Linear Translation Stage Guide

Linear Translation Stage Basics

A linear translation stage is used to precisely position an object along a single axis. Linear stages include a moving platform and stationary base joined by a bearing system. Position is controlled with a precision linear actuator like an adjustment screw, micrometer head, or motorized actuator. For more information on linear translation stage basics, see our Linear Translation Stage Technology Guide.

For fiber optic applications requiring multi-axis alignment, check out our Multi-Axis Stages.

For applications requiring long travel, heavy loads, or high speeds we recommend our Motorized Linear Stages.

Select Your Travel Requirements

< 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)

0.5 in. (12.7 mm)

1.0 in. (25.4 mm)

> 1.0 in. (25.4 mm)

Select Your Axes of Travel

Another starting point for linear stage selection is the number of axes required. For a single axis of horizontal linear travel choose the X configuration. Most X type stages are modular and can also be configured for multi-axis travel by stacking additional stages. We also offer linear translation stages preconfigured for XY, XZ, and XYZ multi-axis travel. For pure vertical travel applications choose the Z configuration or try one of our Vertical Positioners.

X

XY

XYZ

Z

Popular Stainless Steel and Steel Translation Stage Families

Stainless Steel construction is preferred for applications requiring high stability and rigidity. A selection of our popular product families is shown below. Vacuum compatible versions are also available.

Series	Bearing Type	Centered Normal Load Capacity (N)	Vertical Axial Load Capacity (N)	Travel Range (mm)	Platform Size (mm x mm)	Angular Deviation
562	Crossed-Roller	156		12.7	63 x 95.3	<100 µrad
462	Crossed-Roller	191	67	25	63.5 x 63.5
461	Crossed-Roller	89	36	13	37.6 x 37.6
9067 9067-V	Crossed-Roller	222	80	25.4	63.5 x 63.5	<150 µrad
9066 9066-V	Crossed-Roller	111	44.5	12.7	36.8 x 36.8	<150 µrad
9063	Gothic-Arch Ball Bearing	173	35	25.4	65 x 65	Pitch: <15 arc sec Roll: <10 arc sec Yaw: <20 arc sec
9062	Gothic-Arch Ball Bearing	84	26	12.7	40 x 40
9061	Gothic-Arch Ball Bearing	26	8	6.5	25 x 25
UMR3	Double-Row Ball Bearing	600	40	5	29 x 38.5	<100 µrad
UMR5 UMR5-A	Double-Row Ball Bearing	600	40	5 16 25	50 x 58 50 x 58 50 x 68	<200 µrad
UMR8 UMR8-A	Double-Row Ball Bearing	900	100	4 25 51	80 x 92 80 x 92 80 x 118
UMR12 UMR12-A	Single-Row Ball Bearing	400	450	40 63 80	120 x 142.5 120 x 166.5 120 x 210.5
SDS65	Single-Row Ball Bearing	160	40	25	65 x 65	Pitch: <15 arc sec Yaw: <20 arc sec
SDS40	Single-Row Ball Bearing	60	30	16	40 x 40
SDS25	Single-Row Ball Bearing	40	10	10	25 x 25
M-MR1.4	Guide Rods	4.4		4	20 x 23	<5 mrad

Popular Aluminum Translation Stage Families

Anodized Aluminum construction is a lower cost and lighter weight option for applications not requiring the stability and rigidity of Stainless Steel. A selection of our popular Aluminum translation stage families is shown below.

