150 mm Linear Translation Stage, Stepper Motor


  • Stackable in XY, XZ, and XYZ Configurations
  • Typical Calibrated On-Axis Accuracy of 2.0 µm
  • Horizontal Load Capacity of 20 kg (44 lbs)

NRT150

NRT150P1

Right-Angle Bracket

Application Idea

Three NRT150 Stages
in XYZ Configuration,
Using an NRT150P1
Right-Angle Adapter

Related Items


Please Wait
Key Specificationsa
Travel Range 150 mm (5.9")
Velocity (Max)b 30 mm/s
Minimum Achievable Incremental Movement 0.1 µm
On-Axis Accuracyc 2.0 µm (Typical)
5.0 µm (Max)
Bidirectional Repeatabilityd 1 µm
Backlashe <3 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max) 20 kg (44 lbs)
Vertical Load Capacity (Max) 5 kg (11 lbs)
Actuator Type Stepper Motor
Cable Length 3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Recommended Controller Benchtop Stepper
Motor Controllers
  • Please see the Specs tab for a complete specifications list.
  • Measured Using Thorlabs Benchtop Stepper Motor Controllers
  • Using Included Calibration Files
  • 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

  • 150 mm Travel Range
  • Load Capacity
    • Horizontal: 20 kg (44 lbs)
    • Vertical: 5 kg (11 lbs)
  • Maximum Velocity of 30 mm/s
  • Bidirectional Repeatability of 1 µm
  • XY, XZ, and XYZ Configurable
  • 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes for Mounting Standard Optomechanics

Thorlabs' NRT150(/M) Linear Positioning Stage is optimized for applications requiring high load capacity and high resolution, such as measurement and inspection. It provides 150 mm of linear travel for loads as great as 20 kg (44 lbs) when mounted horizontally and 5 kg (11 lbs) when mounted vertically. Each stage features a typical on-axis accuracy of 2.0 µm (5.0 µm Max) when the included calibration files are used with Thorlabs' Kinesis® or APT™ software. The lead screw, directly driven by a two-phase stepper motor with 409,600 microsteps per revolution, provides smooth translation with a theoretical positional resolution of less than 100 nm. Due to the stepper motor design, the platform position remains fixed when no power is supplied to the stage, unlike with DC servo motor translation stages.

The main platform is supported by four recirculating ball carrier bearings mounted to precisely aligned linear guide rails. The stepper motor, specifically designed for microstepping applications, allows smaller and smoother low-speed motion with significantly reduced vibrational noise than DC servo motors. The choice of a trapezoidal lead screw provides a number of benefits over the more common Acme-style thread, including improved durability, lower friction due to improved surface quality, and very little backdrive, eliminating the need for the braking mechanism required with ball screws.

Calibration Files
Each NRT150(/M) Linear Translation Stage is calibrated during manufacturing. Calibration enables the controller to correct for any mechanical errors present in the system. Mechanical components, such as the lead screw and linkages, can be machined only within a certain tolerance. These mechanical errors result in deviations of the actual position from the commanded position. However, the deviations are repeatable and can be compensated for using the Kinesis or APT™ software and included calibration files, which convert the position entered by the user into the required mechanical motion. The calibration files can be downloaded by clicking on the red Docs icon () next to the item # below and entering your device's serial number under "Download Calibration Data."

The use of calibration files is optional. Without installing a calibration file, the on-axis accuracy of a stage will fall from 2.0 µm (typical) to 19.29 µm (typical). Calibration files do not affect the repeatability and resolution of the stages.

Stage Combinations
If an XY configuration is desired, any combination of NRT150 and NRT100 Linear Positioning Stages (the latter features a 100 mm travel range) can be mounted directly atop one another by using 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws together with the provided counterbored holes and slots. These counterbores are accessed through the Ø0.59" (Ø15.0 mm) clearance hole in the moving carriage. XZ and XYZ configurations are possible using our NRT150P1(/M) Vertical Mounting Bracket, which orients either an NRT100 or NRT150 in the vertical plane.

