Long-Travel Vertical Translation Stages

Stages with 4" (101.6 mm) or 10" (254 mm) Travel
Recommended Load Capacity of 50 lbs (23 kg)
Dynamically Damped Post Construction
Quick-Release Feature for Coarse Adjustment

VAP4

4" Travel

Quick-Release Button

VAP10

10" Travel

Locking Handle

VAP4

Back View

Locking Pin and Chain

Please Wait

Overview
Feedback
Manual Linear Stages

Specifications
Item #	VAP4(/M)	VAP10(/M)
Travel Range	4" (101.6 mm)	10" (254 mm)
Adjustment per Revolution	0.05" (1.27 mm)
Load Capacity	50 lbs (23 kg)
Maximum Moment^a	150 in-lbs (16.9 N•m)
Stability^b	≤15 µrad Drift Over 6 Hours
Linearity	>90%
Weight	8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)	11.0 lbs (5.0 kg)

With Respect to the Mounting Plate
Measured with No Load and the Mounting Plate Locked in Position

Features

4" (101.6 mm) or 10" (254 mm) of Vertical Travel
Maximum Moment of 150 in-lbs (16.9 N•m)
Quick-Release Button for Coarse Positioning
Quick-Release Locking Pin
C15QR Handles to Lock Stage Position

Thorlabs' Long Travel Vertical Translation Stages have been developed to accurately position optomechanical systems with moments as high as 150 in-lbs (16.9 N•m) at a recommended load of 50 lbs (23 kg). These stages are constructed using dynamically damped Ø1.5" posts to minimize mechanical vibration and ringing, making them ideal for alignment-sensitive applications.

Click to Enlarge
Figure 1.1 VAP4 Stage Supporting an Aluminum Breadboard and an Optical System

The VAP4(/M) and VAP10(/M) Vertical Stages allow for 4" (101.6 mm) or 10" (254 mm) of translation, respectively. The fine adjustment knob on the top of each stage can be actuated by hand or with a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key or balldriver to achieve a motion of 0.05" (1.27 mm) per revolution. The torque required to actuate the fine adjustment knob increases with the load on the stage. For coarse adjustment over a long travel range, the stage features a quick-release button. Holding down the button disengages the stage from the lead screw and allows the position of the mounting plate to be adjusted by hand.

A pin attached to the back of the stage by a ball chain can be placed in a quick-release lock to prevent the use of the coarse adjustment feature. We recommend keeping this locking pin engaged at all times except for when using the coarse adjustment. Both the quick-release button and the locking pin can be seen in the image above. Two bumpers on the base plate of the stage help to minimize damage if the mounting platform is dropped during coarse adjustment with the quick-release mechanism. Once the required stage height has been set, two included C15QR handles can be used to lock the post clamps holding the mounting plate for extra stability.

The translating vertical 3" x 6" (76.2 mm x 152.4 mm) mounting plate has an array of thirty-three 1/4"-20 (M6) and thirty-one 8-32 (M4) tapped holes. An Aluminum Breadboard can be attached to this plate using 90° mounting adapters (such as the AP90 or AB90), as shown in Figure 1.1. The base plate of the stage features six linear counterbored slots and one counterbored hole for 1/4" (M6) mounting hardware. In addition, two counterbored 1/4" (M6) slots on a Ø2.00" (50 mm) circle are provided for rotational positioning. For other high load vertical translation applications, we also offer a selection of Lab Jacks.

Posted Comments:

user (posted 2021-10-28 19:14:39.893)

Will a quarter turn give a vertical displacement of (1.27 \ 4) mm ?

YLohia (posted 2021-12-23 11:14:01.0)

Yes, a quarter turn would yield a displacement of (Adjustment per revolution / 4) = 0.3175 mm.

