Z-Axis Translation Mounts

Translate Ø1" Optics Along Optical Axis
30 mm Cage Compatible or Post Mountable Options
SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Optic Cell

SM1ZP

Post-Mountable Z-Axis Translation Mount

SM1ZA

Cage-Compatible Z-Axis Translation Mount

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Overview
Cage Overview
Feedback

Thorlabs offers two Z-axis translation mounts that provide precise positioning of optical components along the optical axis. These mounts accept Ø1" (25.4 mm) optics directly or optics mounted inside lens tubes with external SM1 (1.035"-40) threading.

The SM1ZA has four through holes for compatibility with our 30 mm cage systems. In contrast, the SM1ZP(/M) has 8-32 (M4) taps on the side and 8-32 (M4) and 1/4"-20 (M6) taps on the bottom, allowing it to be post mounted on any Ø1/2" or Ø1" post.

Cage System Overview

The Cage Assembly System provides a convenient way to construct large optomechanical systems with an established line of precision-machined building blocks designed for high flexibility and accurate alignment.

16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm Cage System Standards

Thorlabs offers three standards defined by the center-to-center spacing of the cage assembly rods (see Figure 14A). The 16 mm cage, 30 mm cage, and 60 mm cage standards are designed to accommodate Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optics, respectively. Specialized cage plates that allow smaller optics to be directly inserted into our larger cage systems are also available.

Standard Threads

The flexibility of our Cage Assembly System stems from well-defined mounting and thread standards designed to directly interface with a wide range of specialized products. The three most prevalent thread standards are our SM05 Series (0.535"-40 thread), SM1 Series (1.035"-40 thread), and SM2 Series (2.035"-40 thread), all of which were defined to house the industry's most common optic sizes. Essential building blocks, such as our popular lens tubes, directly interface to these standards.

Figure 14A An example of the standard cage plate measurements determining cage system compatibility.

Standard Cage System Measurements
Cage System	16 mm	30 mm	60 mm
Thread Series	SM05	SM1	SM2
Rod to Rod Spacing	16 mm (0.63")	30 mm (1.18")	60 mm (2.36")
Total Length	25 mm (0.98")	41 mm (1.60")	71.1 mm (2.80")

Cage Components
Cage Rods	16 mm	These rods are used to connect cage plates, optic mounts, and other components in the cage system. The SR Series Cage Rods are compatible with our 16 mm cage systems, while the 30 mm and 60 mm cage systems use ER Series Cage Rods.
	30 mm
	60 mm
Cage Plates	16 mm	These serve as the basic building blocks for a cage system. They may have SM-threaded central bores, smooth bores sized for industry standard optics or to accommodate the outer profile of our SM Series Lens Tubes, or specialized bores for other components such as our FiberPorts.
	30 mm
	60 mm
Optic Mounts	16 mm	Thorlabs offers fixed, kinematic, rotation, and translation mounts specifically designed for our Cage Systems.
	30 mm
	60 mm
Cage Cubes	16 mm	These cubes are useful for housing larger optical components, such as prisms or mirrors, or optics that need to sit at an angle to the beam path, such as beamsplitters. Our cage cubes are available empty or with pre-mounted optics.
	30 mm
	60 mm
Replacement Setscrews		Replacement setscrews are offered for our 16 mm (SS4B013, SS4B025, and SS4B038) and 30 mm (SS4MS5 and SS4MS4) cage systems products.
Post and Breadboard Mounts and Adapters		Mounting options for cage systems can be found on our Cage System Construction pages. Cage Systems can be mounted either parallel or perpendicular to the table surface.
Size Adapters		Cage System Size Adapters can be used to integrate components from different cage system and threading standards.
Specialized Components		Thorlabs also produces specialized cage components, such as Filter Wheels, a HeNe Laser Mount, and a FiberPort Cage Plate Adapter, allowing a wide range of our products to be integrated into cage-mounted optical systems. Explore our Cage Systems Visual Navigation Guide to see the full range of Thorlabs' cage components.

