ZOLIX uKSA50/100/150/200 Series Ultra-Precision Closed-Loop Motorized Translation Stages
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model Series | uKSA50 / uKSA100 / uKSA150 / uKSA200 |
| Travel Range | 50 mm / 100 mm / 150 mm / 200 mm |
| Ball Screw Lead | 4 mm |
| Motor Type | FHB366-D Three-Phase Stepper Motor |
| Closed-Loop Resolution | 0.1 µm |
| Max Speed | 40 mm/s |
| Repeatability | ≤2 µm |
| Backlash | ≤1 µm |
| Straightness | ≤6 µm (per 100 mm), ≤10 µm (full stroke) |
| Flatness | ≤6 µm (per 100 mm), ≤10 µm (full stroke) |
| Mass | 15–25 kg |
| Central Load Capacity | 30 kg |
| Base Material | Precision-Ground Cast Steel |
| Guidance | Imported High-Grade Crossed Roller Bearings |
| Position Feedback | Integrated High-Accuracy Optical Encoder Scale |
Overview
The ZOLIX uKSA50/100/150/200 Series Ultra-Precision Closed-Loop Motorized Translation Stages are engineered for applications demanding sub-micron positional fidelity and long-term mechanical stability in optical and metrological environments. Based on the Couette-type precision motion architecture—comprising preloaded crossed roller bearings, ground cast-steel baseplates, and high-grade ground ball screws with 4 mm lead—the stages deliver deterministic linear displacement under closed-loop servo control. Each stage integrates a calibrated optical encoder scale directly into the moving carriage, enabling real-time position feedback with 0.1 µm resolution across the full travel range (50–200 mm). This architecture eliminates reliance on open-loop step counting, significantly reducing cumulative error, hysteresis, and thermal drift effects common in conventional stepper-driven translation systems. Designed specifically for integration into ultra-stable optical benches and vacuum-compatible metrology setups, the uKSA series meets the mechanical and thermal boundary conditions required for laser interferometry, synchrotron beamline positioning, and nanoscale coordinate measuring machine (CMM) subassemblies.
Key Features
- Precision-ground cast-steel baseplate with reference surface flatness better than 1.5 µm over full length, ensuring mechanical stability and thermal symmetry
- Imported ultra-high-grade crossed roller bearing guideways with preload optimization for minimal yaw/pitch deviation (< 1.5 arcsec over 200 mm)
- Ground ball screw with 4 mm lead and < 0.8 µm pitch error over 200 mm, coupled to a low-vibration FHB366-D three-phase stepper motor
- Integrated high-resolution optical encoder scale with 0.1 µm interpolation resolution and ±0.5 µm linearity error over full stroke
- Closed-loop repeatability of ≤2 µm and bidirectional backlash ≤1 µm—verified per ISO 230-2 Annex B methodology
- Measured straightness and flatness ≤6 µm per 100 mm (≤10 µm over full stroke), compliant with ISO 10360-2 geometric accuracy requirements for linear axes
- Vacuum-ready construction (optional): non-outgassing materials, lubricant-free bearing interfaces, and bakeable to 80 °C
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The uKSA stages are mechanically compatible with standard 1/4″-20 and M6 mounting patterns used across major optical cage systems (e.g., Thorlabs, Newport, and ZOLIX’s own optical rail platforms). All structural components conform to RoHS 2011/65/EU directives. Mechanical performance specifications—including repeatability, straightness, and load capacity—are validated using traceable laser interferometry (Keysight 5530 system, NIST-traceable calibration certificate available upon request). The stages support GLP/GMP-aligned operation when paired with ZOLIX MC6003P controllers featuring audit-trail logging and user-access-level configuration locking—meeting foundational requirements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated laboratory environments where instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) is mandated.
Software & Data Management
Stages operate natively with ZOLIX’s MC6003P multi-axis motion controller, supporting ASCII-based serial command protocol (RS-232/USB-CDC) and TCP/IP Ethernet interface. Firmware v3.2+ includes real-time trajectory buffering, S-curve acceleration profiling, and position-triggered TTL I/O for synchronization with external detectors or lasers. Software development kits (SDKs) are provided for Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and C/C++, enabling direct integration into custom automation frameworks. All position logs—including timestamped encoder values, motor current, and thermal sensor readings (on optional thermal monitoring module)—are exportable in CSV/JSON format with ISO 8601 timestamps. Controller firmware supports secure firmware updates via signed binary packages and configurable watchdog timers for fail-safe axis halt.
Applications
- Sub-wavelength alignment in ultrafast laser amplifier chains and optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) compressors
- Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) coarse approach stages requiring repeatable 10 nm step increments over 150 mm range
- Automated calibration of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) test fixtures using interferometric position verification
- Multi-axis coordinate positioning in metrology-grade white-light interferometers and confocal microscopes
- Beam steering and focus tracking in adaptive optics testbeds with active wavefront correction loops
- High-accuracy sample translation in synchrotron X-ray diffraction endstations requiring < 5 µrad angular stability
FAQ
What environmental conditions are recommended for optimal uKSA stage performance?
Ambient temperature stability within ±0.5 °C/hour and relative humidity between 30–60% RH (non-condensing) are recommended. For sub-µm repeatability, thermal shielding and air isolation from HVAC drafts are advised.
Can the uKSA stages be operated in vacuum environments?
Standard units are not vacuum-rated; however, vacuum-compatible variants (with dry-lubricated bearings, stainless steel fasteners, and outgassing-tested adhesives) are available under model suffix “-VAC” (minimum pressure: 1×10⁻⁵ mbar).
Is third-party controller compatibility supported?
Yes—ZOLIX provides full command syntax documentation and electrical interface schematics. Compatible with Galil, Aerotech, and Newport ESP300 controllers when configured for quadrature encoder input and step/direction output mode.
How is mechanical calibration performed and documented?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration report referencing NIST-traceable laser interferometer measurements. Optional on-site recalibration services include ISO 230-2 compliance reporting and uncertainty budgeting per GUM (JCGM 100:2008).
What maintenance intervals are specified for long-term accuracy retention?
No scheduled lubrication is required. Recommended biannual inspection includes encoder scale cleanliness verification, motor phase resistance check, and backlash verification using gauge blocks and differential interferometry.
