XY Tables
An XY table, commonly referred to as an XY positioning table, XY linear table, or motorized XY table, is used in linear applications to position a sample, such as a slide, flow cell, or well plate, being imaged or analyzed under a microscope. With the ability to move in two degrees of freedom, XY tables enable the imaging of the entire sample with high precision and efficiency. Typical applications for the XY table include automated microscopy, sample scanning, precision positioning, and high-throughput screening.
Compact High Performance XY Table Products
Compact, high performance XY linear 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.
The SmartStage™ XY linear positioning table offers high precision and includes an embedded controller inside the table.
| wdt_ID | Travel | 50 - 200 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accuracy | ≤ 10 μm |
| 2 | Repeatability | 0.8 μm |
| 3 | Payload | 10 kg |
The MMX™ series miniature linear table delivers excellent mechanical and servo stiffness with a low profile design.
| wdt_ID | Travel | 25 - 150 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accuracy | < ± 3 μm |
| 2 | Repeatability | < ± 0.4 μm |
| 3 | Payload | 10 kg |
Open Frame XY Table Products
Open frame XY positioning 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.
The SmartStage™ Open Frame XY is the first open aperture linear motor stage with an embedded controller physically integrated inside the stage.
| wdt_ID | Travel | 115 x 75 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accuracy | ≤ 10 μm |
| 2 | Repeatability | 0.8 μm |
| 3 | Payload | 10 kg |
The OFL™ series motorized XY table provides increased travel and load bearing capacity in an open frame XY configuration.
| wdt_ID | Travel | 200 - 635 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accuracy | 80 μm TIR |
| 2 | Repeatability | < ± 3 μm |
| 3 | Payload | 80 kg |
Monolithic High Load XY Linear Tables
Monolithic style XY linear 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.
The XY Monolithic positioning table, is a linear motor stage in a low-profile XY form factor, with physically integrated controller, designed for precision positioning.
| wdt_ID | Travel | 50 - 75 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accuracy | 12 μm |
| 2 | Repeatability | 0.8 μm |
| 3 | Payload (kg) | 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.
- Long travel high speed load / unload stage
- Precision stepping axis
- Tip / Tilt to compensate for slide variation
- 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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