Motorized Stages &Motion Control
Zolix motorized stages deliver sub-micron repeatability across linear, vertical, rotation, goniometer, and hexapod platforms. K-Grade ball screws, closed-loop linear encoders, and LabVIEW/Python SDKs for fully automated research and industrial systems.
Try the Stage Selector — Find Your Stage
Linear Repeatability
±0.5 to ±3 µm
±0.5 µm on cross-roller closed-loop
Drive Mechanism
K-Grade Ball Screw
Minimal backlash, high speed
Stage Platforms
7 Categories
Linear · Vertical · Rotation · Gonio · XY · Hexapod
Software Support
LabVIEW / Python
Complete SDKs & VIs
Interactive Configurator
Motorized Stage & Controller Configurator
Need customized travel, specific encoders/grating rulers, coordinated multi-axis controllers, or custom driver combinations? Select your specs below to configure your model. We will follow up regarding STEP files and technical details.
LAK: Flagship compact submicron stage (0.05 µm step)
LAK20-60 Motorized Linear Stage
Identified Model Reference
LAK20-60
Specifications
- High-precision compact aluminum alloy body
- Travel: 20 mm
- Table size: 60 × 60 mm
- Guide: Linear slider guides
- Screw Pitch: 1.0 mm (Φ6×1 ball screw)
- Max Load: 8 kg (Horizontal) / 3 kg (Vertical)
- Repeatability: ±1 µm
- Resolution: 2 µm (step) / 1 µm (half-step)
- Motor: Standard 5-phase stepper
Why choose this
Sub-micron resolution in a low-profile crossed-roller body — pick it for the best accuracy/repeatability in a compact footprint.
We will match this configuration with Zolix Instruments motorized products and provide relevant STEP files and technical solution.
Zolix LAK20-60 Motorized Linear Stage Specs
Physical Specifications
| Travel Range | 20 mm |
| Platform Size | 60 × 60 mm |
| Guideway Type | Linear slider guides |
| Transmission mechanism | C3 Ball screw, Φ6×1 (1 mm pitch) |
| Main Material | Black Anodized Aluminum Alloy |
| Weight | 0.58 kg |
Performance & Accuracy
| Repeatability | ≤ ±1 µm |
| Backlash | ≤ 1 µm |
| Resolution (Half-step) | 1 µm |
| Min. Incremental Motion | ≤ 1 µm |
| Highest Speed | 20 mm/s |
| Pitch / Yaw | ≤ 30" / ≤ 25" |
Drive & Sensors
| Motor Model | Oriental Motor PKP523N12B-L |
| Working Current | 1.2 A |
| Holding Torque | 52.5 N.m |
| Sensors | 2× Limit, 1× Origin (NPN open collector) |
| Sensor Model | OMRON EE-SX4320 |
| Load Capacity (Horiz/Vert) | 8 kg / 3 kg |
💡 High-rigidity design conforming to ISO precision standards. Contact Precisometer for 2D/3D CAD models.
Before you specify
Specifying a motorized stage
Travel and load narrow the list quickly. What separates two stages with the same travel and the same payload is the guide, the screw and which error number you were reading.
Resolution, repeatability and accuracy are three different numbers
This is where most specifications go wrong. Resolution is the smallest commanded step; repeatability is how close the stage gets returning to the same point; accuracy is how close it gets to the point you actually asked for. They are not interchangeable, and the gap between them is large — a stage in this range quoting 0.05 µm resolution is typically ±1 µm repeatable, a factor of twenty. Across the range here, repeatability spans roughly ±0.5 µm to ±3 µm. Specify against repeatability unless you are closing an external loop on the measurement itself.
The guide, not the screw, decides what happens off-axis
Four guide types appear across this range and they behave differently under a load that is not centred. Cross-roller guides give the highest moment stiffness and the tightest repeatability, which is what a cantilevered optic or an overhung fixture needs. Linear ball guides carry more payload. Slide guides are the economical choice for a centred, modest load. Square guides take the heavy work. If your load hangs off to one side, the guide type matters more than any figure in the screw column.
