Thorlabs Inc.
Visit the Miniature Translation Stages page for pricing and availability information

Miniature Translation Stages

  • 1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel
  • Single-Piece Construction
  • X, XY, XZ, or XYZ Configurations

Stage Dimensions

T12X

X Configuration

M3 x 0.25
Stainless
Steel Adjuster
(5/64" [2 mm] Hex)

T12XZ

XZ Configuration

Breadboard
Mounting Plate
(T12B) Sold Separately

T12B

T12XYZ

XYZ Configuration

Application Idea

T12A1 Adapter Used to Attach an LMR1 Lens Mount to a T12XY Stage

Hide Overview

OVERVIEW

T12 Translation Stages
Travel Range (per Axis) 1/2" (12.7 mm)
Leadscrew Pitch 0.25 mm
Dynamic Horizontal Load (Max) 5 lbs (22 N)
Adjustment 250 µm per Revolution
Straightness 4 µm Over 1/2" Range
Parallelism 3 µm Over 1/2" Range
Static Moment Ratings
Roll 2.2 N•m
Pitch 1.4 N•m
Yaw 1.2 N•m
Ball Bearing-Mechanism
Manual Translation Stages
1/4" (6 mm) Travel
1/2" (13 mm) Travel
1/2" (13 mm) Travel, Miniature
1" (25 mm) Travel
2" (50 mm) Travel

Features

  • 1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel
  • X, XY, XZ, and XYZ Versions
  • 2-56 (M2) Mounting Holes
  • #8 (M4) Counterbored and 8-32 (M4) Tapped Mounting Adapters Available
  • Unibody Construction for Small Form Factor and Long-Term Stability
  • Precision Recirculating Ball Bearing Design

Thorlabs' T12 Miniature Translation Stages consist of a hardened steel linear rail and recirculating ball bearing carriage that together provide precise linear motion and high load capacity. The compact form of this design has been achieved without sacrificing the precision of the translator. The combination of a miniature M3 x 0.25 stainless steel adjuster and phosphorous bronze mating nut provides 250 µm of displacement per revolution of the adjuster screw.

Unlike other linear stages, where multiple-axis stages are created using adapter plates, the T12 translation stages have a unibody construction. For example, the XY stage is constructed by machining the movable carriage of the first axis and the body of the second axis out of one part. This design leads to long-term stability and the most compact form with the perpendicularity of the various axes being fixed and accurate. This approach is used for all the configurations offered.

Four 2-56 (M2) mounting holes are provided on the top surface of these stages. Breadboard mounting is best accomplished using the T12B Breadboard Mounting Plate, sold below. For mounting components to the top of the stage, we offer the T12A1 and T12A2(/M) adapter plates, both of which are sold below. The T12A1 adapter has a counterbored mounting hole for 8-32 or M4 cap screws, while the T12A2(/M) adapter has a tapped mounting hole for 8-32 (M4) cap screws. 


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SMART PACK

T12XYZ SmartPack Packaging
Click to Enlarge

T12XYZ Packaging

Smart Pack

Item #% Weight
Reduction
CO2-Equivalent
Reductiona
T12XYZ 32.66% 0.81 kg
T12XYZ/M 32.66% 2.13 kg
T12X 47.75% 2.00 kg
T12X/M 47.75% 3.56 kg
T12XZ 55.95% 0.61 kg
T12XZ/M 55.95% 0.81 kg

Smart Pack

  • Reduce Weight of Packaging Materials
  • Increase Usage of Recyclable Packing Materials
  • Improve Packing Integrity
  • Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at waste minimization while still maintaining adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing packaging design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials for our customers when possible, this initiative seeks to improve the environmental impact of our product packaging. Products listed above are now shipped in re-engineered packaging that minimizes the weight and the use of non-recyclable materials.b As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered packages with our Smart Pack logo.

  • Travel-based emissions reduction calculations are estimated based on the total weight reduction of packaging materials used for all of 2013’s product sales, traveling 1,000 miles on an airplane, to provide general understanding of the impact of packaging material reduction. Calculations were made using the EPA’s shipping emissions values for different modes of transport.
  • Some Smart Pack products may show a negative weight reduction percentage as the substitution of greener packaging materials, such as the Greenwrap, at times slightly increases the weight of the product packaging.

Hide Manual Linear Stages

MANUAL LINEAR STAGES

Manual Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' manual translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from less than 1/4" (6 mm) to 2" (50 mm) and longer for our long travel, large area platforms. Many of these stages can be ordered in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our Multi-Axis Stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard manual translation stages. In addition to linear translation stages, we offer rotation stages, pitch and yaw platforms, and goniometers. We also offer motorized translation stages that are powered by DC Servo motors, stepper motors, or direct drive technology.

Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages

These linear translation stages feature crossed-roller bearing travel mechanisms for precision motion, high load capacity, and low angular deviation. The LNR Series stages feature all-steel body construction, while the LX, XRN, and XR Series stage bodies are constructed of cast tool and jig aluminum. We also offer several vertical crossed-roller bearing stages (see below).

Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages
Product Family LNR Series
25 mm Stages
LX Series
25 mm Stages
XRN Series
25 mm Stages
XR Series
25 mm Stages
XR Series
50 mm Stages
LNR Series
50.8 mm Stages
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 25 mm (0.98") 25 mm (0.98") 25 mm (0.98") 25 mm (0.98") 50 mm (1.97") 50.8 mm (2")
Drive Type Multiple Micrometer Micrometer Micrometer Micrometer Multiple
Platform Size 2.34" x 2.36"
(59.4 mm x 60.0 mm)
2.56" x 2.56"
(65.0 mm x 65.0 mm)
2.00" x 3.35"
(50.7 mm x 85.0 mm)
2.98" x 4.33"
(75.7 mm x 110.0 mm)
2.98" x 5.51"
(75.7 mm x 140.0 mm)
3.94" x 3.94"
(100.0 mm x 100.0 mm)
Possible Axis
Configurations
X, XZ, XY, XYZ X, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Ball Bearing Stages

These translation stages feature hardened steel linear bearings for precise motion and long life. They are available with a variety of actuators and in single-axis or preassembled multi-axis configurations.

Ball Bearing Stages
Product Family MS Series 1/4" Stages T12 Series 1/2" Stages MT Series 1/2" Stages PT Series 1" Stages LT Series 2" Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 1/4" (6.4 mm) 1/2" (12.7 mm) 1/2" (12.7 mm) 1" (25.4 mm) 2" (50 mm)
Drive Type Multiple Thumbscrew Multiple Multiple Differential Micrometer
Platform Size 1.17" x 1.17"
(29.7 mm x 29.7 mm)
0.76" x 0.81"
(19.3 mm x 20.6 mm)
2.40" x 2.41"
(61.0 mm x 61.2 mm)
3.00" x 4.00"
(76.2 mm x 101.6 mm)
3.75" x 3.75"
(95.3 mm x 95.3 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Dovetail Stages

These compact stages incorporate dovetails and a leadscrew for the translation mechanism. They are suitable in general purpose motion control applications.

Dovetail Stages
Product Family DT Series 1/2" Stages DTS Series 1" Stages
(Vacuum-Compatible Version Available)
DTS Series 2" Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 1/2" (12.7 mm) 1" (25 mm) 2" (50 mm)
Drive Type Thumbscrew Thumbscrew Thumbscrew
Platform Size 1.00" x 1.00" (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm) 2.68" x 2.95" (68.0 mm 75.0 mm) 2.68" x 3.74" (68.0 mm x 95.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZa X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details
  • The DTSA03 anodized angle bracket designed for XYZ configurations may also be used with the DTS25V(/M) vacuum-compatible stages; however, the DTSA03 is not vacuum-compatible.
  • The 1" (25 mm) travel DTS Series features an anodized DTS25(/M) stage and a DTS25V(/M) stage that is vacuum-compatible down to 10-6 Torr.

Flexure Stages

Thorlabs' Nanoflex™ translation stages feature frictionless flexure mechanisms for improved positioning and resolution when compared to similar stages made using bearings. The translation of the stage is accomplished by the elastic deformation (flexing) of a linkage attached to the mounting platform. Most models also include piezo actuators for small position adjustments.

Flexure Stages
Product Family Nanoflex™ 1.5 mm Stage Nanoflex™ 5 mm Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 1.5 mm (0.06") + 25 µm Piezo 5 mm (0.20") 5 mm (0.20") + 20 µm Piezo
Drive Type Thumbscrew and Piezo Actuator Differential Micrometer Differential Micrometer and
Open-Loop Piezo Actuator
Differential Micrometer and
Closed-Loop Piezo Actuator
Platform Size 1.18" x 1.18" (30.0 mm x 30.0 mm) 2.95" x 2.95" (75.0 mm x 75.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Vertical Stages

We offer vertical translation stages with crossed-roller bearings for precise motion as well as long travel vertical stages for heavy-duty applications.