Controller Options
One of Thorlabs' benchtop stepper motor controllers, available in one-, two-, or three-channel versions, is required to drive this 150 mm translation stage. These controllers are compatible with Kinesis and APT™ software, which supply out-of-the-box stage control from a PC and enables support for common programming interfaces like LabVIEW, LabWindows™, and ActiveX.

One PAA613 Motor Drive Cable is included with each of our NRT Series Translation Stages. Replacement cables are available below in case of loss or damage to the included cable.

Item # NRT150(/M)
Translation
Travel Range 150 mm (5.9")
Bidirectional Repeatabilitya 1 µm
Backlashb <3 µm
Maximum Velocityc 30 mm/s
Velocity Stability ±0.1 mm/s
Maximum Accelerationc 30 mm/s2
Minimum Achievable Incremental Movementd 0.10 µm
Minimum Repeatable Incremental Movemente 2 µm
Accuracy
Calibrated Absolute On-Axis Accuracy 2.0 µm (Typical)
5.0 µm (Max)
Maximum Percentage Accuracyf 0.09%
Home Location Accuracy ±0.6 µm
Pitch <0.008° (140 µrad)
Yaw <0.05° (873 µrad)
Load Capacity
Horizontal Load Capacity <12 kg (26 lbs) (Recommended)
20 kg (44 lbs) (Max)
Vertical Load Capacity <4 kg (9 lbs) (Recommended)
5 kg (11 lbs) (Max)
General
Weight 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Dimensions 412.9 mm x 100.0 mm x 43.5 mm
(16.30" x 3.94" x 1.71")
  • 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.
  • Measured Using Thorlabs Benchtop Stepper Motor Controllers.
  • The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.
  • The minimum incremental motion that the stage can repeatedly achieve within its standard error.
  • This is the maximum discrepancy between commanded position and absolute position expressed as a percentage of the commanded position.

PAA612 and PAA613 Stepper Motor Cables

DA15-Pin Male D-Type to DE15-Pin Female D-Type

PAA632

DA15 Male Pin DE15 Female Pin Description
11 and 12 1 Limit Switch Ground
10 2 Forward Limit Switch
9 3 Reverse Limit Switch
7 4 Motor Phase B -ve
14 5 Motor Phase B +ve
8 6 Motor Phase A -ve
15 7 Motor Phase A +ve
6 9 Not Connected
5 13 Limit Switch +5 V

Motor Pin Out
D-Type Male

PAA632

Pin Designation Pin Designation
1 Limit Switch Ground 9 Not Connected
2 Forward Limit Switch 10 Not Connected
3 Reverse Limit Switch 11 Not Connected
4 Motor Phase B -ve 12 Not Connected
5 Motor Phase B +ve 13 Limit Switch +5 V
6 Motor Phase A -ve 14 Not Connected
7 Motor Phase A +ve 15 Ground/Earth
8 Not Connected

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

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.

Kinesis Software
Kinesis GUI Screen
APT Software
APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT 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.

The software packages allow 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.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.47

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download

Software

APT Version 3.21.6

The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download

Thorlabs' Kinesis® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.

C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this 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 the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction 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.

For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).

C Sharp Icon Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide
Click Here for C# Example Projects
Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples
C Sharp Icon

LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.

Labview Icon Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide
Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page
Labview Icon

The APT video tutorials available here fall into two main groups - one group covers using the supplied APT utilities and the second group covers programming the APT System using a selection of different programming environments.

Disclaimer: The videos below were originally produced in Adobe Flash. Following the discontinuation of Flash after 2020, these tutorials were re-recorded for future use. The Flash Player controls still appear in the bottom of each video, but they are not functional.

Every APT controller is supplied with the utilities APTUser and APTConfig. APTUser provides a quick and easy way of interacting with the APT control hardware using intuitive graphical control panels. APTConfig is an 'off-line' utility that allows various system wide settings to be made such as pre-selecting mechanical stage types and associating them with specific motion controllers.

APT User Utility

The first video below gives an overview of using the APTUser Utility. The OptoDriver single channel controller products can be operated via their front panel controls in the absence of a control PC. The stored settings relating to the operation of these front panel controls can be changed using the APTUser utility. The second video illustrates this process.

