What Are Motorized Stages?
Motorized stages are devices capable of precise positioning through controlled automatic feeders. These stages can be adjusted in multiple directions—horizontally, vertically, and diagonally—and the inclusion of a Z-axis facilitates three-dimensional movements, making them versatile for various applications.
Applications of Motorized Stages
Motorized stages are integral to manufacturing equipment, electron microscopes, and other devices for adjustment and positioning tasks. They are commonly found in:
- Adjustment and positioning of inspection equipment.
- Stroke adjustments in equipment setups.
- Positioning of cameras and microscopes.
- Transport and positioning within FA equipment.
- Stroke-required machinery in NC and CNC machining.
Principles of Motorized Stages
Essential components of a motorized stage include the guide mechanism and the automatic feeder.
1. Guide Mechanisms
- Dovetail Groove Guide: Uses a dovetail groove and mortise for movement, suitable for cost-effective applications not requiring high precision.
- V-Groove Guide: Features rollers moving in a V-groove for high rigidity and low friction, enabling fine adjustments.
- Linear Ball Guides: Employs a ball-and-R-groove system for stable load capacity and precise positioning.
2. Automatic Feeding Devices
- Rack and Pinion: Fast feeding, suitable for applications not requiring high precision.
- Feed Screw: Allows for fine adjustments with slower feed speeds, ideal for precise positioning over short distances.
Motors used include stepping motors, which rotate by energizing coils, and AC servo motors, which adjust torque based on encoder feedback.
Types of Motorized Stages
Motorized stages vary from linear-motion stages for horizontal and vertical movements to rotation stages for angular adjustments. These include:
- Linear-motion stages for single or multi-axis linear movements
- Rotation stages for rotational movements around a vertical axis
- Goniometric stages for precise angular positioning