 32 mm, excluding micrometer knob) optimized for compact optical stacks and multi-axis kinematic platforms
• Integrated M4 threaded holes (4×) on the top plate and M3 holes (4×) on the base for secure integration with standard optical posts, breadboards, and kinematic mounts
• Preloaded anti-backlash mechanism ensuring consistent zero-return behavior after repeated cycling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TSMV13-2A is compatible with standard optical components including mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, fiber couplers, and detector mounts within typical benchtop laser and spectroscopy configurations. Its 44 × 62 mm platform accommodates most Ø25.4 mm and Ø50.8 mm optic carriers, as well as custom PCB- or metal-mounted sensors. The stage complies with ISO 9001 manufacturing quality control protocols and meets mechanical tolerance specifications per ISO 2768-mK (medium tolerance class for machined parts). While not certified for cleanroom use, its non-outgassing construction (no adhesives or lubricants exposed to vacuum-facing surfaces) supports integration into Class 1000–10,000 clean environments when used with appropriate sealing practices. It is not rated for vacuum or high-humidity operation without external environmental mitigation.

Software & Data Management

As a fully manual, non-motorized translation stage, the TSMV13-2A does not incorporate electronic actuation, position feedback, or digital interface capabilities. All positional data must be recorded manually via the micrometer drum scale. However, its deterministic mechanical response and calibrated resolution make it suitable for use in metrology workflows requiring traceable, operator-auditable adjustments—particularly in GLP-compliant calibration labs where electronic drift or firmware dependencies must be excluded from uncertainty budgets. When integrated into larger automated systems, it serves as a stable reference plane for laser interferometer-based verification of motorized Z-stage performance.

Applications

• Laser cavity alignment and mode matching in Ti:sapphire, diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS), and fiber laser systems
• Fine focus adjustment of objective lenses in confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) prototypes
• Vertical positioning of photodetectors, CCD/CMOS sensors, and thermal imaging arrays in spectral response characterization
• Height calibration of probe tips in near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and scanning probe lithography test rigs
• Alignment of waveplates, polarizers, and retarders in polarization-sensitive interferometers and ellipsometers
• Integration into multi-axis goniometers and hexapods where passive, low-creep Z-motion is required for long-term thermal drift compensation

FAQ

Is the TSMV13-2A compatible with vacuum environments?
No—the stage contains standard lubricants and non-vacuum-rated fasteners; it is intended for ambient atmospheric use only.
Can I mount this stage directly onto an optical table with M6 screws?
Yes—the base includes countersunk M4 threaded holes; adapters or custom spacers may be required for M6 table compatibility.
What is the maximum recommended load for sustained static positioning?
2 kg is the specified limit for static loads; dynamic or off-center loads exceeding 1.2 kg may affect repeatability and accelerate wear.
Does ZOLIX provide calibration certificates for individual units?
Calibration certificates are available upon request at additional cost and require factory verification against NIST-traceable gauge blocks.
How does the external micrometer differ mechanically from the TSMV13-1A’s internal design?
The TSMV13-2A uses a right-angle gear-coupled micrometer shaft that transmits torque externally, eliminating the need for internal cavity access and reducing axial play by ~30% compared to the coaxial internal version.