THORLABS DTS50 User manual

DTS50(/M)
50 mm Translation Stage
User Guide
Original Instructions

2 HA0339T Rev A Apr 2015
Contents
Chapter 1 Safety ............................................................................................. 3
1.1 Safety Information .................................................................................. 3
1.2 General Warnings .................................................................................. 3
1.3 Introduction ............................................................................................ 4
1.3.1 Multi-Axis Configurations .................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2 Installation ..................................................................................... 7
2.1 Unpacking .............................................................................................. 7
2.2 Mounting ................................................................................................. 7
2.2.1 General ............................................................................................................... 7
2.2.2 Locking Mechanism ............................................................................................ 8
2.2.3 Mounting Directly to the Work Surface ............................................................... 8
2.2.4 Fitting the Spacer Plate ...................................................................................... 9
2.2.5 Building an XY Configuration ........................................................................... 10
2.2.6 Adding a Vertical (Z) Axis ................................................................................. 11
2.3 Mounting Equipment to the Stage ........................................................ 12
2.4 Transportation ...................................................................................... 12
2.5 Operation .............................................................................................. 12
2.6 Dimensions ........................................................................................... 13
2.6.1 DTS50(/M) ........................................................................................................ 13
Chapter 3 Specifications ............................................................................. 14
3.1 Specifications ....................................................................................... 14
3.2 Parts List .............................................................................................. 14
Chapter 4 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................... 15

3
Chapter 1 Safety
1.1 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 ha ndbook and on the
equipment itself.
1.2 General Warnings
Caution
Given when there is a risk of injusy to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
Warnings
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.

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Chapter 2 Overview
2.1 Introduction
The DTS50(/M) dovetail translation stage is an entry-level positioner for use in
general purpose positioning applications. It provides a travel range of 50 mm (2”), with
1 mm (0.04") travel per revolution of the adjuster. The design uses a precision-rolled
M6 x 1.0 mm pitch leadscrew for smooth linear positioning along the entire range of
travel. The moving platform is lockable via a side-located screw to guard against
accidental movement.
The stage can be bolted directly to the optical table (see Section 3.2.3.), or it can be
secured using four CL6 clamps (two on each side) as shown below. The DTSA1 and
DTSA2 base plates can be used to create extra space (5 mm and 10 mm respectively)
between the mounting surface and the stage - seeSection 3.2.4.
Fig. 2.1 DTS50 stage held with four CL6 clamps

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DTS50 50 mm Translation Stage
2.1.1 Multi-Axis Configurations
The modular design allows two stage s to be a ssembled into 2 -axis and 3-axis
configurations. Dowels are included with the purchase of each stage so th at
perpendicularity between the two tra nslation directions is maintained. See Section
3.2.5. and Section 3.2.6. for more details.
Fig. 2.2 DTS50 series linear long travel stage – typical XY configuration

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Chapter 2
Fig. 2.3 DTS50 stage – typical XYZ configuration

7
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking
3.2 Mounting
3.2.1 General
The DTS50 stage can be mounted directly to the work surface as shown in Section
3.2.3. For additional versitility, a base plate and angle bracket are available for use in
horizontal or vertical mounting configurations - see Section 3.2.4. to Section 3.2.6.
When mounting the stage close to other e quipment, ensure that the travel o f the
moving platform is not obstructed.
The range of travel is 50 mm total, that is ± 25 mm about the nominal position.
Notes
During handling or shipping, the moving platform must be constrained to
avoid damage to the bearings.
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future transportation.
Caution
The stage is shipped with a plate fitted to the side, which locks the
carriage during transit and in applications where acccidental
adjustement is undesirable. The locking screw on these plates must be
loosened before the stage is used - see section Section 3.2.2.
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 DTS50 stages can quickly be assembled into XY, XZ, YZ and XYZ
configurations - see Section 3.2.5. and Section 3.2.6. The stages, brackets
and plates are supplied complete with dowels, which ensure an accurate,
orthogonal assembly.

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Chapter 3
3.2.2 Locking Mechanism
The stage is shipped with a plate fitted to th e side, which locks the carriage during
transit, and in applications where accidental adjustment is undesirable. The locking
screw on these plates should be loosened before the stage is used as shown below.
Fig. 3.1 Loosening the Locking Screw
3.2.3 Mounting Directly to the Work Surface
Referring to Fig. 3.2, proceed as follows:
1) Adjust the actuator to position the moving carriage such that the mounting holes
in the base are clearly visible through the holes in the top plate.
2) Fit four bolts (M6 x 10 or 1/4-20 x 3/8”, not supplied) through the holes in the top
platform and tighten to secure the stage to the work surface.
Fig. 3.2 Bolting the stage to the work surface
Loosen this screw before use
Mounting holes
(2 at each end of
platform travel)
1
2
1

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DTS50 50 mm Translation Stage
3.2.4 Fitting the Spacer Plate
A 5 mm (DTSA01) and a 10 mm (DTSA02) spacer plate are available to raise the
height of the top surface to 25 mm or 30 mm respectively.
To fit a spacer plate, refer to Fig. 3.3 and proceed as follows:
1) Adjust the actuator to position the moving carriage such that the mounting holes
in the base are clearly visible through the holes in the top plate.
2) Position the stage on the base plate, ensuring that the through holes in the spacer
plate are clearly visable through the holes in the top plate.
3) Fit four bolts (M6 x 15 or 1/4-20 x 1/2”, not supplied) through the holes in the top
platform and tighten to secure the stage to the work surface.
Fig. 3.3 Fitting the base plate
Mounting holes
(2 at each end of
platform travel)
1
2
3
1