Screw pitch trades speed against resolution
Pitches of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mm per revolution appear across the linear stages. A finer pitch turns the same motor step into a smaller displacement, so resolution improves and top speed falls; a coarser pitch does the reverse. Long-travel stages default to coarse pitches for that reason. Decide which end of that trade the application actually needs before choosing a travel — the two are coupled.
Stacking axes: the bottom stage carries everything above it
In an XY or XYZ stack the lower axis sees the mass of every stage above it plus the payload, usually as a moment rather than a centred load. Angular error also compounds: a small pitch or yaw in the bottom stage becomes a lateral position error at the sample, growing with the distance between the guide and the point you care about. That is Abbe error, and it is often larger than the repeatability figure you selected on. The Abbe error guide works the arithmetic through with a calculator. If a stack is unavoidable, put the stiffest, most repeatable axis at the bottom.
What the controller has to do
Count the axes before choosing electronics, including the ones you will add later. Multi-axis work needs coordinated motion rather than a stack of independent single-axis drivers, and anything that runs unattended needs an API rather than a front panel — LabVIEW and Python SDKs are supplied, so the stage can be sequenced from the same script that runs the measurement.
Linear stages: travel, load and guide type
Precision-ground aluminum or steel bodies, recirculating linear ball guides, and K-grade ball screws for friction-free travel from 25 mm to 600 mm. Open-loop or closed-loop with integrated grating rulers.
When you need submicron repeatability
LAK stages are the flagship compact linear platform — low-profile aluminum body with crossed-roller guide and K-grade ball screw. Optional closed-loop linear grating ruler for sub-micron repeatability. Sizes from LAK25 to LAK100 (25–100 mm travel).
| Model | Travel | Lead Screw Pitch | Max Load | Resolution | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAK25-T3 | 25 mm | 1.0 mm | 5 kg | 0.05 µm | |
| LAK50-T3 | 50 mm | 1.0 mm | 10 kg | 0.05 µm | |
| LAK100-T3 | 100 mm | 2.0 mm | 10 kg | 0.1 µm |
Carrying heavy loads over long travel
KA closed-loop stages pair a precision K-grade ball screw with an integrated linear grating ruler for sub-micron feedback over long travel ranges (50–600 mm). Heavy steel body supports loads up to 50 kg. The CXP/CXPF series add crossed roller guides for higher moment stiffness.
| Model | Travel | Guide Type | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KA50-M | 50 mm | Linear ball guide | 30 kg | ±1 µm | |
| KA100-M | 100 mm | Linear ball guide | 30 kg | ±1 µm | |
| KA300-M | 300 mm | Linear ball guide | 50 kg | ±2 µm | |
| CXP100-M | 100 mm | Cross-roller | 20 kg | ±0.5 µm |
Where micron-class positioning is enough
PA series stages offer standard-precision linear translation cost-effectively. Using black anodized aluminum alloy bodies, recirculating linear guides, and K-grade ball screws. Designed for general laboratory and research setups.
| Model | Travel | Lead Screw Pitch | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA50-M | 50 mm | 2.0 mm | 15 kg | ±3 µm | |
| PA100-M | 100 mm | 2.0 mm | 20 kg | ±3 µm | |
| PA300-M | 300 mm | 4.0 mm | 20 kg | ±3 µm | |
| PA500-M | 500 mm | 4.0 mm | 30 kg | ±3 µm |
Fitting an axis into a machine
LA series stages are engineered for industrial environments requiring high reliability in space-constrained footprints. With a compact 60 mm width body, they offer high repeatability (±1.5 µm) and rigid linear guide systems.
| Model | Travel | Guide Type | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA50-60 | 50 mm | Linear slide guide | 5 kg | ±1.5 µm | |
| LA100-60 | 100 mm | Linear slide guide | 5 kg | ±1.5 µm | |
| LA150-60 | 150 mm | Linear slide guide | 8 kg | ±1.5 µm |
Heavy loads and low-profile envelopes
TSAxx-B stages utilize a heavy-duty square guide rail for superior payload and moment stiffness, ideal for cantilevered loads. TSAxx-C stages offer a slim, low-profile footprint, perfect for height-critical stacked multi-axis configurations.
