100 mm (3.94") Compact Motorized Translation Stage


  • 100 mm (3.94") of Travel in a Low-Profile Package
  • 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) and 4-40 (M3 x 0.5) Tapped Holes
  • Mounting Adapters for Breadboards and Multi-Axis Configurations

MTS100-Z8

100 mm Stage

MTS100B-Z8

XY Mounting Adapter

MTSA1

Accessory Mounting Plate
1/4"-20 and 8-32 Taps

MTS100C-Z8

Right-Angle
Bracket

Application Idea

Three MTS100-Z8 Stages
in XYZ Configuration,
Using an MTS100B-Z8
Adapter Plate and
MTS100C-Z8 Bracket

Related Items


Please Wait
Key Specificationsa
Travel Range 100 mm (3.94")
Speed (Max) 2.4 mm/s
Minimum Incremental Motionb 0.8 µm
Repeatabilityc 15 µm
Backlashd <6 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max) 25 lbs (12 kg)
Vertical Load Capacity (Max) 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Included Actuator Built-In DC Servo Motor
Cable Length 0.5 m (1.6 ft)
Required Controller KDC101
  • Please see the Specs tab for a complete specifications list.
  • The minimum incremental motion that the stage can repeatedly achieve within its standard error.
  • The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
  • When a stage is moved to a position and then returned to its original position, some motion is lost due to the lead screw mechanism. This loss is known as backlash.

Features

  • 100 mm (3.94") Travel Range
  • Carriage Contains One Centered 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tap and Eighteen 4-40 (M3 x 0.5) Taps
  • Low-Profile Package Combines Actuator and Moving Platform
  • DC Servo Motor Actuator
  • Several Mounting Adapters Available
    • Base Plate for Breadboard Mounting
    • Mounting Adapter Plate for Standard Optical Accessories, Provides Seven 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and Six 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tapped Holes
    • XY Mounting Adapter
    • Right-Angle Bracket for Vertical Mounting

Thorlabs' MTS100(/M)-Z8 Motorized Translation Stage provides 100 mm (3.94") of electronically controlled linear travel along a well-defined axis. Each stage is equipped with a 1.50" x 1.50" (37.5 mm x 37.5 mm) tapped hole matrix that includes eighteen 4-40 (M3 x 0.5) taps and a centered 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tap.

The moving platform contains holes for alignment pins that ensure orthogonality when the stage is stacked with other stages or connected to our accessories. Horizontal loads of 25 lbs (12 kg) and vertical loads of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) are supported by the 67.49:1 planetary gear head. A built-in Hall Effect encoder provides a resolution of 29 nm (see the Specs tab for additional details).

The translation mechanism, based upon a dual set of linear rails with continuously recirculating ball bearings, provides smooth, low-friction movement. Built-in limit switches prevent travel outside of the intended range, regardless of the control interface being used.

Mounting Adapters and Stage Combinations
Thorlabs' adapter plates and brackets provide a convenient way to mount the stage on an optical table or breadboard and to allow several stages to be combined in XY, XZ, or XYZ configurations. A multi-hole adapter plate is also available that offers seven 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and six 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped holes, providing more options when mounting standard optical accessories to the top platform. Our 25 mm (0.98") MTS25(/M)-Z8 stage or 50 mm (1.97") MTS50(/M)-Z8 stage can be also be combined with the MTS100(/M)-Z8 stage in certain arrangements. All of these options are described in greater detail below.

Controller Options
The KDC101 DC Servo Motor Controller and a 15 V power supply, sold separately below, are required to operate these stages. Alternatively, we offer the KMTS100E(/M) bundle, which includes the MTS100(/M)-Z8 translation stage, the KDC101 DC Servo controller, and a KPS101* power supply at a significant savings over ordering these items separately.

The KDC101 controller provides control for a single axis, with or without a PC. The unit is fully compatible with our Kinesis and XA software packages, which supply out-of-the-box stage control from a PC and enable support for common programming interfaces like LabVIEW and LabWindows. Please see the Kinesis and XA Software tab for more information. A USB cable is included with the KDC101.

