XY Tables
For linear positioning applications, XY tables are used to position a sample (slides, flow cells, well plates, etc.) being imaged or analyzed under a microscope allowing motion in two degrees of freedom in order to image the entire sample.
We offer many different travels and approaches to XY motion depending on your specific application.
High Performance XY Tables
Open Frame XY Tables
Monolithic High Load XY Tables
Custom Designed XY Tables
Compact High Performance XY Tables
Compact, high performance XY tables utilize stacked individual axes to create XY motion. Crossed roller bearing stages such as the SmartStage XY and MMX offer better stiffness and repeatability but have limited travel. Alternatively, the MMS series linear guide rail and carriage bearing assembly offers longer travels with slightly less repeatability.
SmartStage™ XY
The SmartStage™ XY linear positioning stage offers high precision and includes an embedded controller inside the table.
| Travel | 50 - 200 mm |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | < 16 μm |
| Repeatability | 0.8 μm |
| Payload | 10 kg |
MMX™
The MMX™ series miniature linear table delivers excellent mechanical and servo stiffness with a low profile design.
| Travel | 25 - 150 mm |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | < ± 3 μm |
| Repeatability | < ± 0.4 μm |
| Payload | 10 kg |
MMS™
The MMS™ miniature linear XY table has a low profile, stackable, shuttle style design ideal when longer travel is required.
| Travel | 200 - 400 mm |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | < 15 μm |
| Repeatability | 2 μm |
| Payload | 12 kg |
Open Frame XY Tables
Open frame XY tables have an open aperture that allows for illuminating a sample from one side with the camera, optics, and objective on the other side of the sample. This arrangement is referred to as non-epifluorescence imaging. A typical microscope would have the illumination source below the sample and the camera/detector above the sample, while an inverted microscope has the opposite arrangement with the camera and objective below the table. Having a clear aperture is helpful as it takes up less space than cantilevering the sample.
XYMR™
The XYMR™ open frame microscope stage offers exceptional flatness, straightness, and accuracy. Ideal for cell counting and analysis.
| Travel | 150 mm |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 30 μm TIR |
| Repeatability | < ± 1.5 μm |
| Payload | 10 kg |
OFL™
The OFL™ series motorized XY microscope table 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 table 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 Tables
Monolithic style XY tables are used for larger loads and when there is a need to reduce height. The middle plate is both the table of the lower axis as well as the base of the upper axis. By using a monolithic integrated approach, a stiffer overall motion table design is achieved which allows for a lower overall stack height, which helps minimize Abbe errors getting introduced into the accuracy of the motion.
XYR™
The XYR™ positioning stage is our most popular linear table and uses a lead screw for motion. The monolithic integrated XY center makes the table stiff and compact.
| Travel | 50 - 300 mm |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 15 μm |
| Repeatability | < ± 3 μm |
| Payload | 175 kg |
XYRB™
The XYRB™ series 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™ offers an enclosed table structure with embedded cables, motor, and controller 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.
Open Frame (XY) Tables
- Fast Linear Motors
- Built in controller
- High Resolution encoder feedback
XY + Tip Tilt Tables
- Long travel high speed load / unload table
- Precision stepping axis
- Tip / Tilt to compensate for slide variation
Well Plate XYZ Tables
- Optimized for price/performance
- Linear Motor high speed stepping axis
- Screw based indexing and Z lift axes
- Standard well plate carrier
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FAQ
About XY Tables
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 Table?
What type of mechanical guideways are in the XY Tables?
- 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 XY tables?
- 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.