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Chapter 3
3.2.5 Building an XY Configuration
Bolt the X-axis stage to the work surface as detailed in Section 3.2.3. or Section 3.2.4.
then, referring to Fig. 3.4, proceed as follows:.
Fig. 3.4 Building an XY Configuration
1) Fit the dowels supplied to the top plate of the lower stage.
2) Adjust the actuator to position the moving carriage of the upper stage such that
the mounting holes in the base are clearly visible through the holes in the top
plate.
3) Locate the upper stage on the dowels fitted at item (1) then fit four bolts (M6 x 10
or 1/4-20 x 3/8”, not supplied) through the holes in the upper stage and tighten to
secure the stage to the moving platform of the stage beneath.
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and
damage the internal mechanism.
3
3
1
2
2

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DTS50 50 mm Translation Stage
3.2.6 Adding a Vertical (Z) Axis
Assemble an X or XY configuration as detailed in Section 3.2.3. to Section 3.2.5. then,
referring to Fig. 3.5 proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied, into the moving platform on the lower stage assembly.
2) Fit the angle bracket (DTSA03) 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
3) Fit four bolts (M6 x 10 or 1/4-20 x 3/8” not supplied), through the holes in the base
of the angle bracket, and tighten to secure the bracket to the lower assembly.
4) Fit the dowels supplied to the vertical mounting face of the angle bracket.
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and
damage the internal mechanism.
12
5
3
4
6
7

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Chapter 3
5) Adjust the actuator to position the moving carriage of the vertical stage such that
the mounting holes in the base are clearly visible through the holes in the top
plate.
6) Fit the ve rtical-axis stage i nto place ensuring that the dowels fitted at item (4)
locate correctly into the holes in the back surface of the angle bracket.
7) Fit four bolts (M6 x 10 or 1/4-20 x 3/8”, not supplied) through the holes in the upper
stage and tighten to secure the stage to the angle bracket
3.3 Mounting Equipment to the Stage
The top platform of the stage features an array of M6 (1/4”-20) mounting holes for
fitting accessories such as fiber clamps, mirror mounts etc. - see Fig. 3.6.
3.4 Transportation
3.5 Operation
Turn the adjuster clockwise/anticlockwise to move the top platform forward/
backwards. The lead screw has a 1 mm pitch which means that the top platform will
move 1 mm (0.04") per revolution of the adjuster.
A graduated scale is etched onto each side of the moving platform. The metric stage
has 1 millimeter graduations, the imperial stage has 1/40” graduations.
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and
damage the internal mechanism.
Caution
The weight attached to the moving platform must not exceed 40 kg (88 lb) if the
stage is mounted horizontally, or 10 kg (22 lb) if mounted vertically.
Do not apply excessive forces to the moving platform.
Caution
When packing the unit for shipping, use the original packing. If this is not
available, use a strong box and surround the unit with at least 100 mm of
shock absorbent material.
Before the stage is packed for transit, adjust the actuators to the center of
travel and then tighten the locking mechanism - see Section 3.2.2.

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DTS50 50 mm Translation Stage
3.6 Dimensions
3.6.1 DTS50(/M)
Fig. 3.6 Dimensions – DTS50(/M)
All Dimensions in mm (inches)
12.5
(0.5”)
68.0
(2.68”)
20.0
(0.79”)
50.6
(1.99”)
50.6
(1.99”)
95.0
(3.74”) 36.8 (1.45”) 8.5 (0.33”) 2.5
(0.1”)
3.5
(0.14”)
3.0
(0.12”)
Ø 3.0 (0.118”)
Holes for Alignment Pins (2 Positions)
Ø 3.0 (0.118”)
Holes for Alignment Pins (2 Positions)
Ø 7.5 (0.3”) Mounting Holes
Suitable for Metric and Imperial
Work Surfaces
25.0 Pitch Typical
(1.0”)
M6 x 1 (1/4”-20) 17 Positions
Max Penetration Depth 7 mm (0.275”)
Locking Plate
(Could be repositioned
on opposite side)

14
Chapter 4 Specifications
4.1 Specifications
4.2 Parts List
Parameter Value
Travel Range 50 mm
Horizontal Load Capacity 40 kg (88 lb)
Vertical Load Capacity 10 kg (22 lb)
Top Surface Parallelism 1200 µRad
Angular Deviation ±300 µRad
Staightness Horizontal ±15.00 µm
Vertical ±7.00 µm
Stiffness Pitch 150.00 µRad/Nm
Yaw 460.00 µRad/Nm
Weight 0.31 kg (0.68 lbs)
Note
Backlash is not specified because the stage design does not contain a
backlash spring.
Description Part Number
5 mm Spacer Plate DTSA01
10 mm Spacer Plate DTSA02
Right Angle Bracket DTSA03

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Chapter 5 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at
www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information.
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
sa[email protected]
[email protected]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
[email protected]
France
Thorlabs SAS
[email protected]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
[email protected]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
[email protected]
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
[email protected]
China
Thorlabs China
[email protected]

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