*This previous-generation item is not available for individual purchase. If a replacement is needed, the KPS201 Power Supply can be used.

Stage Specifications
Translation
Travel Range 100 mm (3.94")
Repeatabilitya 15 µm
Backlashb <6 µm
Theoretical Min Incremental Movementc 0.03 µm
Min Incremental Movementd 0.8 µm
Accuracy 100 µm
Homing Accuracy ±4.0 µm
Motion Parameters
Speed 2.4 mm/s Max
Acceleration 4.5 mm/s2 Max
Load Capacity
Vertical Load Recommendede: <4.0 kg (<8.8 lbs);
Max: 4.5 kg (10 lbs)
Horizontal Load Recommendede: <10 kg (<22 lbs);
Max: 12 kg (25 lbs)
Straightness
Pitch 1300 µrad
Yaw 1000 µrad
Motor Specifications
Motor Type DC Servo
Motor Drive Voltage 6 VDC
Feedback Hall Effect Encoder
Encoder Resolution 29 nm
Encoder Counts per Lead Screw Revolution 34,555
Planetary Gear Head Ratio 67.49:1
Cable Length 0.5 m (1.6 ft)
General Specifications
Dimensions 8.89" x 1.69" x 0.87"
(225.8 mm x 43.0 mm x 22.0 mm)
Weight 0.43 kg (0.94 lbs)
  • The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
  • When a stage is moved to a position and then returned to its original position, some motion is lost due to the lead screw mechanism. This loss is known as backlash.
  • The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size. This represents 1 encoder count.
  • The minimum incremental motion that the stage can repeatedly achieve within its standard error.
  • Under continuous use.

Encoder Resolution Calculation

For the MTS50-Z8 (MTS50/M-Z8), there are 512 encoder counts per revolution of the motor. The output shaft of the motor goes into a 67.49:1 planetary gear head. This requires the motor to rotate 67.49 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead screw one revolution. The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm.

The linear displacement of the actuator per encoder count is given by

512 x 67.49 = 34,555 encoder counts per revolution of the lead screw,

whereas the linear displacement of the lead screw per encoder count is given by

1.0 mm / 34,555 counts = 2.9 x 10-5 mm (29 nm).

Motor Connector

D-Type Male

DB15 Male

Pin Description Pin Description
1 Ground/Return 9 Reserved for Future Use
2 Forward Limit Switch 10 Vcc
3 Reverse Limit Switch 11 Encoder A
4 Reserved for Future Use 12 Reserved for Future Use
5 Motor - 13 Encoder B
6 Reserved for Future Use 14 Ident
7 Motor + 15 Ident
8 Reserved for Future Use

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.52

XA Version 1.0.0

The Kinesis and XA Software Packages, which include a GUI for control of Thorlabs' motion controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download
Kinesis Software
Figure 789A  Kinesis GUI Screen

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our XA software package and our Kinesis software package, which is being phased out. The Kinesis software supports most of Thorlabs' motion control products. The XA software is an improved platform for developers that currently supports some of our most popular motion control products (see the full list of supported products here). The software is undergoing continuous, intensive development and will eventually add support for our entire line of motion control products. The XA software application will be fully supported through the year 2040.

Kinesis Motion Control Software

The Kinesis software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

By providing a common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.


Click to Enlarge

Figure 789B  XA GUI for KDC101 Brushed DC Servo Controller

The software package allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers out of the box, and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

XA Motion Control Software: Improved Platform for Developers

Designed from the ground up to be straightforward to understand, XA provides a thread-safe and language-paradigm-agnostic set of application programming interfaces in C, C++, and C#/.NET with language wrappers available to allow for easy integration into your native, .NET language, Python, or LabVIEW applications. This enables the same functionality as mentioned for the Kinesis software development kit (SDK) while providing a more steamlined toolkit for developers. Coupled with the included developer guides and code examples in the SDK, this software is tailored toward users interested in creating complex, customized applications and interfaces. Full API documentation is provided for the native C library, and the .NET wrapper documentation is currently under development. Please contact Tech Support for more details on using the .NET wrapper.

