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Positioning Stages as Optimal Guide in the Machine – Overview and applications
This article explores the different types of manual stages and their applications. Manual stages are special tables that are used, among other things, in quality assurance and automated measuring technology for calibration and process monitoring.
What are positioning stages?
A positioning stage (also called a cross stage or circular stage) is a device used to position and adjust objects safely and precisely. Positioning stages offer a wide range of applications across a range of industrial sectors, particularly machinery and special machinery where high precision is required.
Categories of Positioning Stages
Positioning stages are essential in manufacturing technology; they provide a stable platform for the safe positioning of equipment, such as lenses, optical accessories or sensors. There are different types of positioning stages, each designed for specific applications.
There are the following categories of positioning stages:
- Cross stages (1-axle, 2-axle, 3-axle)
- Rotary stages
- Goniometer
Cross Stages (X, Y, Z axis)
A cross stage is a precision tool for very fine movement of clamped objects. Cross stages position objects in a coordinate-controlled manner. The positioning is done in one plane (XY axis) or in the room (XYZ axis). The direction of movement in the X, Y or Z directions is determined by the linear guides of the cross stages. The movements are usually controlled by a knurled screw or a micrometer head. Turning the screw transmits the movement to the cross stage, enabling extremely accurate adjustment.
Depending on the purpose, there are different designs with special properties. A dovetail guide, for example, allows great flexibility when moving. Cross stages are used in laboratory technology or automated measuring technology, among other things. A good manual stage offers many benefits for those who want to perform precise work.
Rotary stages
Rotary stages, also called rotation stages or circular stages, are an indispensable device for many applications in manufacturing and measuring technology. Rotary stages consist in the middle of a high-precision bearing that enables rotation around a vertical axis. This ensures accurate, repeatable positioning.
Factors such as dimensions, required maximum load, rotating device weight and setting accuracy must be taken into account when selecting the optimum size for a specific application. The applications for circular stages extend over many areas. They are used, for example, for the precise positioning of measuring probes or also for the precise movement of sensors.
Goniometer
Goniometers are devices for the alignment of measuring instruments used for the determination of angular distances. They allow precise angle adjustment round a fixed pivot point. The angle is read using a scale and they are set using a knurled screw or micrometer head.
Due to a many versatile designs, goniometers are ideal for a wide range of applications where precise angle calibration is crucial. Due to their high accuracy, goniometers are particularly suitable for industrial manufacturing processes, for example, for positioning optical sensors or other accessories with millimeter-precise accuracy.
Advantages of positioning stages
Due to their versatile designs, positioning stages offer numerous advantages. Manual stages are available, among other things, as cross stages with one or more axes, as rotary stages, goniometers or as multifunctional positioning stages. They are therefore suitable for a wide range of applications and can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes. Overall, positioning stages offer great potential for increasing efficiency and quality in production.
- Precision guidance: Positioning stages enable high-precision manufacturing processes, particularly in quality control. They allow the stable and accurate positioning of test specimens, test devices or measuring devices.
- Reproducibility: Rotation stages allow repeatable, automated positioning of test specimens. This enables reproducible results in quality control and increases efficiency.
- Flexibility: Positioning stages offer flexible applications due to their different designs. They enable easy calibration and thus an efficient adaptation to measurement processes and production conditions.
- Time saving: Circular stages can be calibrated quickly and easily even with changing measurement scenarios without special conversions. Accordingly, work can be carried out more quickly.
Where are positioning stages used?
Manual stages are used wherever test specimens must be precisely positioned and adjusted. In mechanical engineering and special machine construction, positioning stages are indispensable devices that perform a variety of functions and enable a wide range of applications. Due to their high accuracy and reproducibility, these versatile devices help optimise the manufacturing process and increase productivity. They can also improve product quality and reduce the error rate.
Laboratory Facilities
In laboratory facilities, positioning stages are used, for example, to position samples or specimens exactly under a microscope or to introduce samples into test fluids or detectors. They can also be used to precisely control image sensors or camera systems.
Automated measuring technology
In automated measuring technology, positioning stages play an important role, as they enable precise movement and positioning of measuring instruments and inspection fixtures. They allow sensors and cameras to be positioned precisely to measure test specimens or analyse surfaces. In addition, positioning stages are used to precisely calibrate measuring instruments so that they provide accurate measurement results.
Testing and Inspection
Quality assurance is an important part of the manufacturing process. Positioning stages are used to place and hold test specimens in the correct position during the inspection. This allows to check dimensions, monitor tolerances and identify errors.
Example: When testing cast parts for irregularities, a positioning stage is used to keep the specimen in a stable position while measuring with measuring instruments and checking for cracks or other defects.
Select the optimal size for positioning stages
Manual positioning stages are indispensable aids in industrial manufacturing because they enable the precise positioning of objects. Depending on the application area, there is a large number of different stage sizes, from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Micrometer stages are particularly suitable for high-precision measurements in the micro-range as well as in precision mechanics, because they demand the highest precision. In addition, there are tables that, due to their compact design, are particularly space-saving and therefore ideal for smaller components and confined spaces.
