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

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.

462-X-M

X

462-XY-M

XY

462-XYZ-M

XYZ

462-Z-wMic

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
 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.

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
 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
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
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