XA also features a comparable GUI to Kinesis while adding improvements to the user experience, like the ability to save device states and a more consistent interface across devices of different types. In addition, further improvements are planned as XA will be fully supported through the year 2040, whereas the Kinesis software is being phased out. The current version of the XA software can only drive select Thorlabs motion controllers. However, the software is undergoing continuous, intensive development and will eventually add support for our entire line of motion control products. Information on software compatibility can be found in the XA User Guide, and additional details about the software, including a list of compatible devices, can be found here.


Posted Comments:
No Comments Posted

Motorized Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' motorized linear translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from a stage with 20 µm of piezo translation to our 600 mm direct drive stage. Many of these stages can be assembled 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 motorized translation stages. In addition to motorized linear translation stages, we offer motorized rotation stages and goniometers. We also offer manual translation stages.

Piezo Stages

These stages incorporate piezoelectric elements in a variety of drive mechanisms. ORIC® stages incorporate piezo inertia drives that use "stick-slip" friction properties to obtain extended travel ranges. Our modular, quick-connect XRN25X and XR25X translation stages can be driven by the PIA25 piezo inertia actuator which operates using the same principle. Our Nanoflex™ translation stages use standard piezo chips along with manual actuators. Elliptec® stages use resonant piezo motors to push and pull the moving platform through resonant elliptical motion. Our LPS710E z-axis stage features a mechanically amplified piezo design and includes a matched controller.

Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family ORIC®
PDXZ1 Closed-Loop
4.5 mm Vertical Stage
ORIC®
PD2 Open-Loop
5 mm Stage
ORIC®
PDX2 Closed-Loop
5 mm Stage
ORIC®
PDX4 Closed-Loop
12 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 4.5 mm 5 mm 12 mm
Speed 1 mm/s (Typ.)a 10 mm/s (Typ. Max)b 8 mm/s (Typ.)c 15 mm/s (Typ.)a
Drive Type Piezoelectric Inertia Drive
Possible Axis Configurations Z X, XY, XYZ
Mounting Surface Size 45.0 mm x 42.0 mm 13.0 mm x 13.0 mm 13.0 mm x 23.0 mm
Additional Details
  • Specified at 20 kHz Driving Frequency and in Closed-Loop Mode
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers. For performance when controlled with a KIM001 or KIM101 K-Cube® Controller, see the Specs tab of the PD2 or PD3 stage presentation.
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers.
Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family ORIC®
PD1 Open-Loop
20 mm Stage
ORIC®
PD1D Open-Loop
20 mm Monolithic XY Stage
ORIC®
PDX1 Closed-Loop
20 mm Stage
ORIC®
PD3 Open-Loop
50 mm Stage
Compact Modular XRN25X
25 mm Stage
Modular XR25X
25 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 20 mm 50 mm 25 mm
Speed 3 mm/s (Typ. Max)a 20 mm/s (Typ. Max)b 10 mm/sc ≤3.6 mm/mind ≤3.6 mm/mind
Drive Type Piezoelectric Inertia Drive
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, YZ, XZ, XYZ
Mounting Surface Size 30.0 mm x 30.0 mm 80.0 mm x 30.0 mm 85.0 mm x 50.7 mm 110.0 mm x 75.7 mm
Additional Details
  • Specified using KIM101 K-Cube Controller.
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers.
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers. For performance when controlled with a KIM001 or KIM101 K-Cube Controller, see the Specs tab of the PD2 or PD3 stage presentation.
  • For a given set of settings in Kinesis, while travelling in one direction, each device's step size may vary by up to 20% and is not normally repeatable. Due to the open loop design, component variance, change of direction and application conditions may further increase the scale of the variance.
  • The PIA25 piezo inertia actuator is ideal for set-and-hold applications that require high-resolution relative positioning.
  • For position readouts with 10.0 µm accuracy, we offer the ENCXR25 optical encoder (sold separately).
Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family Nanoflex™
20 µm Stage
with 5 mm Actuator
Nanoflex™
25 µm Stage
with 1.5 mm Actuator
Elliptec® 28 mm Stage Elliptec® 60 mm Stage LPS710E 1.1 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 20 µm + 5 mm Manual 25 µm + 1.5 mm Manual 28.0 mm 60.0 mm 1.1 mm
Speed - 180 mm/s (Max) 90 mm/s (Max) -
Drive Type Piezo with Manual Actuator Resonant Piezoelectric Motor Amplified Piezo
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X Z
Mounting Surface Size 75.0 mm x 75.0 mm 30.0 mm x 30.0 mm 15.0 mm x 15.0 mm 21.0 mm x 21.0 mm
Additional Details