| Model | Travel | Guide Type | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSA50-B | 50 mm | Square guide rail (heavy load) | 30 kg | ±2 µm | |
| TSA100-B | 100 mm | Square guide rail (heavy load) | 40 kg | ±2 µm | |
| TSA200-B | 200 mm | Square guide rail (heavy load) | 40 kg | ±2 µm | |
| TSA100-C | 100 mm | Slim linear guide (low profile) | 15 kg | ±2 µm | |
| TSA200-C | 200 mm | Slim linear guide (low profile) | 15 kg | ±2 µm |
Lifting against gravity without backdriving
Wobble-free vertical translation for heavy instruments. Zolix CZF and TBZF series employ K-grade ball screws and linear slide guides for stable, loaded vertical motion without tilting or twist.
Standard vertical elevation
CZF series provides compact vertical translation with cross-roller guide and K-grade ball screw — ideal for raising cameras, spectrometers, or laser optics. The larger TBZF series adds a worm-gear drive for higher loads and self-locking at rest. Limit switches standard on all models.
| Model | Vertical Travel | Drive | Max Load | Resolution | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZF25-M | 25 mm | Ball screw | 5 kg | 0.1 µm | |
| CZF50-M | 50 mm | Ball screw | 8 kg | 0.1 µm | |
| CZF100-M | 100 mm | Ball screw | 10 kg | 0.2 µm | |
| TBZF50-M | 50 mm | Worm gear + ball screw | 30 kg | 0.5 µm |
Wedge drives for stiffness in Z
CXZ series stages feature a unique mechanical wedge design that converts horizontal motion into vertical elevation, offering exceptionally high stiffness and load capacity in a low-profile package. With a travel range of 10 mm and high repeatability of ±0.5 µm, it is ideal for precision micro-focusing and optical alignment setups.
| Model | Vertical Travel | Drive Type | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CXZ10-120 | 10 mm | Precision wedge design | 15 kg | ±0.5 µm |
Long vertical travel
PSAV vertical stages are built for applications requiring long-range vertical motion with outstanding stability. Employing a heavy-duty ball screw and dual linear guide rails, they offer vertical travel ranges of 50 mm to 400 mm while preventing platform tilting or twisting under offset loads of up to 20 kg.
| Model | Vertical Travel | Guide Type | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSAV100-240ZF | 100 mm | Dual linear guides | 20 kg | ±2 µm | |
| PSAV200-240ZF | 200 mm | Dual linear guides | 20 kg | ±2 µm |
Closed-loop Z on a budget
These translation stages provide robust vertical positioning. The **KA-Z series** features a rigid steel body and an integrated linear grating ruler for closed-loop sub-micron feedback in high-precision research. The **PA-Z series** is a cost-effective alternative utilizing an anodized aluminum body and a standard K-grade ball screw, ideal for budget-conscious general-purpose applications. Both support a travel range from 50 mm to 500 mm.
| Model | Vertical Travel | Type / Guide | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KA100-Z | 100 mm | Closed-loop, Steel body | 15 kg | ±1 µm | |
| PA100-Z | 100 mm | Open-loop, Aluminum | 10 kg | ±3 µm |
Rotation: resolution, wobble and centring
Continuous 360° worm-gear rotation stages with centre aperture for beam pass-through. K-grade worm drive, optional closed-loop encoder feedback, and multi-axis stacking support.
Precision rotation with low wobble
TBRU high-precision closed-loop stages include an integrated angular encoder for arc-second repeatability. TBR series offers open-loop worm-gear drives for cost-sensitive applications. Centre bore apertures (Ø25–Ø100 mm) allow coaxial beam or fibre pass-through. TBRF adds a large flange for heavy payload mounting.
| Model | Aperture | Gear Ratio | Repeatability | Max Load | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBRU60-M | Ø25 mm | 180:1 | ±4″ | 5 kg | |
| TBRU100-M | Ø50 mm | 180:1 | ±4″ | 10 kg | |
| TBR100-M | Ø40 mm | 90:1 | ±30″ | 8 kg | |
| TBRF150-M | Ø60 mm | 180:1 | ±6″ | 20 kg |
Fine angular steps over a limited arc
SIN series stages are engineered specifically for high-sensitivity, sub-arc-second fine pointing adjustment over a limited travel range of ±12°. Driven by a high-precision tangent sinusoidal arm mechanism, they eliminate worm-gear backlash, making them perfect for precise crystal orientation, laser tuning, and fine optical alignment. Includes a Ø20 mm clear centre aperture.
