XY Stages
Below is a selection of automation products from our portfolio, and each can be modified and configured to meet your specific needs. If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, contact us. We can help you identify the right motion positioning stage solution for your application.
We pride ourselves on having the knowledge and experience to solve your unique challenge.

Compact High Performance XY Stages
SmartStage™ XY
The SmartStage Linear Positioner offers high precision and includes an innovative built-in controller right inside the stage.
Travel | 50 - 200 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | < 16 μm |
Repeatability | 0.8 μm |
Payload | 10 kg |
MMX™
The MMX™ series miniature linear stage has a low profile design with a high power linear motor. Optional counterbalance for XYZ stage use.
Travel | 25 - 150 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | < ± 3 μm |
Repeatability | < ± 0.4 μm |
Payload | 10 kg |
MMS™
The MMS™ – Miniature Long Travel Linear Stage ideal for imaging applications where a long travel load/unload axis is required.
Travel | 200 - 400 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | < 15 μm |
Repeatability | 2 μm |
Payload | 12 kg |
Open Frame XY Stages
XYMR™
The XYMR™ series XY microscope stage brings automated, highly accurate XY positioning to a wide range of microscope-based applications.
Travel | 150 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | 30 μm TIR |
Repeatability | < ± 1.5 μm |
Payload | 10 kg |
OFL™
The OFL™ series motorized XY microscope stage provides increased travel and load bearing capacity in an open frame XY configuration.
Travel | 200 - 635 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | 80 μm TIR |
Repeatability | < ± 3 μm |
Payload | 80 kg |
DDM™
The DDM™ series direct drive motorized microscope stage provides quiet motion with the best accuracy and repeatability of the open frame series.
Travel | 120 x 80 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | 2 μm TIR |
Repeatability | < ± 0.25 μm |
Payload | 1 kg |
Monolithic High Load XY Stages
XYR™
The XYR™ series XY positioning stage is our most popular XY linear stage and uses a lead screw for motion. The monolithic integrated XY center makes the stage stiff and compact.
Travel | 50 - 300 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | 15 μm |
Repeatability | < ± 3 μm |
Payload | 175 kg |
XYRB™
The XYRB™ series precision XY stage is similar to the XYR™, but incorporates a ball screw for more precise and repeatable positioning. The encoder option provides high precision.
Travel | 50 - 300 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | 8 μm TIR |
Repeatability | < ± 1 μm |
Payload | 175 kg |
XYA™
The XYA™ series XY linear stage has the motors and controller embedded within the positioning stage structure for a cleaner appearance and less external cabling.
Travel | 100 - 200 mm |
---|---|
Accuracy | 50 μm TIR |
Repeatability | < ± 5 μm |
Payload | 10 kg |
Custom Design Capabilities
Dover Motion has more than 25 years of experience working with OEMs to optimize motion for objective focusing, and moving samples on a slides, well plates, or flow cells.
Our engineers have developed unique motion control architectures for precision motion specifically tailored to the needs of OEMs developing microscope-based systems and instruments relying on optical imaging as the analytical detection technique. Dover Motion’s novel, patented, SmartStage embedded controls provides key packaging advantages, reduced cabling and cable management requirements, and incredible system value for our clients.
SmartStage Open Frame (XY)
- Fast Linear Motors
- Built in controller
- High Resolution encoder feedback
XY + Tip Tilt Stages
- Long travel high speed load / unload stage
- Precision stepping axis
- Tip / Tilt to compensate for slide variation
Well Plate XYZ Stage
- Optimized for price/performance
- Linear Motor high speed stepping axis
- Screw based indexing and Z lift axes
- Standard well plate carrier
Additional Resources
FAQ
About XY Translation Stages
While a number of positioning actuator applications can be addressed with single-axis translation stages, the majority of customer payloads require motion in two axes, for which we use an XY translation stage, also called an XY table. In its simplest configuration, an XY stage can be assembled by simply bolting two single-axis stages together. In that case, care must be taken to ensure that the axes are truly orthogonal.
What is a Monolithic XY Stage?
The preferred implementation is to make a true XY stage in which the orthogonality is precision-machined into its component parts. In this type of XY translation stage design, the top of the lower axis serves as the base for the upper axis, in a simple and compact three-piece design. This approach typically reduces the overall height of the XY stage resulting in less Abbe error. In addition, most of our actuators can be mounted in an XYZ configuration for vertical applications.
What type of mechanical guideways are in the XY stages?
XY linear stages can be designed with a wide range of guideways including:
- Ball and pressure plate provide lower cost, but less stiffness
- Crossed roller guideways offer high stiffness and precision straightness across travel
- Recirculating profile rails are best for longer travels
- Air bearings provide the highest precision flatness and straightness
What type of mechanical actuation is used in the translation stages?
Dover Motion offers various actuation options including:
- Rotary stepper motor or rotary servo motor driving a lead screw and friction nut for low cost applications
- Rotary stepper motor or rotary servo motor driving a ball screws for better repeatability
- Rotary motor driven belts and pulleys where speed and cost is more important than precision
- Linear motors for the best reliability (non-contact with no wearing elements) and for high precision repeatability
XY linear stages with air bearings and linear motors provide some of the highest levels of performance available. The only assembly more precise is called a planar gantry design.
What is a planar Gantry XY System?
What about adding a Z axis?
In many applications, an additional Z axis is required. This can either be added atop the XY stage, forming an XYZ stage, or the Z stage can be mounted separately, and control a payload relative to a separate customer part on the XY stage.
We have experience working with a variety of XY stage configurations and pride ourselves on being able to work within our clients’ parameters to help them reach their goals.
Contact us today to learn how Dover Motion can configure the right motion solution for your application.