Stepper Motor Stages

These translation stages feature removable or integrated stepper motors and long travel ranges up to 300 mm. Many of these stages either have integrated multi-axis capability (PLSXY) or can be assembled into multi-axis configurations (PLSX, Quick-Connect XRN25X and XR25X, LNR Series, NRT Series, and LTS Series stages). The MLJ150 stage also offers high load capacity vertical translation.

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family MVSN1(/M) 13 mm
Vertical Stage
PLS Series
1" Stages
Compact Modular XRN25X
25 mm Stage
Modular XR25X
25 mm Stage
LNR Series
25 mm Stage
LNR Series
50 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 13 mm 1" (25.4 mm) 25 mm 25 mm 50 mm
Speed 5.0 mm/s 7.0 mm/s (Max) 2.0 mm/s (Max) 2.0 mm/s (Max) 50 mm/s (Max)
Possible Axis Configurations Z X, XY X, XY, YZ, XZ, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size
24.5 mm x 50.0 mm 3" x 3"
(76.2 mm x 76.2 mm)
85.0 mm x 50.7 mm 110.0 mm x 75.7 mm 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm 100.0 mm x 100.0 mm
Additional Details

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family NRT Series
100 mm Stage
NRT Series
150 mm Stage
LTS Series
150 mm Stage
LTS Series
300 mm Stage
MLJ250
50 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 100 mm 150 mm 150 mm 300 mm 50 mm
Max Speed 30 mm/s 50 mm/s 3.0 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ Z
Mounting Surface Size 84.0 mm x 84.0 mm 100.0 mm x 90.0 mm 148.0 mm x 131.0 mm
Additional Details

DC Servo Motor Stages

Thorlabs offers linear translation stages with removable or integrated DC servo motors. These stages feature low profiles and many can be assembled in multi-axis configurations.

DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family MT Series
12 mm Stages
PT Series
25 mm Stages
Compact Modular XNR25X
25 mm Stage
Modular XR25X
25 mm Stage
M30 Series
30 mm Stage
M30 Series
30 mm Monolithic
XY Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 12 mm 25 mm 25 mm 30 mm
Max Speed 2.6 mm/s 2.6 mm/sa 2.4 mm/s
Possible Axis
Configurations
X, XY, XYZ X, XY, YZ, XZ, XYZ X, Z XY, XZ
Mounting
Surface Size
61.0 mm x 61.0 mm 101.6 mm x 76.2 mm 85.0 mm x 50.7 mm 110.0 mm x 75.7 mm 115.0 mm x 115.0 mm
Additional Details
  • At 2.6 mm/s, velocity ripple and distortion of the acceleration/deceleration profile may occur. For improved control, the maximum speed should be limited to 2.3 mm/s.

DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family MTS Series
25 mm Stage
MTS Series
50 mm Stage
MTS Series
100 mm Stage
M150 Series
150 mm XY Stage
KVS30
30 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 25 mm 50 mm 100 mm 150 mm 30 mm
Max Speed 2.4 mm/s X-Axis: 170 mm/s
Y-Axis: 230 mm/s
8.0 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ XY Z
Mounting Surface Size 43.0 mm x 43.0 mm 272.4 mm x 272.4 mm 116.2 mm x 116.2 mm
Additional Details

Direct Drive Stages

These low-profile stages feature integrated brushless DC servo motors for high speed translation with zero backlash. When no power is applied, the platforms of these stages have very little inertia and are virtually free running. Hence these stages may not be suitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when the power is off. We do not recommend mounting these stages vertically.

