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Long-Travel Vertical Translation Stages![]()
VAP4 4" Travel Quick-Release Button VAP10 10" Travel Locking Handle VAP4 Back View Locking Pin and Chain ![]() Please Wait
Features
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 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 the photo to the left. 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.
Manual Linear Translation StagesThorlabs' 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 StagesThese linear translation stages feature crossed roller bearings 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 aluminum.
Ball Bearing StagesThese 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.
Dovetail StagesThese compact stages incorporate dovetails and a leadscrew for the translation mechanism. They are suitable in general purpose motion control applications.
Flexure StagesThorlabs' 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.
Vertical StagesWe offer vertical translation stages with crossed roller bearings for precise motion as well as long travel vertical stages for heavy-duty applications.
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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