Translation stage has 25mm travel and 0.1micron resolution

The stage has a travel of 25mm (1 inch) yet, at 60 x 86 x 20mm, it is claimed to be the smallest device of its type with a ball screw drive and optical linear encoder. A direct-drive servo motor delivers a maximum speed of 20mm/s, and the dynamic response is said to be significantly better than can be achieved by alternative stages using a stepper motor drive.

The optical encoder gives a resolution of 0.1micron, resulting in high linearity and repeatability, and the crossed-roller bearings help to ensure accuracy while also delivering a high load carrying capacity. Because a preloaded (backlash-free), precision ground recirculating ball screw is used instead of the usual lead screw, friction is much lower and the stage can be relied upon for a long, maintenance-free life - even with high duty cycles. The M-122 features a space-saving, folded drive train with the servo motor and drive screw side-by-side.

Typical applications for the stage include: metrology, quality assurance testing, micromachining, photonics packaging and fibre positioning.

M-122 stages can be driven with the low-cost, networkable, C-862 Mercury servo motor controller/driver. For multi-axis applications, the C-843 PC board is available, and M-122 stages can be combined to form compact XY or XYZ systems.