| Model | Travel Range | Aperture | Max Load | Repeatability | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIN12-60 | ±12° | Ø20 mm | 5 kg | ±5″ |
Tilting about a point above the plate
Arc-centred angular tilt stages for crystal diffraction, X-ray, and beam angle adjustment. K-grade ball screw and curved cross-roller guide maintain a fixed pivot point throughout the full tilt range.
Arc-centre goniometers for sample tilt
GONX goniometers use a curved cross-roller guide to keep the arc centre fixed as the platform tilts. Ideal for X-ray crystallography, fibre alignment, and angle-resolved spectroscopy. TBG series stacks two GONX stages for XY tilt. PSAG adds a precision rotation on top for full orientation control.
| Model | Tilt Range | Arc Radius | Resolution | Max Load | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GONX60-M | ±15° | 60 mm | 0.001° | 5 kg | |
| GONX100-M | ±15° | 100 mm | 0.001° | 8 kg | |
| TBG60-M | ±15° × ±15° | 60 mm | 0.001° | 3 kg | |
| PSAG-M | ±15° tilt + 360° rot. | 100 mm | 0.001° | 5 kg |
Multi-axis alignment without a stack
Compact integrated XY and XYZ translation platforms for fibre coupling, laser alignment, and sample positioning. Monolithic body eliminates inter-axis angular error common in stacked single-axis stages.
Integrated XY and XYZ platforms
XY stages offer integrated 2-axis translation in a compact monolithic body. XYR adds a motorized rotation axis — three degrees of freedom in the footprint of a single stage. XYZ extends to full 3D translation. All models feature cross-roller guides and K-grade ball screws for µm-level positioning.
| Model | Axes | Travel (per axis) | Repeatability | Max Load | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XY25-M | 2 (XY) | 25 mm | ±1 µm | 3 kg | |
| XY50-M | 2 (XY) | 50 mm | ±1 µm | 5 kg | |
| XYR50-M | 3 (XY + Rot.) | 50 mm / 360° | ±1 µm / ±30″ | 3 kg | |
| XYZ25-M | 3 (XYZ) | 25 mm | ±1 µm | 3 kg |
Six degrees of freedom about one pivot
Six-strut parallel kinematic platform offering simultaneous XYZ translation and tip/tilt/rotation. A single controller moves all six struts in real-time — no stacked axes, no accumulated angular error.
Parallel kinematics: no error stack-up
The HXP hexapod is a six-legged parallel kinematic machine that delivers 6 degrees of freedom — X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz — from a single stiff platform. No stacking error. The virtual pivot point (work frame) is fully programmable, so rotation occurs around the optical axis or sample surface rather than the stage base. Ideal for photonics alignment, telescope secondaries, and antenna positioning.
- XYZ translation ±20 mm, angular range ±15°
- Positioning resolution: 0.1 µm linear / 0.1 µrad angular
- Payload: up to 30 kg
- Programmable virtual pivot point
- Ethernet & RS232 interface with LabVIEW / Python API
Pre-built multi-axis assemblies
Modular, made-to-order assemblies that combine several motorized axes into one integrated system — multi-axis stacks, dual-side-driven supporting frames, and Cardan-joint orientation platforms. Select the closest type and share your requirements; we configure the rest.
Multi-Axis Positioning Systems
Four-axis or more (6+ optional) combined systems for the most flexible fine positioning and alignment in limited space.
- 4 to 6+ combined axes
- High integration, compact
- Optical-path alignment & posture simulation
- Modular, customizable
Supporting-Frame (Gantry) Systems
Dual-X, dual-Z or combined supporting frames with dual-side drive for motion stability and uniform driving force.
- Travel range 50–1200 mm
- Servo or linear-motor drive
- Integrated cable chain
- Dual-side driven for stability
Cardan (Hooke's) Joint Systems
Independent X, Y and Z rotation of the top table, with a center through-hole and slip rings for unlimited rotation.