Posted Comments:

user (posted 2025-01-09 10:41:44.95)

Dear Thorlabs, We need to motorize the SM1ZA and we want to make a custom solution since there is no on-shelf availibiilty for a motor for the moment. Therefore, we want to change the micrometer from the knurled knob to the brass part : can you provide what the thread of the brass part into the mount is ? Best regards,

jdelia (posted 2025-01-09 03:15:04.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The brass adjuster nut has internal 3/16"-100 threads and external M11 x 0.5 threads.

Ognjen Markovic (posted 2024-02-13 14:02:26.073)

Dear Thorlabs, In our lab, sometimes it is very useful to mount the SM1ZA such that the micrometer adjuster is on the top. In this configuration, the micrometer notch is not visible. Ideally there would be another micrometer notch on the other side, or even a full micrometer scale around the circumference of the adjuster, to allow seeing micrometer movements when SM1ZA is oriented either way. Additionally, it would be great to be able to lock the micrometer in a particular position with a locking screw. All the best, -- Ognjen Markovic

jdelia (posted 2024-02-14 02:28:58.0)

Thank you for reaching out, Ognjen! These are both good ideas, and I would be happy to forward them along to our design engineers via our internal suggestion forum. I have additionally reached out to you directly to discuss your application.

user (posted 2023-07-04 10:52:35.607)

It would be great to have a Z-Axis Translation Mount similar to the SM1ZA available also for the 60 mm cage system (with corresponding SM2 threading). Using various adapters in order to fit larger components onto the SM1ZA makes for an unstable system.

jdelia (posted 2023-07-05 01:59:44.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs and for providing this valuable feedback. While this is unfortunately not something we currently offer, I can certainly forward along your request to our design engineers via our internal suggestion forum for consideration as a future product.

Ross Finlay (posted 2022-03-22 01:10:20.803)

The Cage mount micrometer has no linear scale ??? Currently I count 22 turns back from the hard stop to record an absolute focus position, but I am thinking of scribing a line at my focus position. Hey, I can't include a pic?

jdelia (posted 2022-03-24 11:08:36.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While the SM1ZA does allow you to read the position of an optic for a total travel of 50 um/revolution with an accuracy of 1 um, it unfortunately does not feature a linear scale and we do not have any other options for micrometers that could be used with it. However, we do offer the CT1 z-axis stage for 30 mm cage systems, which may be closer to what you need. I have contacted you directly to discuss your application.

MICHAEL Novik (posted 2022-01-10 04:10:30.537)

hello what is the accuracy tilt during movent along the Z axis? all our movement should be 0.7mm what is the angle that we can have?

jgreschler (posted 2022-01-26 03:17:24.0)

Thank you for reaching out to Thorlabs. Unfortunately this is not a parameter we are able to specify. To request other specifications that are not published on the website you can contact Thorlabs Technical Support at techsupport@thorlabs.com.

YOGESHWAR KALE (posted 2019-10-03 10:29:52.463)

Hi, We are the regular customers of ThorLabs. We had number of SM1Z in our lab. Do you have any 'non-magnetic' equivalent of it. If yes we need it asap. Thanks. Best, Dr. Y Kale

YLohia (posted 2019-10-03 11:51:34.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom items can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. I will reach out to you directly to discuss the possibility of offering this customization.

Emma Deist (posted 2019-08-21 12:44:32.797)

It would be awesome if this featured a tapped 8-32 hole on the edge of the cage plate opposite the translation knob - this way it could be post-mounted and caged in at the same time. Thanks for your consideration.

YLohia (posted 2019-08-23 10:10:58.0)

Hello, thank you for your feedback! The post tap cannot be located right below the optic mount as that is the section that translates in the Z axis. The post tap will have to be located off to the side of the SM1Z bottom surface. I have posted this idea in our internal engineering forum for further consideration.

adam.wexler (posted 2018-10-04 12:22:09.48)

Please send me a quote for the SM1ZP/M with PIAK10 and piezo controller cube with power supply. (complete system) Thank you!

