How to Select a High-Precision Motion Stage

Selecting the right precision stage requires more than comparing accuracy and resolution. The ideal solution depends on the required motion—linear or rotary—as well as travel range, load, force or torque, repeatability, speed, mechanical integration, and operating environment.

PiezoMotor’s precision stage portfolio combines Piezo LEGS® motor technology with high-quality mechanical stage design. The range includes linear, XY, Z-axis, rotary, and goniometric stages for applications in semiconductor equipment, metrology, optics, photonics, microscopy, medical technology, and advanced automation.

Linear or Rotary Motion?

The first step is to determine the type of movement required.

A linear stage moves a payload along a straight axis. It is commonly used for positioning, scanning, focusing, alignment, dispensing, and measurement.

A rotary stage moves a payload around a rotational axis. It is typically used for angular positioning, inspection, alignment, indexing, and orientation.

Applications requiring several directions of motion can combine linear and rotary stages into a multi-axis system.

Accuracy, Precision and Repeatability

Accuracy describes how closely the stage reaches its commanded position. Repeatability describes how consistently it returns to the same position.

Important specifications include:

  • Positioning accuracy
  • Bidirectional repeatability
  • Encoder resolution
  • Minimum incremental motion
  • Straightness and flatness for linear stages
  • Runout and wobble for rotary stages
  • Pitch, yaw, and roll errors

Performance should be evaluated across the complete system, including the stage, encoder, controller, payload, mounting structure, and operating environment.

Travel and Angular Range

For linear stages, select a travel range that supports the required movement, alignment, and calibration. PiezoMotor linear stages are available with travel ranges of 8, 16, and 25 mm.

For rotary stages, consider the required angular range, direction of rotation, mechanical limits, and whether the application requires indexed, bidirectional, or continuous movement.

The selected range should meet current requirements while allowing a reasonable margin for future adjustments.

Load, Force, Torque and Inertia

For linear stages, consider the total payload and the force required to accelerate, move, and hold it. Depending on the model, PiezoMotor linear stages are available with stall-force levels of up to 6 N or 20 N.

For rotary stages, consider:

  • Payload weight
  • Required torque
  • Rotational inertia
  • Centre of gravity
  • Acceleration and deceleration
  • Off-centre loads
  • Mounting orientation

In multi-axis configurations, the lower stage must support the payload and the weight of all stages mounted above it.

Speed and Settling Time

The complete motion profile should be considered—not only maximum speed.

Important factors include:

  • Movement distance or rotation angle
  • Acceleration and deceleration
  • Payload and inertia
  • Settling time
  • Positioning stability
  • Duty cycle

Applications combining larger movements with fine positioning should be evaluated as complete motion systems.

Holding Position Without Power

Piezo LEGS® technology provides direct-drive motion without traditional gears.

The motor can hold its position mechanically when it is not being actuated. This can reduce heat generation and energy consumption while supporting stable positioning in sensitive applications.

Size and Mechanical Integration

Before selecting a stage, verify:

  • Overall dimensions
  • Mounting-hole pattern
  • Moving-platform dimensions
  • Payload centre of gravity
  • Cable routing and connector orientation
  • Required mounting orientation
  • Compatibility with additional motion axes
  • Access for installation and maintenance

A rigid, flat mounting surface is essential, as improper installation can negatively affect accuracy, repeatability, and stability.

Environmental Requirements

Temperature, vibration, contamination, magnetic fields, and vacuum conditions can influence positioning performance.

Depending on the application, consider:

  • Vacuum compatibility
  • Non-magnetic construction
  • Low heat generation
  • Clean-environment requirements
  • Temperature stability
  • External vibration

Vacuum-compatible and non-magnetic configurations may be available for selected applications.

Controller Compatibility

The stage, encoder, and controller must operate as an integrated system.

PiezoMotor’s PMSD controller platform supports one- to four-axis configurations and communication through LAN, USB, RS-485, and RS-232C. This enables linear and rotary stages to operate independently or as part of a coordinated multi-axis system.

Controller selection should consider:

  • Number and type of axes
  • Encoder interface
  • Communication protocol
  • Required motion functions
  • Axis synchronisation
  • Machine-control architecture

Support and System Integration

PiezoMotor supports customers from application analysis and product selection through controller configuration, system integration, and technical support.

Our global presence in Sweden, the United States, Finland, and Japan enables us to support OEM and industrial customers across major technology markets.

Summary

When selecting a high-precision stage, consider:

  • Linear or rotary motion
  • Accuracy and repeatability
  • Linear travel or angular range
  • Load, force, torque, and inertia
  • Speed and settling time
  • Stage dimensions
  • Environmental requirements
  • Controller compatibility
  • Multi-axis integration

PiezoMotor’s precision stages combine compact mechanical design with Piezo LEGS® direct-drive technology, providing accurate and stable motion for demanding OEM and industrial applications.