THORLABS LNR50 Series User manual

LNR50 Series
Linear Long-travel
Translation Stage
User Guide
Original Instructions

2 HA0106T Rev 12 Sept 2020
Contents
Chapter 1 Safety ............................................................................................. 3
1.1 Safety Information .................................................................................. 3
1.2 General Warnings .................................................................................. 3
Chapter 2 Getting Started .............................................................................. 4
2.1 Linear Long-travel Translation Stage .................................................... 4
Chapter 3 Operation ....................................................................................... 7
3.1 Manual Differential Drives and Differential Micrometer Drives ............... 7
3.2 Motor Drives ........................................................................................... 7
3.3 Piezo Actuators ...................................................................................... 8
Chapter 4 Installation ..................................................................................... 9
4.1 Unpacking .............................................................................................. 9
4.2 Environmental Conditions ...................................................................... 9
4.3 Mounting ................................................................................................. 9
4.4 Fitting and Removal of Drives .............................................................. 15
4.5 Reconfiguring the Actuator Position ..................................................... 15
4.6 Mounting Equipment to the Stage ........................................................ 18
4.7 Transportation ...................................................................................... 18
Chapter 5 Specifications ............................................................................. 19
5.1 General Specifications ......................................................................... 19
5.2 Piezoactuated Stage Specifications ..................................................... 19
5.3 Stepper Motor Stage Specifications ..................................................... 19
5.4 Stepper Motor Connector Pin Out ........................................................ 20
Chapter 6 Parts and Consumables ............................................................. 21
6.1 Parts List .............................................................................................. 21
6.2 Preventive Maintenance ....................................................................... 21
Chapter 7 Regulatory ................................................................................... 22
7.1 Declarations Of Conformity .................................................................. 22
7.2 CE Certificate ....................................................................................... 23
Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................... 24

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 handbook and on the
equipment itself.
1.2 General Warnings
Shock Warning
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.
Warnings
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Do not operate the
instrument outside its rated supply voltages or environmental range. In
particular, excessive moisture may impair safety.
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.

4
Chapter 2 Getting Started
2.1 Linear Long-travel Translation Stage
The LNR50 single-axis linear long travel stage has been designed to integrate
seemlessly into the Thorlabs modular electronic or benchtop positioning systems.
The unique combination of long-travel actuators and high-precision piezoelectric
elements provides solutions to applications such as manipulation, alignment and
assembly of photonics products, and microscope examination of large samples.
When fitted with a piezoelectric actuator, the stage is compatible with the Thorlabs
NanoTrakTM autoalignment module, allowing automated or semi-automated optical
alignment systems to be constructed around customer specific applications.
Stages can be bolted together in and XY, XZ or XYZ configurations for applications
where movement is required in more than one axis..
Fig. 2.1 LNR50 series linear long travel stage – typical XYZ configuration

5
LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
2.1.1 Drives
Stages are supplied pre-configured with either manual or motor drives. However,
various motorized drives and piezo drives are available, which can easily be fitted
later, as the application needs change – see Table 2.1, Fig. 2.2, and Section 2.1.2.
Table 2.1 Drive Options
.
Fig. 2.2 DRV250 stepper motor drive
Note
The DRV225 and DRV250 trapezoidal stepper motor drives must be used in
conjunction with the BSCxxx or MSTxxx series stepper motor controllers.
Drives Type Travel (mm) Resolution (µm) Product Number
Trapezoidal stepper motor 25.0 0.05 DRV225
Trapezoidal stepper motor 50.0 0.05 DRV250

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Chapter 2
2.1.2 Piezo Actuators
Piezoelectric actuators have been developed for optical and fiber-optical applications,
to provide linear motions up to 40 µm – see Table 2.2 and Fig. 2.3.
Fig. 2.3 A typical piezo actuator
Table 2.2 Piezo Actuator Options
Table 2.3 Piezo Tip Options
Extension
(µm at 75V dc, zero load)
Standard
actuator
Feedback
actuator
40 PAS009 PAZ009
Note
The piezo actuators are supplied with a PAA001 flat tip. Other tips are available
separately as shown below.
End Type Thread Product Number
Flat end – PAA001
Drive ball end – PAA005
Threaded M4 PAA007
Threaded 8 - 32 UNC PAA013
PAZ009