Brian Patton (posted 2021-08-02 12:23:08.183)

We are using two of these units to raise and lower a microscope stage for sample loading and then imaging. They are performing very well and we have been very happy with them in general. However, the mass being supported means that some of the smaller team members can't use the quick release function without risking dropping the stage and the turn-screw is very laborious to run by hand while avoiding the risk of raising one side more than the other and locking the stage in position by accident. Is there a way in which we could remove the upper knob to allow us to replace it with a pulley for a belt drive system? We could then use appropriate stepper motors to raise and lower the stage.

cdolbashian (posted 2021-08-19 04:10:06.0)

Thank you for reaching out to us here at Thorlabs! We do not recommend motorizing this unit: excessive speed could lead to accelerated wear on the lead screw and nut which can in turn lead to a failure of the unit. This has not been tested and Thorlabs cannot be held responsible for any damage or injury as a result of modifying this part. I have contacted you directly to discuss this further.

er (posted 2017-11-16 14:22:06.67)

Is it possible to turn the base plate 180 degrees? So that if you mount something on the stage you can move it all the way down without touching the base? Is it possible to have it longer the stage ? (maybe 350mm or more?)

tfrisch (posted 2017-11-20 04:39:22.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Flipping the mounting base is possible, we've offered this as a custom several times before. As for the longer travel, that would be limited by the lead screw. Unfortunately, we are currently limited to 10" travel. I will reach out to you directly to discuss your application.

fgr (posted 2016-08-24 10:45:48.987)

Hej You name a max. moment of 16.9 Nm in the specs. For my calculations: Where do I have to apply it? 1) Where the posts touch the base-plate? 2) On the mounting plate? Thanks!

tcampbell (posted 2016-08-24 02:53:18.0)

Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for your question. The moment load is measured from the mounting plate, not the base of the posts. We have updated the web with this information.

konstantin.sukharnikov (posted 2016-07-27 06:26:00.097)

Dear Sir or Madam Is it possible to have a vacuum compatible (10^(-8) mBar) version of this stage?

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 Table 140E).

Table 140A 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.

Table 140B 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.

Table 140C 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, XYZ^a	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.

Table 140D 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.

Table 140E 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

Long-Travel Vertical Translation Stages

Right-Angle Mounting Adapters

Zoom

Attach Aluminum Breadboards to our VAP4(/M) or VAP10(/M) Vertical Stages
One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
Parallel and Perpendicular to Within 0.002" (0.05 mm)

The AP90(/M) and AB90 Right-Angle Adapters are ideal for mounting aluminum breadboards on the VAP4(/M) and VAP10(/M) Vertical Translation Stages. The AP90(/M) plate provides four 1/4"-20 (M6) clearance slots, seven 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes, and two 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbores on one face. The other face contains two 1.30" (34 mm) long, 1/4"-20 (M6) clearance slots and two 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbores for attaching it to the mounting plate of these stages. The AB90 Right-Angle Bracket has two counterbored slots at 90° for 1/4" (M6) mounting hardware.

For alternative 90° mounting options, please see our full selection of 90° Mounting Adapters. We also offer 45° and 30°/60° mounting plates.

Item #	LNR25D(/M), LNR25M(/M)	LX10(/M), LX20(/M), LX20XZ(/M), LX20YZ(/M), LX30(/M)	XRN25P(/M), XRN25C(/M), XRN25P-K1(/M), XRN25P-K2(/M)	XR25P(/M), XR25C(/M), XR25P-K1(/M), XR25P-K2(/M)	XR50P(/M), XR50C(/M)	LNR50DD(/M), LNR50M(/M)
Resolution	Down to 0.025 mm/rev (Dependent on Drive)	0.5 mm/rev	0.5 mm/rev	0.5 mm/rev	0.5 mm/rev	Down to 0.05 mm/rev (Dependent on Drive)
Mounting Holes	1/4"-20 (M6), 7 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 7 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 17 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 22 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 26 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 13 Places
Load Capacity	Horizontal: 44 lbs / 20 kg Vertical: 17.6 lbs / 8 kg	Horizontal: 90 lbs / 41 kg Vertical: 8.8 lbs / 4 kg	Horizontal: 170 lbs / 77.1 kg Vertical: 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg	Horizontal: 180 lbs / 81.9 kg Vertical: 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg	Horizontal: 180 lbs / 81.9 kg Vertical: 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg	Horizontal: 66 lbs / 30 kg Vertical: 22 lbs / 10 kg