YLohia (posted 2018-10-04 08:58:01.0)

Customers based in the Netherlands can request quotes for stock items by emailing our German office's sales team at sales.de@thorlabs.com. One of our sales reps will reach out to you directly.

brad.clay (posted 2018-01-25 14:00:25.32)

Is it possible to replace the micrometer on the SM1Z with a PIAK10? Can this be accomplished in the field or would this be a special part?

tfrisch (posted 2018-01-26 02:39:41.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We have offered the SM1Z with a PIAK10 in the past, but I would not recommend modifying a unit in the field. I will reach out to you with a quote.

cbrideau (posted 2015-08-18 15:58:11.947)

I would love to see a version of this for SM05 in the 16mm cage system. SM05 is often a better form-factor for fiber coupling, and a small Z-translator would be handy for collimation/focusing.

besembeson (posted 2015-09-25 11:43:07.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for the feedback, which will be reviewed.

user (posted 2015-03-13 10:41:32.65)

What is the weight of the SM1Z?

myanakas (posted 2015-03-13 03:19:37.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The weight of the SM1Z Is approximately 0.10 kg (0.22 lbs). This can be found in the Auto CAD PDF drawing, which can be found by clicking on the red "Docs" icon next to the part number. Within this drawing the approximate weight field is in the bottom right corner.

leonhard.neuhaus (posted 2014-09-01 14:17:51.283)

Can I use a motorized actuator for this stage? If so, which one? Will this stage work in a cryogenic 4K environment?

cdaly (posted 2014-09-04 09:50:35.0)

Response from Chris at Thorlabs: There is not a motorized actuator which can be mounted in the SM1Z at this time. For motorized Z-axis translation, the CT1 cage translation stage can be used with a Z812B DC servo actuator. I'm afraid neither one of these stages nor the actuator would be able to be used down at 4 Kelvin though.

zolotavin (posted 2014-03-25 00:16:27.517)

We are planning to mount a heavy optical objective in the vertical position. Is there a preferred orientation of the stage (knob up or down)? Thank you, Pavlo

cdaly (posted 2014-03-25 11:43:00.0)

Response from Chris at Thorlabs: While I can't recommend putting too heavy a load on this mount, if you must, definitely position the stage knob down.

martin.dury (posted 2013-03-08 05:38:47.767)

I would like to use one of these on a system that comprises of both your 30 mm and 60 mm cage system. Unfortunately, the adjustment knob gets in the way of the 60 mm cage system, so that I cannot use it. It would be great if you could design this so that the adjustment is in a more central position, then this could be used on set uss that comprise of both your 30 mm and 60 mm cage system.

jlow (posted 2013-04-01 12:03:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for your feedback. This would require us to totally redesign the current SM1Z. We will look into the possibility of doing this. I will get in contact with you directly to discuss about your application.

syim (posted 2013-03-06 15:19:52.387)

I would like to use the SM1Z on the horizontal plane. In that case, can I load somewhat heavy optics such as a microscope objective on the SM1Z? Please, advise me. Thank you.

cdaly (posted 2013-03-07 10:53:00.0)

Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our feedback. A microscope objective should not be an issue for this stage in the vertical configuration. It can handle the weight of this easily.

jlow (posted 2013-01-14 14:00:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for your suggestion on improving this product. We will look into the possibility of implementing a post mountable solution

h.bernien (posted 2013-01-03 09:57:32.597)

regarding the SM1Z translation stage: It would be a great feature if this stage also had a M4 thread (for example on the top side) so that it can be mounted directly on a post. This would be a very nice additional feature.

todd.hastings (posted 2012-06-14 11:04:50.0)

Can the standard actuator be replaced with a motorized actuator? If so, what barrel size is appropriate?

jjurado (posted 2011-04-14 16:04:00.0)

Response from Javier at Thorlabs to last poster: Thank you very much for contacting us. It is certainly feasible to modify the current design of the SM1Z in order to integrate a smaller actuator. Please contact us at techsupport@thorlabs.com for discussing the requirements of your application.

user (posted 2011-04-14 07:11:35.0)

can sm1Z have a smaller actuator. Maybe adjustable with an allen key?

