2" (50 mm) Travel Dovetail Translation Stages

- Dovetail Design for 2" (50 mm) of Smooth Motion
- Lockable Translation Platform
- Modular Design for Multi-Axis Configurations
DTS50
Front View
Application Idea
XYZ Configuration Built with Three DTS50 Stages and a DTSA03 Angle Bracket Secured with CL6 Dovetail Clamps
Back View with Locking Bracket

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Item # | DTS50 | DTS50/M |
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Travel Range | 2" | 50 mm |
Mounting Holes | 1/4"-20 Taps (17 Places) |
M6 x 1.0 Taps (17 Places) |
Horizontal Load Capacity | 88 lbs (40 kg) | |
Vertical Load Capacity | 22 lbs (10 kg) | |
Travel per Revolution | 0.04" (1.0 mm) | |
Top Surface Parallelism | 1200 µrad | |
Angular Deviation | ±300 µrad | |
Straightness | Horizontal: ±15.00 µm Vertical: ±7.00 µm |
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Stiffness | Pitch: 150.00 µrad / N·m Yaw: 460.00 µrad / N·m |
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Weight | 0.68 lbs (0.31 kg) | |
Dimensions (Including Actuator) |
2.68" x 5.19" x 0.79" (68.0 mm x 131.8 mm x 20.0 mm) |

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Figure 1.1 The DTSA02 Adapter Plate increases the stage height to 30 mm.

Click to Enlarge
Figure 1.2 DTS50 Stages Stacked to Create a 2-Axis Assembly
Features
- 2" (50 mm) Travel
- Array of 17 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Tapped Holes
- XYZ Configurable with Dowel Pins for Orthogonality
- Mounted to Optical Table using 1/4" (M6) Counterbores or CL6 Table Clamps (Sold Separately)
The DTS50(/M) dovetail translation stage is a compact positioner for use in general purpose motion control applications. It provides a travel range of 2" (50 mm) using a precision-rolled M6 x 1.0 mm pitch leadscrew for smooth linear positioning along the entire range of travel. The stage is advanced 0.04" (1.0 mm) for each full revolution of the leadscrew. The top surface of the DTS50(/M) stage is equipped with an array of seventeen 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped holes to maximize the mounting options for moving components. This moving platform is lockable via a side-located screw in a locking bracket to guard against accidental movement. A scale with 1/40" (1 mm) graduations is etched onto each side of the moving platform, with the edge of the locking bracket providing a reference for relative positioning.
Mounting Options
The stage can be bolted directly to the optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are accessed via clearance holes in the top plate when the stage is translated to the proper position. Alternatively, it can be mounted using four CL6 clamps (two on each side) secured to the relief cut along the bottom of the stage, as shown in the picture at the top of the page. The DTSA01 and DTSA02 riser plates have four through holes and are designed to be placed between a mounting surface and the stage to increase the height of the system, as shown in Figure 1.1. The resulting stage height is 25 mm if the DTSA01 is in place or 30 mm if the DTSA02 is used.
Dovetail Translation Stages |
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1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel |
1" (25 mm) Travel |
2" (50 mm) Travel |
Multi-Axis Configurations
The modular design of the DTS50(/M) allows multiple stages to be assembled in 2-axis and 3-axis configurations. Two dowel pins are included with the purchase of each stage, and these can be used to ensure that orthogonality between the various translation directions is maintained during construction. In order to construct an XY configuration, two stages can be directly connected. For movement in the Z direction, the DTSA03(/M) angle bracket is required to mount a stage vertically. The bracket can be attached to a horizontal stage or optical table using four 1/4" (M6) counterbores and a stage can then be mounted vertically using four of eight 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped holes on the side of the bracket.
Posted Comments: | |
Alex Gordon
 (posted 2024-05-21 12:46:15.61) Do these stages come with a calibration certificate (i.e. NIST)? If not, does Thorlabs offer a certified calibrated stage option similar to this model? spolineni
 (posted 2024-05-30 06:10:59.0) Thank you for your inquiry regarding the DTS50/M. We regret to inform you that we do not provide a NIST-compliant calibration document for this item. However, I will contact you personally to discuss your requirements in more detail and explore the feasibility of offering a customized solution with the desired calibration. Randy May
 (posted 2021-02-06 18:11:01.51) What is the diameter of the adjuster? I don't see that dimension on the drawing (we are mating it to a stepper motor and need this to machine the coupler). cwright
 (posted 2021-02-08 11:17:27.0) Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello and thank you for your query. The knurled knob is Ø12.2mm, the hex in the end is 2mm and the main body of the adjuster is Ø11mm. Sunmin Ryu
 (posted 2020-03-06 03:12:44.11) How long does it move per revolution? AManickavasagam
 (posted 2020-03-09 07:02:51.0) Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. The DTS50 has a M6 x 1.0mm pitch leadscrew and so the top platform of the DTS50 will move 1mm per revolution of the adjuster. AManickavasagam
 (posted 2020-03-09 07:02:51.0) Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. The DTS50 has a M6 x 1.0mm pitch leadscrew and so the top platform of the DTS50 will move 1mm per revolution of the adjuster. AManickavasagam
 (posted 2020-03-09 07:02:51.0) Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. The DTS50 has a M6 x 1.0mm pitch leadscrew and so the top platform of the DTS50 will move 1mm per revolution of the adjuster. |
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 | ||||||
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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 |
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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 | |||||
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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 |
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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 | |||
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Product Family | DT Series 1/2" Stages | DTS Series 1" Stages (Vacuum-Compatible Version Available) |
DTS Series 2" Stage |
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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, XYZa | X, XY, XYZ |
Additional Details |
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 | ||||
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Product Family | Nanoflex™ 1.5 mm Stage | Nanoflex™ 5 mm Stages | ||
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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 | ||||||
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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 |
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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 |