Isotech's smallest positioner consists of a lightweight aluminum base and carriage containing two rows of precision ceramic ball bearings that are separated by a stainless steel retainer and roll between two steel raceways on either side. The raceways for the 1/32" balls are hardened and ground. This straight-line design offers an exceptionally low coefficient of friction because the rolling elements are separate from each other and are not required to turn corners or to describe an oval path as in recirculating designs.

The one piece base includes an integral base and motor adaptor. Standard mounting holes are included in both the base and carriage for easy installation with only two fasteners. This approach eliminates the need for extra mounting components that provide a tolerance build-up while also increasing design time and component cost.

The stage carriage is driven by an internal delrin lead screw nut running on a 1.2mm diameter lead screw. A compression spring mounted on the lead screw provides a preload on the nut and reduces backlash throughout the 9.5mm total travel.

The complete motor and assembly fits in an envelope of only 10mm wide by 40mm long by 10mm high. The stage is ideal in a wide range of applications, including high accuracy intermittent positioning of fiber optic components, in vitro-diagnostic instruments, robotic sampling, adhesive deposition, positioning of lenses and other optical devices.