What exactly is a linear stage? It’s a positioning devices that increases high-precision motion while decreasing runout. More simply, this stage is used to restrict an object to a single axis of motion. The level of precision a linear stage provides is crucial in industrial and scientific operations, from photonics instrumentation to semiconductor manufacturing. Your options when it comes to selecting a linear stage range from more cost-effective products to more complex, high-performance models with air-bearing capabilities.
How Does a Linear Stage Work?
Typically, objects can rotate along any of three axes, giving the object six degrees of freedom: three rotational and three translational. The linear stage restricts five of these axes, allowing the object to move on only one translational axis. When used properly, the linear stage provides a superior finished product quickly and efficiently.
The stage is comprised of a platform and base that are conjoined by a guide or linear bearing. This joining restricts the platform to linear motion. A linear stage also commonly utilizes a stepper motor. A stepper motor is a brushless, synchronous electric motor that can convert digital pulses into mechanical shaft rotations. A lead screw or worm gear drive are often accompany of a stepping motor to further linear motion control. For best results, a step motor can be used in conjunction with a stepping motor driver in microstep mode.
Linear Stages from Griffin Motion
Griffin Motion supplies a wide variety of linear stages, and we can also customize stages to fit our customers’ needs when a stock product won’t do the job. Our selection includes a range of accuracy, repeatability, motors, and drive types. Learn more on our site by viewing each product’s data sheet. Griffin Motion is happy to answer all questions pertaining to our products and offer quotes for our selection. We’re here to be your partner in finding the ideal solutions to your needs.
You can contact Griffin Motion here on our site or by calling us during normal business hours at (866) 906-2709.