APT User - Overview
APT User - OptoDriver Settings


APT Config Utility

There are various APT system-wide settings that can be made using the APT Config utility, including setting up a simulated hardware configuration and associating mechanical stages with specific motor drive channels. The first video presents a brief overview of the APT Config application. More details on creating a simulated hardware configuration and making stage associations are present in the next two videos.

APT Config - Overview
APT Config - Simulator Setup
APT Config - Stage Association


APT Programming

The APT Software System is implemented as a collection of ActiveX Controls. ActiveX Controls are language-independant software modules that provide both a graphical user interface and a programming interface. There is an ActiveX Control type for each type of hardware unit, e.g. a Motor ActiveX Control covers operation with any type of APT motor controller (DC or stepper). Many Windows software development environments and languages directly support ActiveX Controls, and, once such a Control is embedded into a custom application, all of the functionality it contains is immediately available to the application for automated operation. The videos below illustrate the basics of using the APT ActiveX Controls with LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and Visual C++. Note that many other languages support ActiveX including LabWindows CVI, C++ Builder, VB.NET, C#.NET, Office VBA, Matlab, HPVEE etc. Although these environments are not covered specifically by the tutorial videos, many of the ideas shown will still be relevant to using these other languages.

Visual Basic

Part 1 illustrates how to get an APT ActiveX Control running within Visual Basic, and Part 2 goes on to show how to program a custom positioning sequence.

APT Programming Using Visual Basic - Part 1
APT Programming Using Visual Basic - Part 2


LabVIEW

Full Active support is provided by LabVIEW and the series of tutorial videos below illustrate the basic building blocks in creating a custom APT motion control sequence. We start by showing how to call up the Thorlabs-supplied online help during software development. Part 2 illustrates how to create an APT ActiveX Control. ActiveX Controls provide both Methods (i.e. Functions) and Properties (i.e. Value Settings). Parts 3 and 4 show how to create and wire up both the methods and properties exposed by an ActiveX Control. Finally, in Part 5, we pull everything together and show a completed LabVIEW example program that demonstrates a custom move sequence.

APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 1: Accessing Online Help
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 2: Creating an ActiveX Control
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 3: Create an ActiveX Method
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 4: Create an ActiveX Property
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 5: How to Start an ActiveX Control


The following tutorial videos illustrate alternative ways of creating Method and Property nodes:

APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Create an ActiveX Method (Alternative)
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Create an ActiveX Property (Alternative)


Visual C++

Part 1 illustrates how to get an APT ActiveX Control running within Visual C++, and Part 2 goes on to show how to program a custom positioning sequence.

APT Programming with Visual C++ - Part 1
APT Programming with Visual C++ - Part 2


MATLAB

For assistance when using MATLAB and ActiveX controls with the Thorlabs APT positioners, click here.

To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabVIEW is also available here.