Item #	MS1(/M), MS1S(/M), MS3(/M)	T12X(/M), T12XY(/M), T12XZ(/M), T12XYZ(/M)	MT1(/M), MT1A(/M), MT1B(/M), MT3(/M), MT3A(/M)	PT1(/M), PT1A(/M), PT1B(/M), PT3(/M), PT3A(/M)	LT1(/M), LT3(/M)
Resolution	Down to 0.25 mm/rev (Dependent on Chosen Drive)	0.25 mm/rev	Down to 0.025 mm/rev (Dependent on Chosen Drive)	Down to 0.025 mm/rev (Dependent on Chosen Drive)	Coarse: 0.055" / rev Fine: 0.010" / rev
Mounting Holes	#4 (M3) Counterbore, 2 Places 4-40 (M3), 2 Places 8-32 (M4), 5 Places	2-56 (M2), 4 Places	Top: 1/4"-20 (M6), 7 Places Bottom: 1/4"-20 (M6), 7 Places and 8-32 (M4), 4 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 16 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 24 Places
Load Capacity	Horizontal: 7 lbs / 3.2 kg Vertical: 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg	Horizontal: 5 lbs / 2.2 kg Vertical: N/A	Horizontal: 90 lbs / 41 kg Vertical: 4.4 lbs / 2 kg	Horizontal: Up to 90 lbs / 41 kg Vertical: Up to 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg (Dependent on Chosen Drive)	Horizontal: 70 lbs / 31 kg Vertical: 40 lbs / 18 kg

Item #	DT12(/M), DT12XY(/M), DT12XZ(/M), DT12XYZ(/M)	DTS25(/M) DTS25V(/M)^b	DTS50(/M)
Resolution	0.35 mm/rev	1.0 mm/rev
Mounting Holes	8-32 (M4), 1 Place	1/4"-20 (M6), 13 Places	1/4"-20 (M6), 17 Places
Load Capacity	Horizontal: 2.5 lbs / 1.2 kg Vertical: 0.55 lbs / 0.25 kg	Horizontal: 88 lbs / 40 kg Vertical: 22 lbs / 10 kg

Item #	NF15AP25(/M)	NFL5D(/M)	NFL5DP20(/M)	NFL5DP20S(/M)
Resolution	Manual: 0.25 mm/rev Piezo: 0.76 nm (Theoretical)	Coarse: 0.5 mm/rev Fine: 50 µm/rev	Coarse: 0.5 mm/rev Fine: 50 µm/rev Piezo: 0.6 nm (Theoretical)
Mounting Holes	4-40 (M2), 5 Places 8-32 (M4), 1 Place	6-32 (M3), 4 Places 8-32 (M4), 4 Places 1/4"-20 (M6), 4 Places
Load Capacity	Horizontal: 1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg Vertical: 0.55 lbs / 0.25 kg	Horizontal: 2.2 lbs / 1 kg Vertical: 1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg

Item #	XRNV1(/M)	XRV1(/M)	MVS05(/M)	MVS1(/M)	VAP4(/M)	VAP10(/M)
Precision	0.01" (0.25 mm) per Adjuster Revolution		0.025" (0.5 mm) per Adjuster Revolution		0.05" (1.27 mm) per Adjuster Revolution
Mounting Holes	6-32 (M4), 8 Places 1/4"-20 (M6), 16 Places		8-32 (M4), 12 Places 1/4"-20 (M6), 13 Places		8-32 (M4), 31 Places 1/4"-20 (M6), 33 Places
Load Capacity	Horizontal: 22.2 N (5.0 lbs) Inverted: 6.67 N (1.50 lbs)	Horizontal: 44.5 N (10.0 lbs) Inverted: 8.9 N (2.0 lbs)	4.4 lbs / 2 kg		50 lbs / 23 kg (Max Moment: 150 in-lbs / 16.9 N•m)