Direct Drive Stages
Product Family DDS Series
50 mm Stage
DDS Series
100 mm Stage
DDS Series
220 mm Stage
DDS Series
300 mm Stage
DDS Series
600 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 50 mm 100 mm 220 mm 300 mm 600 mm
Max Speed 500 mm/s 300 mm/s 400 mm/s 400 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY X, XY X X
Mounting Surface Size 60 mm x 52 mm 88 mm x 88 mm 120 mm x 120 mm
Additional Details
Back to Top

100 mm (3.94") Low-Profile Motorized Translation Stage

MTS100/M-Z8 Drawing
Click for Details

Figure G1.2  Schematic of Metric Version
MTS100-Z8 Drawing
Click for Details

Figure G1.1  Schematic of Imperial Version
  • Built-In 100 mm (3.94") DC Servo Actuator
  • Includes One 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) and Eighteen 4-40 (M3 x 0.5) Tapped Holes
  • Bundles Available with KDC101 Controller and KPS101* Power Supply

Thorlabs' MTS100(/M)-Z8 Motorized Translation Stage provides linear motion in one dimension. One centered 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped hole and eighteen 4-40 (M3 x 0.5) tapped holes allow small optomechanics to be directly mounted to the moving platform. Based upon a dual set of linear rails with continuously recirculating ball bearings, the translation mechanism provides smooth, low-friction movement.

The stage requires a standalone controller unit and power supply. For this purpose, we recommend our KDC101 K-Cube® DC Servo Motor Controller and Power Supply, which are described in more detail below. For convenience, we offer a stage, KDC101 Motor Controller, and KPS101* power supply in a bundle at a significant savings over purchasing these items individually. The power supply you receive will be compatible with outlets in your region. Please contact Tech Sales prior to ordering if you require a different plug.

The motor cable that is built into the stage is 0.5 m (1.64 ft) long. If more length is required for your application, we recommend our PAA632 Extension Cable, which provides an additional 2.5 m (8.20 ft).

*This previous-generation item is not available for individual purchase. If a replacement is needed, the KPS201 Power Supply can be used.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
MTS100-Z8 Support Documentation
MTS100-Z8NEW!100 mm (3.94") Motorized Translation Stage, 8-32 and 4-40 Taps
$1,527.96
Lead Time
KMTS100E Support Documentation
KMTS100ENEW!100 mm (3.94") Motorized Translation Stage Bundled with Controller and Power Supply, 8-32 and 4-40 Taps
$2,161.40
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
MTS100/M-Z8 Support Documentation
MTS100/M-Z8NEW!100 mm (3.94") Motorized Translation Stage, M4 x 0.7 and M3 x 0.5 Taps
$1,527.96
Today
KMTS100E/M Support Documentation
KMTS100E/MNEW!100 mm (3.94") Motorized Translation Stage Bundled with Controller and Power Supply, M4 x 0.7 and M3 x 0.5 Taps
$2,161.40
Today
Back to Top

Base Plate for Breadboards and Optical Tables

MTS100A-Z8 Base Plate
Click to Enlarge

Figure G2.1  MTS100-Z8 Attached to Breadboard Using MTS100A-Z8 Base Plate
  • Mount an MTS100(/M)-Z8 Stage to a Breadboard or Optical Table
  • Contains Four 1/4" (M6) Counterbored Slots for Imperial and Metric Compatibility
  • Includes All Necessary Mounting Hardware and Alignment Pins for Parallelism

The MTS100A-Z8 Base Plate contains four 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots that allow an attached MTS100(/M)-Z8 to be positioned on a breadboard, as shown in Figure G2.1. The bottom of the translation stage is connected to the base plate using four 4-40 or M3 x 0.5 cap screws. Two alignment pins ensure that the translation axis is parallel to the length of the plate.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MTS100A-Z8 Support Documentation
MTS100A-Z8NEW!Base Plate for MTS100 Series Translation Stages
$144.45
Today
Back to Top