Z-Axis Translation Mount, 30 mm Cage Compatible

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Compatible with 30 mm Cage Systems
Mount Ø1" Optics up to 0.28" (7.1 mm) Thick
Flexure Design Provides 2.0 mm (0.08") of Travel
Actuator Knob Graduated in 1 µm Increments
SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Bore is Compatible with Our SM1 Lens Tubes

Thorlabs' SM1ZA Translation Mount offers repeatable Z-Axis travel within a 30 mm cage system. It includes two SM1RR retaining rings for holding a Ø1" (25.4 mm) optic up to 0.28" (7.1 mm) thick. This allows for compensation of focusing errors in applications such as fiber alignment or spatial filtering within a cage system or for applications that require fine adjustment along the optical axis.

The lens carriage is internally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded and is translated using the precision micrometer actuator, which is graduated in 1 µm increments. The micrometer can be actuated using the knurled knob. Coarse movement is achieved by sliding the SM1ZA along the rods of a 30 mm cage assembly. Once positioned, tighten four M4 x 0.7 setscrews [5/64" (2.0 mm) hex] to apply locking force to the cage rods, firmly holding the mount in place. The threaded carriage allows for thicker optics to be mounted to the SM1ZA using our SM1 lens tubes.

For cage assemblies requiring a longer translation range along the optical axis, Thorlabs offers the CT1B(/M) stage capable of a full 1/2" (13 mm) of travel.

Item #	Optic Size Accommodated	Maximum Optic Thickness	Travel	Travel per Revolution	Optic Mounting	Mounting
SM1ZA	Ø1"	0.28" (7.1 mm)	2.0 mm (0.08")	50 μm/rev	2 SM1RR Retaining Rings SM1 (1.035"-40) Thread	Through Holes with Side-Located Locking Screws for 30 mm Cage System

Z-Axis Translation Mount, Post Mountable

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Click for Details
Figure 560B 8-32 Tap Being Used to Mount the SM1ZP from Side on
a Ø1/2" Post

Click to Enlarge
Figure 560A 1/4"-20 Mounting Tap Being Used to Mount the SM1ZP from Bottom on a Ø1" Post

Post-Mountable via 8-32 (M4) and 1/4"-20 (M6) Taps
Mount Ø1" Optics up to 0.28" (7.1 mm) Thick
Flexure Design Provides 2.0 mm (0.079") of Travel
Actuator Knob Graduated in 1 µm Increments
SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Bore is Compatible with Our SM1 Lens Tubes

Thorlabs' SM1ZP(/M) Translation Mount offers repeatable, flexure-actuated, Z-axis travel. It includes two SM1RR retaining rings for holding a Ø1" (25.4 mm) optic up to 0.28" (7.1 mm) thick. This allows for compensation of focusing errors in applications such as fiber alignment or spatial filtering.

The lens carriage is internally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded and is translated using the precision micrometer actuator, which is graduated in 1 µm increments. The micrometer can be actuated using the knurled knob or a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. This threaded carriage allows for thicker optics to be mounted to the SM1ZP using our SM1 lens tubes, as shown in Figure 560A. When mounted from the bottom, the center of the lens carriage is 2.00" (50.0 mm for SM1ZP/M) from the top of the post, while when mounted on its side, it is 0.68" (17.1 mm) from the top of the post.

The mount contains three 8-32 (M4) taps and two 1/4"-20 (M6) taps on its base as well as two 8-32 (M4) taps on its side for mounting onto any Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø1.5" Post, as shown in Figures 560A and 560B.

Item #	Optic Size Accommodated	Maximum Optic Thickness	Travel	Travel per Revolution	Optic Mounting	Mounting
SM1ZP(/M)	Ø1"	0.28" (7.1 mm)	2.00 ± 0.07 mm (0.079" ± 0.003")	50 μm/rev	2 SM1RR Retaining Rings SM1 (1.035"-40) Thread	Side: Two 8-32 (M4) Taps Bottom: Three 8-32 (M4) and Two 1/4"-20 (M6) Taps