THORLABS MTS25 Series User manual

MTS25 and MTS50 Series
Motorized Translation Stages
User Guide

2 HA0178T Rev F May 2012
Contents
Chapter 1 1 For Your Safety ........................................................................ 2
1.1 Safety Information .................................................................................. 2
1.2 Warnings ................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Declarations Of Conformity .................................................................... 3
1.3.1 For Customers in Europe ...................................................................................3
1.3.2 For Customers In The USA ................................................................................3
1.4 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive ............... 4
1.4.1 Compliance ........................................................................................................4
1.4.2 Waste treatment on your own responsibility .......................................................5
1.4.3 Ecological background .......................................................................................5
Chapter 2 2 Overview ...................................................................................6
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 6
Chapter 3 3 Installation ................................................................................7
3.1 Unpacking .............................................................................................. 7
3.2 Mounting ................................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 General ...............................................................................................................7
3.2.2 Connecting The Motor Driver .............................................................................8
3.2.3 Fitting the Base Plate .........................................................................................9
3.2.4 Building an XY Configuration ...........................................................................10
3.2.5 Building an XYZ Configuration .........................................................................11
3.2.6 Dimensions .......................................................................................................13
Chapter 4 4 Operation ................................................................................14
4.1 General ................................................................................................. 14
Chapter 5 5 Specifications ........................................................................ 16
5.1 Stage Specifications ............................................................................. 16
5.2 Motor Specifications ............................................................................. 17
Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Appendices
Chapter 8 A Motor Pin Out Details & Associated Products ...................18
8.1 Motor Pin Out Details............................................................................ 18
8.2 Associated Products.............................................................................. 18
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

3
Chapter 1 For Your 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. 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.

4
Chapter 2 Overview
2.1 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 DC servo motor. A built-in optical encoder provides
12,288 counts per revolution resulting in a minimum incremental motion of less than
50nm.
The addition of limit switches on the stage itself ensures controlled motion within the
parameters of the unit and prevents overdriving in both directions. Two travel ranges
are available: 1" (25mm) and 2" (50mm). 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. 2.1 Typical MTS stage and driver set up

5
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Mounting
3.1.1 General
The MTS series stages can be mounted horizontally or vertically using the base
plates, spacer plates and angle brackets previously mentioned - see Section 2.1.
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: 25mm, MTS50 stages: 50mm
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 damaged by
mishandling. The unit should only be handled by the base, not by the top
platform or any mounted accessories.
Caution
The stages are set up and calibrated at the factory and no further
adjustment is necessary.
Do not allow screwsor other objects to protrude through the top platform
as this could damage the internal mechanism.
When mounting components, or fitting the stage within anapplication, do
not apply excessive pressure to the moving platform as this may damage
the bearing mechanism.
Note
The MTS series stages can quickly be assembled into XY, XZ, YZ and XYZ
configurations - see Section 3.1.4. and Section 3.1.5. The brackets and
plates are supplied complete with dowels, which ensure an accurate,
orthogonal assembly, and all bolts.

6 HA0178T Rev F May 2012
Chapter 3
3.1.2 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 TDC001 T-Cube
DC driver unit - see Fig. 3.1 below. A 3m (9.8 ft) extension cable (PAA632) is available
on request.
Fig. 3.1 TDC001 rear panel
Caution
It is recommended that the MTS series stages be driven by the Thorlabs
TDC001 DC Servo Motor Driver. If the stage is being driven by any other
driver or controller, consult Section A.1. for motor pin out details and
Chapter 5 for details of the motor specification.
MOTOR

7
MTS25 and MTS50 Motorized Translation Stages
3.1.3 Fitting and Removing the Base Plate
Referring to Fig. 3.2, 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 bolts supplied M3 x 10 (4-40 x 1/2”) through the holes in the underside
of the base plate, and tighten to secure the stage in place.
Fig. 3.2 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.
Mounting holes
(2 at each end of
platform travel)
1
3
2
44

8 HA0178T Rev F May 2012
Chapter 3
3.1.4 Building an XY Configuration
Referring to Fig. 3.3, 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. 3.3 Building an XY Configuration
1
2
3
5
4
Note orientation of plate
and upper stage
(part numbers aligned)

9
MTS25 and MTS50 Motorized Translation Stages
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 3.1.3.
3.1.5 Building an XYZ Configuration
Assemble an XY configuration as detailed in Section 3.1.4. then, referring to Fig. 3.4,
proceed as follows:
1) Fit the dowels supplied to 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. 3.4 Adding a Vertical Axis Stage
1
2
3
4
56