Adapter Plate with 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tapped Holes

MTSA1 ApplicationClick to Enlarge
Figure G3.1  MTSA1 Adapter Plate Attached to MTS100-Z8 Stage with MTS100A-Z8 Base Plate
  • Mount Standard Optical Accessories
  • Features Seven 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and Six 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Mounting Holes
  • Increases Height of Moving World by 7.5 mm
  • Includes All Necessary Mounting Hardware

The MTSA1(/M) adapter plate is secured to the top platform of the MTS100(/M)-Z8 stage using 4-40 screws (included) in each corner. It has an array of seven 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and six 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) mounting holes to offer increased mounting options when used with general-purpose accessories and components. The working height of the stage with an adapter plate is increased by 7.5 mm. The plate is finished in a black, low reflective anodized coating.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
MTSA1 Support Documentation
MTSA1Customer Inspired! Adapter Plate with 1/4"-20 and 8-32 Tapped Holes for MTS Series Linear Stages
$55.62
Lead Time
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
MTSA1/M Support Documentation
MTSA1/MCustomer Inspired! Adapter Plate with M6 x 1.0 and M4 x 0.7 Tapped Holes for MTS Series Linear Stages
$55.62
Today
Back to Top

XY Mounting Adapter

XY ConfigurationClick to Enlarge
Figure G4.1  Two MTS100-Z8 Stages Stacked in an XY Configuration Using an MTS100B-Z8 Adapter
Max Load on Top Stage
Top Stage Max Loada
MTS100(/M)-Z8 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
MTS50(/M)-Z8 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg)
MTS25(/M)-Z8 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
  • Staying at/below this load on the top (Y-axis) stage ensures that the stages meet performance specifications.
  • Stack Two MTS100(/M)-Z8 Stages in an XY Configuration
  • Includes All Necessary Mounting Hardware and Alignment Pins for Orthogonality

The MTS100B-Z8 XY Adapter Plate is designed to orient two MTS100(/M)-Z8 stages orthogonally in the XY plane, as shown in Figure G4.1. Note that due to stage torque over the travel range, the max load on the top stage is reduced to 2.2 lbs (1 kg). This plate may also be used to mount an MTS100(/M)-Z8 stage on top of a 25 mm (0.98") MTS25(/M)-Z8 stage or 50 mm (1.97") MTS50(/M)-Z8 stage.

To begin the assembly process, fasten the plate to the top of the lower stage using four of the provided 4-40 or M3 x 0.5 cap screws. Then insert the provided alignment pins. To complete the assembly, use the remaining 4-40 or M3 cap screws to fasten the plate to the bottom of the upper stage.

Thorlabs' MTS25(/M)-Z8 stage or MTS50(/M)-Z8 stage can also be mounted on top of an MTS100(/M)-Z8 stage in an XY configuration using the MTS25B-Z8 or MTS50B-Z8 adapter plates, respectively. Note that when using an MTS50(/M)-Z8 stage on top, the max load on the top stage is reduced to 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg) due to stage torque over the travel range.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MTS100B-Z8 Support Documentation
MTS100B-Z8NEW!XY Adapter Plate for MTS100 Series Translation Stages
$101.65
Today
Back to Top

Right-Angle Bracket

XYZ Configuration
Click to Enlarge

Figure G5.2  Three MTS100-Z8 Stages in XYZ Configuration with MTS100B-Z8 Adapter and MTS100C-Z8 Right-Angle Bracket
XZ ConfigurationClick to Enlarge
Figure G5.1  Two MTS100-Z8 Stages Stacked in an XZ Configuration Using an MTS100C-Z8 Right-Angle Bracket
  • Vertically Mount an MTS100(/M)-Z8 Translation Stage
  • Designed for XZ or XYZ Configurations
  • Includes All Necessary Mounting Hardware and Alignment Pins for Orthogonality

The MTS100C-Z8 Right-Angle Bracket orients an MTS100(/M)-Z8 stage along the vertical axis. It is needed when configuring multiple MTS100(/M)-Z8 stages into XZ or XYZ arrangements. This bracket may also be used to stack a 25 mm (0.98") MTS25(/M)-Z8 stage or 50 mm (1.97") MTS50(/M)-Z8 stage on top of an MTS100(/M)-Z8 stage.

