How to Motorize a Manual Translation Stage

The manual adjusters on Thorlabs' translation stages can be replaced with motorized actuators. This is first demonstrated using a stage with a 0.5" linear travel range, whose adjuster screw is replaced by a stepper motor driven actuator. Then, the micrometer on a stage with a 1" linear travel range is replaced by a DC servo motor driven actuator. Following the techniques demonstrated here allows adjusters to be exchanged without damaging the stage. In addition, the video provides an introduction to best practices for mounting these stages to a table or breadboard, including using the locking plate to save time and hassle.

0:00 - Introduction
0:21 - ½" Travel Stage
1:43 - Swapping an Actuator for a Stepper Motor
3:48 - 1" Travel Stage
5:10 - Swapping an Actuator for a DC Servo Motor

Components used in this demonstration include:
- MT1B Linear Translation Stage: thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1…
- ZFS13B Stepper-Motor-Driven Actuator: thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1…
- XR25P Linear Translation Stage: thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1…
- Z825B DC-Servo-Motor-Driven Actuator: thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1…
- Balldrivers and Hex Keys: thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_ID=1…

For more photonics how-to videos, visit thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1….