THORLABS LNR502E User manual

HA0405T
LNR502E(/M)
Encoded, Long-travel
Translation Stage with
Stepper Motor Actuator
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0 ETN053047-D02
LNR502E Encoded Long Travel, Linear Stage with Stepper Motor Actuator
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Linear Long-travel Translation Stage ............................................................................. 1
Chaper 2 Safety ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 General Warnings ............................................................................................................. 4
Chaper 3 Installation .............................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Unpacking .......................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Environmental Conditions ............................................................................................... 5
3.3 Mounting ............................................................................................................................ 5
3.4 Fitting and Removal of Drives ....................................................................................... 12
3.5 Reconfiguring the Actuator Position ............................................................................ 13
3.6 Connecting The Hardware .............................................................................................. 14
Chaper 4 Operation .............................................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Encoder Calibration Check ............................................................................................ 16
4.2 Selecting the Stage Type ............................................................................................... 17
4.3 Mounting Equipment to the Stage ................................................................................. 25
4.4 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 25
4.5 Preventive Maintenance ................................................................................................. 26
4.6 Cleaning ........................................................................................................................... 26
4.7 Transportation ................................................................................................................. 26
Chaper 5 Specifications and Dimensions .......................................................................................... 27
5.1 Specifications .................................................................................................................. 27
5.2 Dimensions 28
Chaper 6 Parts List ............................................................................................................................... 31
Chaper 7 Operating Legacy Units ....................................................................................................... 32
7.1 Using Legacy Units with APT Software ........................................................................ 32
7.2 Encoder Operation .......................................................................................................... 33
Chaper 8 Regulatory ............................................................................................................................ 40
8.1 Declarations Of Conformity ........................................................................................... 40
Chaper 9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ............................................................................................ 42

Rev A Apr 2020 Page 1
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Linear Long-travel Translation Stage
1.1.1 Introduction
The TravelMax single-axis linear long travel stage has been designed to integrate seemlessly into the Thorlabs modular
electronic or benchtop nanopositioning systems, with the added functionality of encoder validated position reporting.
The APT Server includes full support for encoded position feedback. We manufacture a number of linear encoded equipped
stage/actuator combinations with associated electronics and cabling in order to connect to the APT range of stepper controller
units (both bench top and modular rack variants).
Combining the TravelMax stage with an integrated optical encoder provides the ideal solution for when stability, long travel
and high load capacity need to be coupled with absolute position accuracy. The TravelMax LNR502E features a sub-micron
resolution position linear scale that is attached to the moving platform of the stage. The encoder reads this scale to provide
the feedback to ensure true nanopositioning capabilities. This means that mechanical positioning errors, such as backlash,
can be ignored.
This combination of long-travel actuator and a high-precision optical encoder provides solutions to applications such as
manipulation, alignment and assembly of photonics products, and microscope examination of large samples.
Fig. 1.1 TravelMax LNR502E linear long travel stage with optical encoder
thumbscrew
signal and
alignment
indicators
power/calibration
indicator
index/
calibration
button

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LNR502E Encoded Long Travel, Linear Stage with Stepper Motor Actuator
Stages can be bolted together in an XY or XYZ configuration for applications where movement is required in more than one
axis.
Fig. 1.2 Typical XYZ configuration
1.1.2 Drives
The stage is shipped complete with our DRV250 trapezoidal stepper motor drive. The piezo drives and manual drives
advertised on our web site for use with the LNR50 stage are not compatible with the LNR502E encoded stage version.
.
Fig. 1.3 DRV250 stepper motor drive
Note
The DRV250 trapezoidal stepper motor drive must be used in conjunction with the BSC2xx series stepper motor controller
and Kinesis software application.

Rev A Apr 2020 Page 3
Chapter 2 Safety
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 Safety Information
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should
take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the equipment itself.
2.2 General Warnings
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired. In particular, excessive moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does occur, clean up immediately using
absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism.
The equipment is for indoor use only.
When running custom move sequences, or under fault conditions, the stage may move unexpectedly. Operators should
take care when working inside the moving envelope of the stage.