Vertical Stages
Product Family XRN Series 9 mm
Vertical Stage
XR Series 14 mm
Vertical Stage
MVS Series 1/2"
Vertical Stage
MVS Series 1"
Vertical Stage
VAP Series 4"
Vertical Stage
VAP Series 10"
Vertical Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 9.0 mm (0.35") 14.0 mm (0.55") 1/2" (13.0 mm) 1" (25.0 mm) 4" (101.6 mm) 10" (254 mm)
Drive Type Worm-Gear Driven Lift Screw Micrometer Adjuster Knob and Coarse Manual Positioning
Platform Size 2.00" x 2.00"
(50.7 mm x 50.7 mm)
2.98" x 2.98"
(75.7 mm x 75.7 mm)
2.36" x 2.36" (60.0 mm x 60.0 mm) 3.00" x 6.00" (76.2 mm 152.4 mm)
Additional Details

Hide Single-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

Single-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

  • One-Axis Translation
  • 1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel

The T12X model is a one-axis translator. This stage features unibody construction, low drift, and smooth motion over the entire 1/2" travel range.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
T12X/M
Miniature 1/2" Translator, X Configuration, M2 Mounting Holes
$321.92
2 Weeks
T12X
Miniature 1/2" Translator, X Configuration, 2-56 Mounting Holes
$321.92
Today

Hide XY Two-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

XY Two-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

  • Two-Axis Translator
  • XY Configuration
  • 1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel

The T12XY is a compact, two-axis stage built from only three main components. The perpendicularity between the two axes of motion is set by machining the movable carriage of the first axis and the body of the second axis out of one part. This design approach minimizes the overall size of the translator while ensuring the long-term stability and perpendicularity of the two axes of motion.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
T12XY/M
Miniature 1/2" Translator, XY Configuration, M2 Mounting Holes
$642.66
Today
T12XY
Miniature 1/2" Translator, XY Configuration, 2-56 Mounting Holes
$642.66
Today

Hide XZ Two-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

XZ Two-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

  • Two-Axis Translator
  • XZ Configuration
  • 1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel

The T12XZ is a compact, two-axis stage built from only three main components. The perpendicularity between the two axes of motion is set by machining the movable carriage of the first axis and the body of the second axis out of one part. The one-piece construction of the vertical support minimizes the overall size of the translator while ensuring the long-term stability and perpendicularity of the two axes of motion.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
T12XZ/M
Miniature 1/2" Translator, XZ Configuration, M2 Mounting Holes
$661.67
Today
T12XZ
Miniature 1/2" Translator, XZ Configuration, 2-56 Mounting Holes
$661.67
Today

Hide XYZ Three-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

XYZ Three-Axis Miniature Translation Stage, 1/2" Travel

  • Three-Axis Translator
  • XYZ Configuration
  • 1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel

The T12XYZ translator is a compact, three-axis stage built from only four main components. The perpendicularity between the three axes of motion is set by machining the movable carriage of the one axis and the body of the next axis out of one part. This design approach minimizes the overall size of the translator while ensuring the long-term stability and perpendicularity of the two axes of motion.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
T12XYZ/M
Miniature 1/2" Translator, XYZ Configuration, M2 Mounting Holes
$968.16
Today
T12XYZ
Miniature 1/2" Translator, XYZ Configuration, 2-56 Mounting Holes
$968.16
Today

Hide Breadboard Mounting Plate

Breadboard Mounting Plate

  • Mounts to Imperial and Metric T12 Series Stages via #8 (M4) Counterbore
  • 1/4" (M6) Counterbored Slots for Attaching Plate to Imperial or Metric Optical Tables
  • Four Holes for 2 mm Alignment Pins

The T12B is a universal base plate with counterbored slots on either side that enable obstruction-free mounting of our T12 Series Translation Stages onto an optical breadboard. The T12 translation stage is secured to the mounting plate using an 8-32 or M4 cap screw (one of each is included).


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
T12B
Breadboard Mounting Plate for T12 Stages
$32.37
Today

Hide Adapter Mounting Plates

Adapter Mounting Plates


Click to Enlarge

T12A2 Adapter on a T12XY Stage
  • Attach to T12 Stages via four Counterbored #2 (M2) Holes
  • Mount Components with #8 (M4) Counterbore or 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole

These adapter plates attach to a T12 translation stage and provide the ability to mount standard optomechanical components. The adapters are secured to a T12 stage using four counterbored holes for #2 (M2) cap screws. The T12A1 has a counterbore for #8 or M4 cap screws that is ideal for mounting components with a tapped mounting hole. When using this adapter, the screw in the counterbored mounting hole must be installed before the adapter is attached to the translation stage. Alternatively, the T12A2(/M) has a tapped 8-32 (M4) hole for attaching parts with a counterbored hole to a T12 stage. The T12A2 includes four 2-56 cap screws, the T12A2/M includes four M2 cap screws, and the T12A1 includes four 2-56 and four M2 cap screws.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
T12A2/M
Customer Inspired! M4 Tapped Adapter Plate for T12 Stages, Metric
$24.23
Today
T12A1
Customer Inspired! Counterbored Adapter Plate for T12 Stages
$24.23
Today
T12A2
Customer Inspired! 8-32 Tapped Adapter Plate for T12 Stages
$24.23
Today