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XY Stages

An XY stage (or XY table) is a precision linear positioning device that provides accurate, repeatable motion across two orthogonal axes. By strictly constraining pitch, yaw, roll, and Z-axis translation, our XY stages deliver ultra-flat planar motion for the most demanding applications. Whether you are building automated microscopy equipment, semiconductor metrology tools, or high-throughput industrial scanning systems, we offer a comprehensive catalog of motorized and manual translation stages to meet your exact travel, payload, and accuracy requirements.

The Plug-and-Play Advantage for Planar Motion

Unlike traditional positioning setups that require bulky external driver boxes and complex wiring, many of our XY stages feature integrated built-in controllers.

By housing the control electronics directly on the unit, you drastically reduce cable management, save valuable optical bench space, and achieve a true plug-and-play solution. These stages can be seamlessly daisy-chained with other linear or rotary stages—allowing you to configure a synchronized multi-axis system in minutes, with free access to intuitive software and scripting editors.

Showing all 4 results

Products	Product Code	Description
	LC40 Series	T-slot extrusion compatible linear guides
	LSM Series	Miniature motorized linear stages and Auto Detect
	LRM Series	Miniature, steel motorized linear stages with Auto Detect
	LSQ Series	Motorized linear stages with Auto Detect

Engineering Guide: Choosing the Right XY Stage

Selecting the correct XY positioning system requires balancing travel, load, and environmental constraints.

Actuation Type: Choose Linear Motors (LDM/LDQ) for frictionless, high-speed continuous scanning. Opt for Screw Drives (LSM/LRQ) when mechanical stiffness, high thrust, and power-off stability are required.
Guide Bearings: Crossed-roller bearings provide the highest stiffness and straightness for short-travel micro-positioning. Recirculating ball bearings are best suited for long-travel, high-load industrial applications.
Form Factor: If Abbe angular errors must be minimized, keep the payload as close to the bearings as possible by selecting low-profile stacked stages or integrating directly with our flat monolithic adapter plates.

Frequently Asked Questions (XY Stages)

How do you ensure orthogonality in an XY stage?

Orthogonality—the exact 90-degree squareness between the X and Y axes—is critical for planar accuracy. We ensure this through precision-machined mounting surfaces and factory-calibrated assembly, minimizing yaw and cross-axis runout so your payload moves exactly where commanded.

Can I add a vertical Z-axis to these XY tables?

Yes. Any of our XY configurations can be paired with our vertical lift stages using standard angle brackets. Because our systems share a unified communication protocol, adding a Z-axis is as simple as bolting it on and daisy-chaining the data cable.

What is the advantage of a built-in controller for XY positioning?

A built-in controller eliminates the need for separate rack-mounted electronics. It reduces the total cost of the system, eliminates signal noise associated with long encoder cables, and makes multi-axis synchronization significantly easier to program.