10 HA0178T Rev F May 2012
Chapter 3
3) Fit the four bolts supplied M3 x 10 (4-40 x 1/2”), 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 to the underside of the base on the vertical-axis stage.
5) Fit the vertical-axis stage into place ensuring that the dowels fitted at item (4)
locate correctly into the holes in the back surface of the angle bracket.
6) Fit the four bolts supplied M3 x 10 (4-40 x 1/2”), through the holes in the angle
bracket, and screw into the base of the vertical-axis stage.
7) Tighten the bolts to secure the stage in place.
8) Fit the base plate to the X-axis (lower) stage, and bolt the assembly to the
worksurface as detailed in Section 3.1.3.
Fig. 3.5 Typical XYZ configuration
3.2 Transportation
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.

11
MTS25 and MTS50 Motorized Translation Stages
3.3 Dimensions
3.3.1 MTS Dimensions
Fig. 3.6 Dimensions
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.
1.70
(43.0)
1.5
(37.5)
1.0
(25.0)
0.5
(12.5)
1.70
(43.0)
1.5
(37.5)
1.0
(25.0)
0.5
(12.5)
8-32 (M4)
mounting hole
4-40 (M3)
mounting holes
(14 places)
4-40 (M3) mounting holes
(4 places) *
4 alignment pins
25mm spacing
* used in the assembly of stages
in XY and XYZ configurations
1.14
(29.0)
Length A
Length B
Length A 5.3 (135.0) 6.34 (161.0)
Length B 6.65 (169.0) 7.68 (195.0)
MTS25X MTS50X
all dimensions in inches (mm)

12
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1 General
The stages are connected to the controller via a flying lead terminated in a D-type
connector.
For a complete tutorial on using the stage with a motor controller, see the relevant
controller manual. Basic steps in controlling the stage are as follows:
1) Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 3.1.
2) Connect the stage to the DC motor driver - see Section 3.1.2.
3) Connect the driver to the main supply and switch ‘ON’.
4) Connect the driver unit to your PC.
Caution
TheMTSseries stages form part of the ThorlabsNanopositioning system.
We recommend they are driven by the Thorlabs TDC001 T-Cube DC Servo
Motor Driver. If the stage is being driven by any other driver or controller,
consult Section A.1. for motor pin out details and Chapter 5 for details of
the motor specification.
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.
Warning
The controller must be switched OFF before the stages are plugged in or
unplugged. Failure to switch the controller off may result in damage to
either the controller, the stage, or both.
Note
The USB cable should be no more than 3 metres in length. Communication
lengths in excess of 3 metres can be achieved by using a powered USB hub).

13
MTS25 and MTS50 Motorized Translation Stages
5) Start the APTUser utility - Start/Programs/Thorlabs/APT User/APT User
The APT server reads in the stage and controller information on boot up and the
settings made above are displayed in the ‘Setting’ window as shown in Fig. 4.1.
Fig. 4.1 APTUser GUI screen
6) Move the stage to its home position, to establish a zero datum - see the handbook
supplied with the TDC001 driver unit.
See the APTConfig and APTUser online help files for further information on the use
of these utilities.

14
Chapter 5 Specifications
5.1 Stage Specifications
Parameter Value
Bidirectional Repeatability 1.6 µm
Backlash <6 µm
Maximum Acceleration 4.5 mm/sec2
Maximum Velocity 3.0 mm/sec
Velocity Stability ± 0.25 mm/sec
Max Vertical On-Axis Load Capacity 4.5 kg (10 lb)
Max Horizontal On-Axis Load Capacity 12 kg (25 lb)
Recommended Vertical Load Capacity 4 kg (8.8 lb) (Continuous Use)
Recommended Horizontal Load Capacity 10 kg (22 lb) (Continuous Use)
Min Acheivable Incremental Movement 0.05 µm
Min Repeatable Incremental Movement 0.5 µm
Absolute On-axis Accuracy MTS25 145 µm MTS50 290 µm
Maximum Percentage Accuracy MTS25 0.3% MTS50 0.7%
Home Location Accuracy ± 4.0 µm
Pitch MTS25 0.04° MTS50 0.05°
Yaw MTS25 0.05° MTS50 0.06°
Weight MTS25 0.31 kg MTS50 0.34 kg
Travel Range MTS25 1" (25mm) or MTS50 2" (50mm)
Software Compatibility APT Server CDM621 V2.9.0