7
Chapter 3 Operation
3.1 Manual Differential Drives and Differential Micrometer Drives
3.1.1 Adjusting Micrometer Drives
Turn the coarse adjuster clockwise until the platform begins to move. By careful use
of the fine adjuster, sub-micron resolution is now achievable.
Fig. 3.1 Adjusting a differential drive
3.2 Motor Drives
To ensure that a particular stage is driven properly by the system, a number of parameters
must first be set. These parameters relate to the physical characteristics of the stage being
driven (e.g. min and max positions, leadscrew pitch, homing direction etc.).
To assist in setting these parameters correctly, it is possible, using the APT Config utility,
to associate a specific stage type and axis with the motor controller channel. Once this
association has been made, the APT server applies automatically, suitable default
parameter values on boot up of the software.
To ensure correct operation, it is important to select the correct stage type for your
controller. For further information on fitting and operating the stage with a motor drive,
please see the manual supplied for the DRV225 or DRV250 actuator. These are available
at www.thorlabs.com
Fine Adjuster
50 μm
per revolution
1 μm Graduations
Locking screw
Coarse Adjuster
0.5 mm per revolution

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Chapter 3
3.3 Piezo Actuators
Piezo actuators are used to give nanometric positioning of the platform over a range
of 40 microns – see Table 2.2. They can also modulate the position of the platform at
high frequency.
On a piezo-actuated stage, position feedback may be incorporated to enhance the
repeatability and linearity of piezo motion.
The piezo-actuated stage should be used together with one of the Thorlabs
piezoelectric controllers – see the handbook supplied with the relevant piezoelectric
controller for more information.

9
LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
Chapter 4 Installation
4.1 Unpacking
4.2 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.
4.3 Mounting
4.3.1 General
The LNR50 series stages can be mounted diectly to the work surface as shown in
Section 4.3.2. For additional versitility, a base plate and angle bracket are available
for use in horizontal or vertical mounting configurations - see Section 4.3.3. to
Section 4.3.5. 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.
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.
The stage is shipped with a plate fitted to the side, which locks the carriage
during transit. These plates should be removed before the stage is used.
Retain the plates for future use.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely
affect operator safety.

10
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 4.5. for more details.
4.3.2 Mounting Directly to the Work Surface
Referring to Fig. 4.2, proceed as follows:
1) Adjust the actuator to position the moving carriage central in its range of travel,
and ensure that the mounting holes in the base are clearly visable through the
holes in the top plate.
2) Fit two 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. 4.1 Bolting the stage to the work surface
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 4.3.4. and Section 4.3.5. The brackets and plates are
supplied complete with dowels, which ensure an accurate, orthogonal assembly.
Mounting holes
(2 at each end of
platform travel)

11
LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
4.3.3 Fitting and Removing the Base Plate
Referring to Fig. 4.2, proceed as follows:
1) Adjust the actuator to position the moving carriage central in its range of travel,
and ensure that the mounting holes in the base are clearly visable 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. 4.2 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
3
4
5

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Chapter 4
4.3.4 Building an XY Configuration
Bolt the X-axis stage to the work surface as detailed in Section 4.3.3. then, referring
to Fig. 4.3, proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied to the moving platform of the lower stage.
2) Fit the Y-axis stage into place ensuring that the dowels in the lower stage locate
correctly in the holes in the lower surface of the upper stage.
Fig. 4.3 Building an XY Configuration
3) 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 moving platform of the stage beneath.
Note
If the XY configuration is being constructed using stages fitted with stepper
motor drives, a spacer plate (LNR50P3) will be required between the two
stages before proceeding to item (2)
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and
damage the internal mechanism.
2
1
3

13
LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
4.3.5 Building an XYZ Configuration
Assemble an XY configuration as detailed in Section 4.3.4. then, referring to Fig. 4.4,
and Fig. 4.5 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. 4.4 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.
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and
damage the internal mechanism.
1
2
3

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Chapter 4
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.
6) Fit two bolts (M6 x 12 or 1/4-20 x 1/2”, not supplied), through the holes in the top
plate, and screw into the rear face of the angle bracket.
Fig. 4.5 Adding a Vertical Axis Stage
Caution
Use only bolts of the stated length. Longer bolts will protude into the stage and
damage the internal mechanism.
5
6
4

