THORLABS MTS25-Z8 User manual

MTS25-Z8 and MTS50-Z8
Brushed DC Motorized
Translation Stages
Original Instructions
HA0210T

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MTS25-Z8 and MTS50-Z8 DC Motorized Translation Stages
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview ...............................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Safety.....................................................................................................................2
2.1 Safety Information.......................................................................................2
2.2 General Warnings........................................................................................2
Chapter 3 Installation............................................................................................................3
3.1 Environmental Conditions ........................................................................3
3.2 Mounting........................................................................................................4
3.2.1 Invalidation of Warranty..................................................................................4
3.2.2 General.............................................................................................................4
3.2.3 Connecting The Motor Driver.........................................................................5
3.2.4 Fitting and Removing the Base Plate............................................................6
3.2.5 Building an XY Configuration.........................................................................7
3.2.6 Building an XYZ Configuration.......................................................................8
3.3 Transportation..............................................................................................9
3.4 Dimensions................................................................................................ 10
3.4.1 MTS Dimensions ...........................................................................................10
Chapter 4 Operation........................................................................................................... 11
4.1 General....................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 5 Specifications................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Stage Specifications................................................................................ 13
5.2 Motor Specifications.................................................................................14
Chapter 6 Motor Pin Out Details & Associated Parts................................................. 15
6.1 Motor Connector Pin Out........................................................................ 15
6.2 Associated Products............................................................................... 15
Chapter 7 Regulatory ......................................................................................................... 16
7.1 Declarations Of Conformity....................................................................16
7.1.1 For Customers in Europe .............................................................................16
7.1.2 For Customers In The USA..........................................................................16
7.2 CE Certificates........................................................................................... 17
Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ...................................................................... 18
19593-D02

Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
The compact, motorized MTS Series stages feature a dual set of linear rails with
continuously recirculating ball bearings on a moveable carriage. This mechanism
provides smooth, low friction movement and ensures high load capacity.
The drive power is provided by a brushed DC servo motor. A built-in hall effect
encoder provides 12,288 counts per revolution and a single encoder count
represents 29 nm of motion; the actual minimum repeatable incremental movement
of the stage itself is 0.8 µm.
The addition of limit switches on the stage ensures controlled motion within the
parameters of the unit and prevents overdriving in both directions. Two travel ranges
are available: 25 mm (1") and 50 mm (2"). The stages are configurable in XY, XZ, and
XYZ in both left- and right-handed configurations using spacer plates (MTS25B-Z8
and MTS50B-Z8) and angle brackets (MTS25C-Z8 and MTS50C-Z8) available
separately). Base plates (MTS25A-Z8 and MTS50A-Z8) allow the stages to be bolted
directly to an optical table. For added flexibility, both sizes of travel stages can be
configured together.
For attachment to other stages or fittings, please contact Tech Support.
Fig. 1.1 Typical MTS stage and driver set up
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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 absorbent tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to
enter the internal mechanism.
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

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Chapter 3 Installation
Note
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future transportation.
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the stage can be easily damaged by
mishandling. The unit should only be handled by its base, not by any
attachments to the moving platform.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect
operator safety.
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 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 orin anenvironment 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.

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Caution
The moving platform features a locking screw for the anti-
backlash nut inside
thestage. This locking screw, highlighted in Fig 3.1
, is set during assembly at
the
factory and must not be removed or adjusted. Tampering with this screw
will invalidate the warranty.
Caution
The stages are set up and calibrated at the factory and no further adjustment is
necessary.
Do not allow screws or other objects to protrude through the top platform as this
could damage the internal mechanism.
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.
3.2 Mounting
3.2.1 Invalidation of Warranty
Locking Screw for
Anti-backlash Nut
DO NOT TAMPER
Fig. 3.1 Anti-backlash Nut Locking Screw
3.2.2 General
The MTS series stages can be mounted horizontally or vertically using the base
plates, spacer plates and angle brackets previously mentioned - see Section 1.1.
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 is: MTS25 stages: 25 mm, MTS50 stages: 50 mm

Chapter 3 Installation
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Caution
It is recommended that the MTS series stages be driven by the Thorlabs
KDC101 DC Servo Motor Driver. If the stage is being driven by any other driver
or controller, consult Section 6.1. for motor pin out details and Chapter 5 for
details of the motor specification.
3.2.3 Connecting The Motor Driver
The stage is supplied with 0.5m (1.6 ft) of cable and is terminated in a 15 pin D-Type
connector. This is compatible with the MOTOR drive terminal of the KDC101 K-
Cube DC driver unit - see Fig. 3.2 below. A 2.5 m (8.2 ft) extension cable (PAA632)
is available on request
Fig. 3.2 KDC101 rear panel
Note
The MTS series stages can quickly be assembled into XY, XZ, YZ and XYZ
configurations - see Section 3.2.4. and Section 3.2.5. The brackets and plates are
supplied complete with dowels, which ensure an accurate, orthogonal assembly,
and all bolts.

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2
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3.2.4 Fitting and Removing the Base Plate
Referring to Fig. 3.3, proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied to the base plate (MTS25A-Z8 or MTS50A-Z8).
2) Position the stage on the base plate, ensuring that the dowels locate correctly in
the holes in the lower surface of the stage.
3) Fit the four boltssuppliedM3x 10 (4-40 x1/2”) through the holes in theunderside
of the base plate, and tighten to secure the stage in place.
Fig. 3.3 Fitting the MTS25A-Z8 Base Plate
4) Fit two of the bolts supplied M6 x 10 (1/4-20 x 3/8”) through each end of the base
plate to fix the stage to the work surface.
5) To remove the base plate, reverse the procedure above.
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Chapter 3 Installation
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3
Note orientation of plate
and
upper stage
(part numbers aligned)
2
1
5
3.2.5 Building an XY Configuration
Referring to Fig. 3.4, proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied to the moving platform of the lower stage.
2) Note the orientation of the spacer plate in the drawing below, then fit the spacer
plate (MTS25B-Z8 or MTS50B-Z8) to the moving platform of the lower stage,
ensuring that the dowels locate correctly in the holes and protrude through the top
surface of the spacer plate.
3) Fit the four bolts supplied M3 x 6 (4-40 x 1/4”), through the holes in the spacer
plate, and tighten to secure the plate in place.
4) 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.
Fig. 3.4 Building an XY Configuration

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4
5
6
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1
5) Fit the four bolts supplied M3 x 6 (4-40 x 1/4”) through the holes in the underside
of the spacer plate and screw into the base of the upper stage.
6) Tighten the bolts to secure the stage in place.
7) Fit the base plate to the X-axis (lower) stage, and bolt the assembly to the
worksurface as detailed in Section 3.2.4.
3.2.6 Building an XYZ Configuration
Assemble an XY configuration as detailed in Section 3.2.5. then, referring to Fig. 3.5,
proceed as follows:
1) Fit the shorter dowels supplied, into the moving platform on the upper stage of the
XY assembly.
2) Fit the angle bracket (MTS25C-Z8 or MTS50C-Z8) 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. 3.5 Adding a Vertical Axis Stage