15
MTS25 and MTS50 Motorized Translation Stages
5.2 Motor Specification
How to Calculate the Linear Displacement per Encoder Count
For the Z8 series motors, there are 512 encoder counts per revolution of the motor.
The output shaft of the motor goes into a 67:1 planetary gear head. This requires the
motor to rotate 67 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead screw one revolution.
The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm.
To calculate the linear displacement of the actuator per encoder count:
512 x 67 = 34,304 encoder counts per revolution of the lead screw
Linear displacement of the lead screw per encoder count is:
1.0 mm / 34,304 counts = 2.9 x 10-5 mm (29 nm)
Parameter Value
Motor Type DC Servo
Motor Drive Voltage 12V
Feedback Hall Effect Encoder
Encoder Counts per Revolution of the Leadscrew 34,304
Terminal Resistance 95Ω
Output Power 0.36W
Efficiency 68%
No Load Speed 16,500rpm
No Load Current 0.004A
Stall Torque 0.82mNm
Friction Torque 0.03mNm
Speed Constant 1419 rpm/V
Back EMF Constant 0.705 mV/rpm
Torque Constant 6.73 mNm/A
Current Constant 0.149 A/mNm
Rotor Inductance 310µH

16
Appendix A Motor Pin Out Details & Associated
Parts
A.1 Motor Connector Pin Out
The Motor cable is terminated in a 15 way D-type connector, which provides
connection to the DC motor controller. The pin functions are detailed in Fig. 1.1.
Fig. 1.1 Motor Connector Pin Descriptions
A.2 Associated Products
Note. All the above parts fit both imperial and metric products.
Pin Description Pin Description
1 Ground/Return 9
2 Reverse Limit Switch 10 Vcc
3 Forward Limit Switch 11 Encoder B
412
5 Motor + 13 Encoder A
614
7 Motor - 15 Braid/Screen
8
Product Name Part Number
Base Plate for MTS25-Z8 Stages MTS25A-Z8
Base Plate for MTS50-Z8 Stages MTS50A-Z8
XY Adapter Plate for MTS25-Z8 Stages MTS25B-Z8
XY Adapter Plate for MTS50-Z8 Stages MTS50B-Z8
Right Angle Bracket for MTS25-Z8 Stages MTS25C-Z8
Right Angle Bracket for MTS50-Z8 Stages MTS50C-Z8
MTS25-Z8 60mm cage system adapters MTS25CSA
MTS50-Z8 60mm cage system adapters MTS50CSA
5
10
11 15
6
1

17
Appendix B Regulatory
B.1 Declarations Of Conformity
B.1.1 For Customers in Europe
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the EC Directives
89/336/EEC ‘EMC Directive’ and 73/23/EEC ‘Low Voltage Directive’ as amended by
93/68/EEC.
Compliance was demonstrated by conformance to the following specifications which
have been listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
Safety EN61010: 2001 Installation Category II, Polution Degree II.
EMC EN61326: 1997
B.1.2 For Customers In The USA
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, persuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the company could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
B.2 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
B.2.1 Compliance
As required by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive of
the European Community and the corresponding national laws, we offer all end users
in the EC the possibility to return "end of life" units without incurring disposal charges.
This offer is valid for electrical and electronic equipment
• sold after August 13th 2005
• marked correspondingly with the crossed out "wheelie bin" logo (see Fig. 1)
• sold to a company or institute within the EC
• currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
• still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated

Appendix B
18 HA0178T Rev F May 2012
Fig. 2.1 Crossed out "wheelie bin" symbol
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic
products, this "end of life" take back service does not refer to other products, such as
• pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g.
OEM laser driver cards)
• components
• mechanics and optics
• left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB's, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or your nearest
dealer for further information.
B.2.2 Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an "end of life" unit to the company, you must hand it to a company
specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public
waste disposal site.
B.2.3 Ecological background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products
during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to reduce the
content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled
recycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on the
environment.

19
Appendix C Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Ave
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)
email: [email protected]
Support: [email protected]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6
85221 Dachau
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
email: [email protected]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
1 Saint Thomas Place, Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX
Great Britain
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
email: [email protected]
Support:
[email protected]
France
Thorlabs SAS
109, rue des Côtes
78600 Maisons-Laffitte
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
email: [email protected]
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
Box 141 94
400 20 Göteborg
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
email: [email protected]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan Inc.
Higashi Ikebukuro
Q Building 1st Floor 2-23-2
Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.jp
email: [email protected]
China
Thorlabs China
Oasis Middlering Centre
3 Building 712 Room
915 Zhen Bei Road
Shanghai
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
email: [email protected]

20
Thorlabs Ltd.
Saint Thomas Place, Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX,
UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Thorlabs Inc.
56 Sparta Ave
Newton, NJ07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com