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LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
4.4 Fitting and Removal of Drives
4.4.1 Removing/Fitting a Micrometer Drive
1) Loosen the mounting block actuator pinch bolts.
2) Remove the exisiting drive.
3) Fit the replacement drive.
4) Tighten the mounting block pinch bolts.
5) Adjust the actuator to its center position.
6) Loosen the push block pinch bolts and position the push block such that the stage
is in its center of travel.
7) Tighten the push block pich bolts.
Fig. 4.6 Fitting/removing a micrometer drive
4.5 Reconfiguring the Actuator Position
The stage is shipped with the drives configured for a right handed configuration,
however they can be repositioned for left handed use. This is achieved by swapping
the position of the actuator clamp and the push block as follows:
Referring to Fig. 4.7:
1) Remove the actuator as detailed in Section 4.4.
2) Undo the mounting block attachment bolts and remove the mounting block.
3) Loosen the push block pinch bolts.
4) Remove the push block.
3
4
2
5
6
6
7
1

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Chapter 4
5) Undo the push block mounting bolts and remove the push block mounting block.
Fig. 4.7 Removing the Actuator Clamp and Push Block
Referring to Fig. 4.8 on the next page:
6) Refit the push block mounting block on the opposite side of the stage as shown in
Fig. 4.8 and tighten the attachment bolts.
7) Refit the push block.
8) Tighten the push block pinch bolts.
9) Refit the actuator mounting block as shown in Fig. 4.8 and tighten the attachment
bolts.
10) Refit the actuator, then tighten the mounting block pinch bolts.
11) Adjust the actuator to its center position.
12) Loosen the push block pinch bolts and position the push block such that the stage
is in its center of travel.
13) Tighten the push block pich bolts
4
2
5
1
3

17
LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
Fig. 4.8 Reconfiguring the Actuator Position
9
10
10
6
7
8

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Chapter 4
4.6 Mounting Equipment to the Stage
Thorlabs manufacture a variety of fibre chucks, holders and fixtures to fit the linear
stage. All of these accessories are mounted to the stage via a top platform, see Fig.
4.9.
Fig. 4.9 Top platform
4.7 Transportation
Caution
The weight attached to the moving platform must not exceed 10 kg.
Do not apply excessive forces to the moving platform.
Caution
The drives should be removed before transporting the stage.
When packing the unit for shipping, use the original packing. If this is not
available, use a strong box and surround the stage with at least 100 mm
of shock absorbent material.
100 (3.9)
square
25.0
(1.0)
25.0
(1.0)
50 (2")
76 (2.99)
13 holes threaded M6
(1/4-20 UNC) thru
2 holes Ø 11.0 (0.43) thru
all dimensions in mm (inches)

19
LNR50 Series Long Travel Translation Stage
Chapter 5 Specifications
5.1 General Specifications
Travel 2" (50 mm)
Max Horizontal Load Capacity Manual Drives: 66 lb (30 kg)
Motor Drives: 48.4 lb (22 kg)
Weight (without drives) 3.96 lb (1.8 kg)
5.2 Piezoactuated Stage Specifications
Maximum Input Voltage 75 V
Operating Temperature –20°C to 80°C
5.3 Stepper Motor Stage Specifications
Max Velocity* 20 mm/sec
Max Acceleration 20 mm/sec/sec
Min Incremental Movement 0.05 µm
Backlash <6 µm
Absolute On-axis Accuracy 10 µm
Bidirectional Repeatability 0.5 µm
Home Switch Accuracy ± 1µm
* The velocity quoted above is only achievable with light loads. When using heavy
loads, the velocity should be reduced accordingly.
Caution
The stage should only be used in conjunction with the appropriate Thorlabs
Piezoelectric Controllers.

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Chapter 5
5.4 Stepper Motor Connector Pin Out
The Motor D-Type connector provides connection to the Stepper motor controller.
The pin functions are detailed in Fig. 5.1
Fig. 5.1 Stepper Motor Connector Pin Descriptions
Pin Description Pin Description
1 Ground/Return 6 Motor Phase A -
2 CCW Limit Switch 7 Motor Phase A +
3 CW Limit Switch 8 to14 Not Used
4 Motor Phase B - 15 Braid/Screen
5 Motor Phase B +
5
10
11 15
6
1