Posted Comments:
Zhaoran Xu  (posted 2024-02-06 18:01:09.18)
Hi Thorlabs, We have a NRT150 stage with S/N 40863500. Recently we wanted to connect it to Kinesis but there is always an error that shows "Device not responding". I can see the stage is unloaded but connected. Everything is fine for our other two rotation stages. I just wonder how to fix this. Thank you very much! Best regards, Zhaoran Xu
cstroud  (posted 2024-02-14 12:00:18.0)
Thanks for reaching out. We have contacted you directly to help troubleshoot your issue.
pearsonmr  (posted 2018-01-24 13:01:53.227)
Hi, We already have an installed NRT150/M stage, and we are planning to wire it to a 3rd party controller. Can you tell me what the normal state of the active limit switches are when powered by the 5V? Normally open or normally closed? Thanks, Matthew
bwood  (posted 2018-02-05 05:25:32.0)
Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The limit switches are in a open collector and have a pull up on the stage. When the limit switch is activated the output pulls down to ground. When the limit switch is not activated the limit switch output is at 5volts. Looking at a BSC201 with this stage connected the limit switches are set to ‘switch makes’ so you can argue they are normally open and go closed on active
wenzel.jakob  (posted 2017-12-11 23:43:24.29)
How could a rigid stand (MP100) be mounted to this stage? I assume this will require some kind of intermediate adapter, as the counterbores of the MP100 have a 3x2" layout, while the NRT150 has a 2x2" moving surface)
AManickavasagam  (posted 2017-12-15 10:11:13.0)
Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thank you for your query.Unfortunately, the NRT150/M's plate is not large enough to mount MP100. However, you could use the LTS150/M which also is a stepper motor based stage and will have similar performance as the NRT150/M.
user  (posted 2016-11-22 20:57:48.5)
Bad quality and stops working often.
bhallewell  (posted 2016-11-25 08:47:42.0)
Response from Ben at Thorlabs: I'm sorry to hear of the bad experience you've had with this product. Please could you contact your local Tech Support office so that we can get in touch with you to troubleshoot the problems you're facing with the stage & provide you with a solution?
asnl2  (posted 2014-06-16 11:39:02.003)
Hi, We have recently purchased a LTS150/M. However, I have some problems installing the calibration file. When I enter the APT Config the stage does not show up under the Stage Tab and rather than the 'stepper' dropdown selection box as described in the manual I have a 'motor' drop down box. When I try to assign a calibration file (motor set to none) I get the error message "Stage type selected is not compatible with selected driver. Please select stage type not prefixed by LTS or HTS LTS". I would greatly appreciate any help. Best, Anna
bhallewell  (posted 2014-06-18 07:55:15.0)
Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. I will contact you directly to troubleshoot this process with you.
jaboonfamily1  (posted 2013-10-15 16:20:40.303)
Hi, I am interested in the NRT 150 but I'm not sure I read the specs correctly. The displacement error once calibrated is "Calibrated Absolute On-axis Accuracy" and is around 2 microns right ? Isn't that weird that the minimum displacement is 0,1 micron then ? As for the velocity, "Velocity Stability ±0.1 mm/sec" means 0,1 mm/s is the slowest reliable velocity I can set ? Thank you.
msoulby  (posted 2013-10-17 12:25:00.0)
Response from Mike at Thorlabs: I will try to clarify what the specifications mean. Minimum incremental motion: This is the actual minimum incremental motion that a stage can make, otherwise known as the minimum step size. This is calculated based on the minimum step size of a motor and the gearing in the stage. Typically the theoretical step size is smaller than actual achievable step size as there are several other factors such as friction, load, external forces, vibrations, type of controller and inertia. This has nothing to do with how accurate the stage is only what the smallest repeatable step size we can achieve is. On axis accuracy: This is the absolute accuracy of the commanded position. It is defined as the maximum discrepancy between command position and absolute position over the full travel of the stage and should not be confused with repeatability. For example if a stage is specified with an on axis accuracy of 2µm then a command to travel to 10mm will result in an absolute position of within 2um of 10mm. This value will tell you the maximum possible inaccuracy at any point in your travel. However, sometimes a more useful specification can be maximum percentage accuracy as the discrepancy between command position and absolute position generally increases linearly with the amount of travel. This gives rise to an on axis accuracy which is generally much less than the accuracy at the beginning of the travel of the stage. The percentage accuracy can give you a good idea of what to typically expect along the stages travel. The velocity stability was measured when the stage is moving at the maximum velocity and we will clarify this on the website, therefore this means that the maximum velocity is 30.0mm/s +/-0.1mm/s. the lowest velocity that can be entered for these stepper motors is around 40um/s which is limited by the controller code and software. You should also note that as these stages use a two phase stepper motor then low velocities could result in a jumpy, unstable velocity as the motor rotates and switches between each motor phase. For a more stable velocity you would need to use a 5 phase stepper motor, which thorlabs does not currently offer, or one of our direct drive linear stages such as the Thorlabs DDS220.