Description	Features
Extended Platform, Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages	Oversized platform with center aperture for large mounting area Crossed-roller bearings for smooth, sensitive translation of large loads Compatible with manual and motorized actuators Reconfigurable for left- or right-hand applications	Extended Platform, Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages
Extended Range, Ball Bearing Stages	Ball-bearings provide smooth lockable translation over extra long travel ranges Right-hand/Left-hand configurable and stackable to fit any basic translation need Can be used with both manual and motorized actuators M6 or 1/4-20 tapped mounting holes	Extended Range, Ball Bearing Stages
Large Platform, XY, Ball Bearing Stages	Integrated, orthogonal translation provides minimal profile for XY travel Large working area provides XY translation for multiple components Linear shaft-bushing with recirculating ball bearings for smooth travel with <200 µrad deviation Compatible with Newport manual and motorized actuators	Large Platform, XY, Ball Bearing Stages
Quick-Mount, Ball Bearing Stages	Stages mounted with side tabs for easiest integration into optical systems Low profile fits in tightest configurations Ball-bearings provide smooth travel over 0.5 in. with <150 µrad deviation Can be configured with manual or motorized actuators and for left-handed use	Quick-Mount, Ball Bearing Stages
Modular, Peg-Joining Ball Bearing Stages	Patented peg design offers additional means of assembly and mounting Remove and replace with excellent repeatability Ball-bearings provide smooth travel with <150 µrad deviation Stackable for low profile, multi-axis positioning	Modular, Peg-Joining Ball Bearing Stages
Rail Mount Ball Bearing Stages	Effortless mounting and stacking with unique modular rail mounting Over 1.1 in (28 mm) linear travel for each axes for overlapping of table mounting holes Rails included and provide 10X better orthogonality of stages compared to screw mounting Sold in single and multi axis configurations without actuators to accommodate individual requirements	Rail Mount Ball Bearing Stages
Compact Rail Mount Ball Bearing Stages	Ultra compact linear stages with unique modular rail mounting Fastest configurability of single or multi-axis positioning for compact stages Rails included and provide 10X better orthogonality between stages than screw mounting Actuators are not included so that they can be chosen to accommodate individual requirements	Compact Rail Mount Ball Bearing Stages
450A Series Compact Ball Bearing Stage	Compact, stackable design Components mount on either side of the stage All steel construction Ultra-fine, 80-pitch drive screw	450A Series Compact Ball Bearing Stage
General Purpose Ball Bearing Stages	Miniature stackable stages with standard linear ball bearings 80-TPI adjustment screws provide fine position control over each axis < 200 µrad deviation for either 1.0 or 0.5 in travel	General Purpose Ball Bearing Stages
Modular Peg-Joining, Dovetail Stages	Preloaded dovetail slide bearings for smooth motion over 0.5 in. travel Peg-Joining system for fastest adaptability & integration in small footprint Precise, 1 µm position control with hex-driven, 80 TPI screw Locks in place for secure hold over long lifetimes	Modular Peg-Joining, Dovetail Stages
Industrial Dovetail Linear Stages	Dovetail slide bearings for smooth motion over < 0.5 in. travel Compact footprint measuring only 1 in. on each side Precise, 1 µm step control with hex-driven, 80 TPI screw Stage locks in place for secure hold over long lifetimes	Industrial Dovetail Linear Stages
Compact Dovetail Linear Stages	Dovetail slide bearings for smooth motion in compact stage Precise, 1 µm step control with 80 TPI screw and locks for secure hold Center load capacity of 9.6 lbs. and easily combined for multi axis motion A wide range of additional accessories make these widely applicable to optical systems	Compact Dovetail Linear Stages
Fast-Drive Dovetail Linear Stages	Dovetail slide bearings for smooth lockable motion over 1.0 in. travel 20-TPI turn screw for fast positioning and 4 µm step sensitivity. Max centered load capacity of 25 lbs. to move sizeable loads quickly Adjustable from two sides	Fast-Drive Dovetail Linear Stages
Dowel Pin Bearing with Aperture Stages	Low profile Precision 80 TPI adjustment High load/size ratio Zero backlash	Dowel Pin Bearing with Aperture Stages

Series	Bearing Type	Centered Normal Load Capacity (N)	Vertical Axial Load Capacity (N)	Travel Range (mm)	Platform Size¹ (mm x mm)	Angular Deviation
426 426-A	Crossed-Roller	325	67	25	88.9 x 88.9	<150 µrad
436 436-A	Crossed-Roller	556	67	50	88.9 x 152.4	<150 µrad
423	Ball Bearing	156	67	25	76.2 x 76.2	<200 µrad
433	Ball Bearing	191	67	46	76.2 x 101.6
443 443-4	Ball Bearing	258	67	50 102	76.2 x 152.4
401 406	Ball Bearing	450	67	13	139.7 x 139.7
460A	Ball Bearing	67	22	13	60.5 x 88.9	<150 µrad
460P-05 460P	Ball Bearing	67	22	13 25	60.3 x 60.3	<150 µrad
9064	Ball Bearing	88		28	63.5 x 63.6	<2.5 µm²
9065	Ball Bearing	53		14	38.9 x 39.4	<3.0 µm²
411-05S	Ball Bearing	36	22	13	31.7 x 33.3	<200 µrad
422-1S	Ball Bearing	67	44	25	31.7 x 65	<200 µrad
450A	Ball Bearing	45	27	6.35	38.1 x 38.1	<300 µrad
460PD	Dovetail Slide	67	22	12.7	60.3 x 60.3
DS25	Dovetail Slide	45	22	6.35	25 x 25
DS40	Dovetail Slide	67	36	14	40 x 40
DS65	Dovetail Slide	170	86	25.4	65 x 65
MT	Dovetail Slide	43	13.3	9.5	25.4 x 25.4
TSX-1D	Dovetail Slide	111	22	25.4	76.2 x 76.2
MS-125	Guide Rods	2.2		3	14.2 x 26.3	<150 µrad
MS-200	Guide Rods	3.3		5	19.1 x 36.5
MS-500	Guide Rods	3.3		13	19.1 x 44.1

¹Footprint of single axis stage without actuator mount
²Straight line accuracy