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LNR502E Encoded Long Travel, Linear Stage with Stepper Motor Actuator
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking
3.2 Environmental Conditions
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 5oC to 40oC
Maximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°C
To ensure reliable operation the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or excessive moisture, heat or dust.
If the unit has been stored at a low temperature or in an environment of high humidity, it must be allowed to reach ambient
conditions before being powered up.
The unit must not be used in an explosive environment.
3.3 Mounting
3.3.1 General
The LNR502E series stages are mounted to the work surface as shown using a base plate. For additional versatility, an angle
bracket is available for use in vertical mounting configurations - see Section 3.3.4. When mounting the stage close to other
equipment, ensure that the travel of the moving platform is not obstructed. If equipment mounted on the moving platform is
driven against a solid object, damage to the internal mechanism could occur.
The range of travel on each axis is 50 mm total, that is  25 mm about the nominal position.
The stage is shipped with the drives configured for right handed use, however they can be repositioned for applications where
left handed use is more convenient - see Section 3.5. for more details.
Note
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future transportation.
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the stage is easily damaged by mishandling.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect operator safety.
Caution
When mounting components, or fitting the stage within an application, do not apply excessive pressure to the moving
platform as this may damage the bearing mechanism.
Note
The LNR series stages can quickly be assembled into XY, XZ, YZ and XYZ configurations - see Section 3.3.3. and Section
3.3.4. The brackets and plates are supplied complete with dowels, which ensure an accurate, orthogonal assembly.

Rev A Apr 2020 Page 5
Chapter 3 Installation
3.3.2 Mounting to the Work Surface
Referring to Fig. 3.1, proceed as follows:
1) Turn the motor knob to position the moving carriage central in its range of travel, and ensure that the mounting holes in the
base are clearly visible through the holes in the top plate.
2) Fit the dowels supplied to the base plate (LNR50P1).
3) Position the stage on the base plate, ensuring that the dowels locate correctly in the holes in the lower surface of the stage.
4) Fit two bolts (M6 x 12 or 1/4-20 x 1/2”, not supplied) through the holes in the top plate and into the base plate. Tighten to
secure the stage in place.
Fig. 3.1 Fitting the base plate
5) Fit three bolts (M6 or 1/4-20, not supplied) through each end of the base plate to fix the stage to the work surface.
6) To remove the base plate, reverse the procedure above.
Mounting holes
(2 at each end of
platform travel)
2
1
1
3
4
5

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LNR502E Encoded Long Travel, Linear Stage with Stepper Motor Actuator
3.3.3 Building an XY Configuration
Bolt the X-axis stage to the work surface as detailed in Section 3.3.2. then, referring to Fig. 3.2, proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied to the moving platform of the lower stage.
2) Fit the spacer plate (LNR50P3) into place as shown below, ensuring that the dowels in the lower stage locate correctly in
the holes in the bottom surface of the spacer plate.
3) Fit a bolt (M6 x 12 or 1/4-20 x 1/2”, not supplied) through the hole in the center of the spacer plate and into the top platform
of the lower stage. Tighten the bolt to secure the plate in position.
Fig. 3.2 Fitting a Spacer Plate
4) Fit the dowels supplied to the top surface of the spacer plate.
5) Fit the Y-axis stage into place ensuring that the dowels in the spacer plate locate correctly in the holes in the lower surface
of the stage.
6) Fit two bolts (M6 x 12 or 1/4-20 x 1/2”, not supplied) through the holes in the upper stage and tighten to secure the stage
to the spacer plate beneath.
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and damage the internal mechanism.
21
3

Rev A Apr 2020 Page 7
Chapter 3 Installation
Fig. 3.3 Fitting the Y-Axis Stage
5
4
6

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LNR502E Encoded Long Travel, Linear Stage with Stepper Motor Actuator
3.3.4 Building an XYZ Configuration
Assemble an XY configuration as detailed in Section 3.3.3. then, referring to Fig. 3.4, and Fig. 3.5 proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied, into the moving platform on the upper stage of the XY assembly.
2) Fit the angle bracket (LNR50P2) onto the moving platform of the stage, ensuring that the dowels fitted at item (1) locate
correctly in the holes on the underside of the angle bracket..
Fig. 3.4 Fitting the Angle Bracket
3) Fit six bolts (M6 x 16 or 1/4-20 x 5/8”, not supplied), through the holes in the base of the angle bracket, and tighten to secure
the bracket to the XY assembly.
4) Fit the dowels supplied into the holes in the back surface of the angle bracket.
5) Fit the vertical-axis stage into place ensuring that the dowels fitted at item (4) locate correctly in the holes on the underside
of the stage.
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protrude into the stage and damage the internal mechanism.
1
2
3