bdada  (posted 2011-07-29 11:13:00.0)
Response from Buki at Thorlabs: I am sorry to hear about the issue you are having with the NRT150 motorized stage. We have contacted you to find out which controller you are using and to troubleshoot this matter further.
vladimirlee  (posted 2011-07-29 00:01:25.0)
Our NRT150 keeps showing that it reaches forward hardware limit no matter where it is. How to fix that?
jjurado  (posted 2011-07-06 15:43:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to fg2251: Thank you very much for contacting us. We are currently developing an optical delay line kit which will be released later this month. This kit includes a 220 mm direct travel stage (DDS220, link below), a DC Servo controller, control software and extended programming through ActiveX controls, and all opto-mechanics including the periscope assembly. The minimum incremental motion is 0.1 um for your 100 fs delays. The pitch gives you the angular runout. For the DDS220 stage, 0.01 degree pitch will give you at least a 30um displacement. DDS220 and BBD101: http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=5305&pn=DDS220#5305 We will contact you directly for further support.
fg2251  (posted 2011-07-05 21:04:25.0)
I am interested to the 150mm linear stage NRT150 My application is to build a delay line in a fs pump probe experiment. My pulse duration is 100fs so I need a minimum motion on the order of 15micron I need to delay the pump beam that after the delay line will be focused on spot of 50-500micron, so the angular as well linear deviation from straight line motion is critical for me. I want some information: Absolute on axis accuracy is 20micron. Is it referred to a motion of 150mm? How much the cost will be with the calibration? What about the linear and angular runout? Is it the pitch and Yaw? Do you have other suggestion for my application? Can you provide the stepper controller with labview software for integration on my setup (lock in amplifier, DAC..)? Let me know Felice
jjessop  (posted 2009-11-30 11:00:12.0)
A response from Jonathan to cjc16: Im afraid we wont be able to offer this. You could try doing this work youself, but the hall effect switchs are set to give the correct position.
cjc16  (posted 2009-11-16 13:17:41.0)
I have purchased an NRT150 and I am in the process of wiring it to be compatible with our drive system. I found that you are using proximity switches that require 5v power but we typically use NC mechanical switches with our hardware. Do you have an option to retrofit mechanical switches in place of the proximity switches?
klee  (posted 2009-09-14 17:18:57.0)
A response from Ken at Thorlabs to jbotha: The bearing can take 18.7Nm moment in x (longitudinal, direction of travel) and 18.7Nm in y. There are two, so the shift of where the moment is actually pulling is quite complicated but it should be fine as you wont get a 90/10 split in how the load is distributed. Becuase of the unusal angle of the force on the lead screw you might have to reduce velocities but it should be fine.
jbotha  (posted 2009-09-03 04:26:00.0)
Hi, Very much interested in you NRT150-product. I do have the following question which will determine whether or not this product is suitable for our application which I could not find among your specifications listed: What is the maximum permissible moment allowed on the sliding table of the NRT150? The application we want to bolt on to the sliding table has an offset center of gravity which will exert a maximum of 20 Nm around the longitudinal axis and 10 Nm around the transverse axis. Thank you in advance for your assistance! Kind regards, Jan Botha
Tyler  (posted 2008-06-13 08:22:24.0)
A response from Tyler at Thorlabs to Ian: In an effort to keep our drawings uncluttered enough to be readable we only display a limited number of dimensions. If the dimension you are looking for is not displayed you can contact an applications engineer at Thorlabs or load the ParaSolid, eDrawing, or Step file and measure the dimension using the softwares measurement tool. eDrawings is a free web browser download that can be used to view the ParaSolid and eDrawing files. I will have an applications engineer contact you to avoid confusion and make sure that you are getting the dimension that you have requested. Thank you for your interest in our translation stage.
ian.mills2  (posted 2008-06-11 10:18:54.0)
Is the carriage shown 75mm from the central position on the drawing? There are no dimensions from the carriage to the end of the stage. It would be helpful to know where the limits are.
cjohns  (posted 2007-09-17 12:28:39.0)
I see that there is a picture of the NST150 above, yet the part comes up in the search as superseeded.