To create the XZ configuration shown in Figure G5.1, insert two of the provided alignment pins into the horizontal stage. Then fasten the bracket to the top of the horizontal stage using four of the provided 4-40 or M3 cap screws. Next, insert the two remaining alignment pins into the vertical mounting surface. Finally, attach the bracket to the vertical stage with the remaining cap screws.

For the XYZ configuration shown in Figure G5.2, follow the steps in the previous paragraph, but attach the stage and bracket to an existing XY configuration instead.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MTS100C-Z8 Support Documentation
MTS100C-Z8NEW!Right-Angle Bracket For MTS100 Series Translation Stages
$159.43
Today
Back to Top

K-Cube® DC Servo Motor Controller

photo of power supply adaptersClick to Enlarge
Figure 779A  KCH601 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube® Modules
  • Front Panel Velocity Wheel and Digital Display for Controlling Motorized Stages or Actuators
  • Two Bidirectional Trigger Ports to Read or Control External Equipment
  • Interfaces with Computer Using Included USB Cable
  • Fully Compatible with Kinesis and XA Software Packages
  • Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.42" x 2.42" x 1.94")
  • Power Supply Not Included (See Below)

Thorlabs' KDC101 K-Cube® Brushed DC Motor Controller provides local and computerized control of a single motor axis. It features a top-mounted control panel with a velocity wheel that supports four-speed bidirectional control with forward and reverse jogging as well as position presets. A backlit digital display is also included that can have the backlit dimmed or turned off using the top-panel menu options. The front of the unit contains two bidirectional trigger ports that can be used to read a 5 V external logic signal or output a 5 V logic signal to control external equipment. Each port can be independently configured.

The KDC101 is fully compatible with our Kinesis and XA software packages, but not all motion control devices are supported by XA at this time. A full list of devices supported by XA can be found here. Please see the Kinesis and XA Software tab for more information.

Please note that this controller does not ship with a power supply. Compatible power supplies are listed below. Additional information can be found on the main KDC101 DC Servo Motor Controller page.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KDC101 Support Documentation
KDC101K-Cube Brushed DC Servo Motor Controller (Power Supply Not Included)
$826.75
Lead Time
Back to Top

Compatible Power Supplies

photo of power supply adapters
Click for Details

Figure 780B  Each KPS201 power supply includes one region-specific adapter, which can be selected upon checkout.
photo of power supply options
Click to Enlarge

Figure 780A  The KPS201 Power Supply Unit
  • Individual Power Supply
    • KPS201: For K-Cubes® or T-Cubes™ with 3.5 mm Jacks
  • USB Controller Hubs Provide Power and Communications
    • KCH301: For Up to Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
    • KCH601: For Up to Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes

The KPS201 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.66 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The hub draws a maximum current of 10 A; please verify that the cubes being used do not require a total current of more than 10 A. In addition, the hub provides USB connectivity to any docked K-Cube or T-Cube through a single USB connection.

For more information on the USB Controller Hubs, see the full web presentation.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KPS201 Support Documentation
KPS20115 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$43.15
Lead Time
KCH301 Support Documentation
KCH301USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$640.53
Lead Time
KCH601 Support Documentation
KCH601USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$775.24
Today
Back to Top

Motor Extension Cable

The PAA632 Extension Cable provides an additional 2.5 m (8.20 ft) of cable length for the 15-pin D-type connectors used throughout our motorized actuator selection. The male end connects to the controller, while the female end connects to the motor.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PAA632 Support Documentation
PAA632DC Servo Motor Cable for Z9 Motors, DE15 Male to DE15 Female, 2.5 m
$70.55
Today