Optimal-Engineering Systems Inc. (OES)has added a high-precision open aperture stage to its line of precision XY stages. The AU200-100x100 low-profile stage measures 80mm (3.150") high with a compact footprint (including the motors) of 348mm x 348mm (13.701" x 13.701"). The linear travel of the X and Y axes is 100mm x 100mm (3.937" x 3.937"), and the resolution of each axis is 20µm (non-micro-step) or 1µm (20 micro-steps per step motor driver in use), repeatability is 2µm, and the positional accuracy is 3µm. The stages have preloaded V-groove and crossed roller bearings and ground 4mm per-turn lead screws having just 2µm of backlash, all contributing to the stage’s high precision and stiffness. Designed for applications such as: Laser drilling, machining, medical, industrial, semiconductor handling, testing, scanning, alignment, assembly, and optical applications, this compact, low profile black anodized aluminum XY stage is easy to integrate into new or existing systems.

The XY stage's table measures 300mm x 300mm (11.811" x 11.811") and the open aperture measures 188mm x 188mm (7.402" x 7.402"). A recessed mounting and precision pattern of drilled and threaded mounting holes facilitate the alignment of tooling or fixtures. Additionally, solid tooling plates are available for custom and interchangeable applications.

The standard two-phase stepper motors have knobs for manually adjusting each stage axis, however, the knobs can be replaced with incremental encoders for position verification. Optional servo motors and compatible motion controllers are also available from OES, or the AU200-100x100 stage can be ordered as a complete plug-and-play motion control system.