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 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®
PD2 Open-Loop
5 mm Stage
ORIC®
PDX2 Closed-Loop
5 mm Stage
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
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 5 mm 20 mm 50 mm
Maximum Velocity 10 mm/sa 8 mm/s (Typ.)b 3 mm/sc 20 mm/sb 10 mm/sa
Drive Type Piezoelectric Inertia Drive
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size
13 mm x 13 mm 30 mm x 30 mm 80 mm x 30 mm
Additional Details
  • 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.
  • Specified using KIM101 K-Cube Controller.
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 mm 60.0 mm 1.1 mm
Maximum Velocity - 180 mm/s 90 mm/s -
Drive Type Piezo with Manual Actuator Resonant Piezoelectric Motor Amplified Piezo
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X Z
Mounting Surface Size 75 mm x 75 mm 30 mm x 30 mm 15 mm x 15 mm 21 mm x 21 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, LNR Series, NRT Series, and LTS Series stages). The MLJ150 stage also offers high load capacity vertical translation.

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family PLSX with and without PLST(/M) Top Plate
1" Stage
PLSXY with and without PLST(/M) Top Plate
1" Stage
LNR Series
25 mm Stage
LNR Series
50 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 1" 25 mm 50 mm
Maximum Velocity 7.0 mm/s 2.0 mm/s 50 mm/s
Possible Axis
Configurations
X, XY X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size
3" x 3" 60 mm x 60 mm 100 mm x 100 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
Maximum Velocity 30 mm/s 50 mm/s 3.0 mm/s
Possible Axis
Configurations
X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ Z
Mounting
Surface Size
84 mm x 84 mm 100 mm x 90 mm 148 mm x 131 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
MTS Series
25 mm Stage
MTS Series
50 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 12 mm 25 mm 25 mm 50 mm
Maximum Velocity 2.6 mm/s 2.4 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size
61 mm x 61 mm 101.6 mm x 76.2 mm 43 mm x 43 mm
Additional Details
DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family M30 Series
30 mm Stage
M30 Series
30 mm Monolithic
XY Stage
M150 Series
150 mm XY Stage
KVS30
30 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 30 mm 150 mm 30 mm
Maximum Velocity 2.4 mm/s X-Axis: 170 mm/s
Y-Axis: 230 mm/s
8.0 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, Z XY, XZ XY Z
Mounting
Surface Size
115 mm x 115 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
Maximum Velocity 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

150 mm Linear Translation Stage, Stepper Motor

Thorlabs' NRT150(/M) stage provides 150 mm of travel with an integrated stepper motor. Optomechanics can be directly mounted to the moving platform using eight 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes, which are spaced 1.0" (25.0 mm) apart.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
NRT150 Support Documentation
NRT150150 mm Motorized Linear Translation Stage, Stepper Motor, 1/4"-20 Taps
$2,696.58
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
NRT150/M Support Documentation
NRT150/M150 mm Motorized Linear Translation Stage, Stepper Motor, M6 Taps
$2,696.58
Today
Back to Top

Right-Angle Bracket for NRT Translation Stages


Click to Enlarge

XYZ assembly constructed using the NRT150P1 Right-Angle Bracket and three NRT150 translation stages.

Click to Enlarge

NRT150 Stage Mounted Vertically Directly to Breadboard
  • For Constructing XZ and XYZ Stage Assemblies
  • Attaches Directly to an Optical Table for Applications Requiring One Axis of Vertical Translation

The NRT150P1(/M) is an anodized aluminum right-angle bracket that orients an NRT150(/M) or NRT100(/M) translation stage in the vertical axis. This allows for the construction of XZ and XYZ translation stage arrangements (XYZ option shown to the right). Alternatively, the NRT150P1 can be directly attached to an optical table for applications that require one axis of vertical translation (shown to the right).

The base of the NRT150P1(/M) contains six counterbored holes for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws, while its side has two 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes. The two side taps are designed to accept the vertically mounted stage.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
NRT150P1 Support Documentation
NRT150P1Right-Angle Bracket for NRT Translation Stages, 1/4"-20 Taps
$177.00
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
NRT150P1/M Support Documentation
NRT150P1/MRight-Angle Bracket for NRT Translation Stages, M6 Taps
$177.00
Today
Back to Top

Replacement Cables

  • Replacement Motor Drive Cables
  • Available Lengths: 1 m (3.3') and 3 m (9.9')

One PAA613 Motor Drive Cable is included with each of our NRT Series Translation Stages. Replacement cables are available here in case of loss or damage to the included cable.

These cables are also compatible with our stepper motor actuators. The male end connects to the controller and 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
PAA612 Support Documentation
PAA612APT Stepper Motor Cable, DA15 Male to DE15 Female, 1 m
$69.21
Today
PAA613 Support Documentation
PAA613APT Stepper Motor Cable, DA15 Male to DE15 Female, 3 m
$82.86
Today