- Independent X/Y/Z rotation
- Center through-hole + slip rings
- Black-anodized aluminium body
- Stainless fine-ground rotary shaft
Drive electronics, APIs and control interfaces
Zolix controllers pair with all FA-stage series. USB interface, integrated stepper drivers, closed-loop encoder feedback, LabVIEW VIs, Python and C++ SDKs.
USB Full-Function Controller
LABVIEW-based control software. Supports 1–4 axes with 2-phase stepper (S242, S257, S286, S528), 5-phase stepper (S357), AC servo (ASP1/ASP2), and high-current linear motor (LMC10) drivers. Operates axes independently or in coordinated multi-axis moves. Can replace PLC in production-line automation.
- 1–4 axis configurations (TMC-USB-1/2/3/4)
- USB interface, plug-and-play
- Limit switch & home sensor inputs
- Emergency stop switch on front panel
DSP High-Performance Controller
32-bit DSP controller for 2–4 axis linear interpolation and 2-axis circular interpolation with closed-loop encoder feedback. Standalone SD-card operation — no PC required. 240×180 LCD display panel. Supports two- and three-phase stepper motors (MC600-2B/4B and MC6003P-2B/4B models).
- 3-axis linear + 2-axis circular interpolation
- Closed-loop grating ruler feedback
- 16-channel I/Os for host/slave control
- Built-in SD card — no PC required for operation
3-Axis Modbus Stepper Controller
The ZC300 is a highly integrated point-to-point controller for 1–3 axes of 2-phase stepper motors. Equipped with built-in microstepping drivers, a Modbus-RTU/ASCII protocol interface, and a front-panel LCD screen. It supports simple programmable standalone routines or direct PC control.
- 1–3 axis independent motion control
- Modbus-RTU / ASCII communication protocol
- Built-in 2-phase stepper drivers
- LCD display for easy setup and monitoring
4 (TMC) / 4 (MC600) / 3 (ZC300)
Max Axes
Up to 256 subdivisions
Microstepping
USB / RS232
Interface
LabVIEW, Python, C++
Software
Consultation & Custom Assemblies
Designing a multi-axis motion system
Our engineers design custom multi-axis assemblies — XYZ gantries, gimbal mounts, rotation + goniometer stacks, hexapod-on-linear-stage — and provide complete cabling and on-site integration in the Netherlands.
Where these are used
Applications for motorised stages
Motorised stages take over where travel, throughput or unattended operation matter more than the last nanometre — millimetres to half a metre of range under software control.
Large-area & tiled imaging
Scan a slide or wafer far wider than one field of view, then stitch. Repeatability between tiles is what decides whether the mosaic aligns.
Raman & photoluminescence mapping
Step-and-acquire across millimetre areas with settling short enough that the stage is not what limits the total map time.
Industrial inspection & metrology
Repeatable indexing between fixed measurement stations, with closed-loop encoders holding position over long production shifts.
Laser materials processing
Coordinated multi-axis motion for cutting, marking, drilling and additive processes where path accuracy sets the edge quality.
Angle-resolved measurement
Goniometers and rotation stages drive reflectance, transmission, ellipsometry and BRDF measurements through controlled angular sweeps.
Six-axis alignment
Hexapods align optical assemblies, detectors and telescope secondaries in all six degrees of freedom around a defined pivot point.
Before you specify
Guides for precision motion
Environment and feedback for stage selection, how a stage behaves inside a mechanical loop, and a system that uses one as a delay line.
Motion controlMotorized linear stage selection
Why load capacity is really a moment specification, why Abbe error usually beats the quoted accuracy, why a rotary encoder on the motor is not position feedback, and when top speed is unreachable by geometry.
Open guide
Precision motionHow to Choose a Precision Positioning Stage: Linear, Piezo, or Cryogenic Piezo?
Match travel, resolution, speed, load, vacuum, temperature, and magnetic field requirements to motorized linear, ambient piezo, or cryogenic piezo positioning architectures.
Open guide
Precision motionSelecting nanopositioners for cryogenic and UHV systems
Translate temperature, pressure, travel, payload, feedback, and motion requirements into a defensible cryogenic-stage shortlist.
Open guide