Simple Motorized Actuators For Remote Stage And Mount Adjustment

A new series of low cost DC drive motors from Siskiyou Corporation enable precise, hands-free adjustment of translation stages and mirror mounts using a simple, push button control pad.  Specifically, the new 500 series actuators can replace manual screw and micrometer adjusters on Siskiyou’s crossed roller bearing linear stages, kinematic mirror mounts and IS‑OGP beam steering assembly for microscopes.  The hand-held controller for operating these actuators offers two preset drive speeds (0.3 mm/s and.1 mm/second), as well as an adjustable low speed range (from 10 µm/s to 30 µm/s).  The latter enables consistent, small moves (down to 1.0 μm) with a single, short button press. 

The 500 series actuators for translation stages are available with either 12 mm or 25 mm of travel.  The models intended for mirror mounts offer 5 mm or 8 mm of total travel.  For all of these 500 series actuators, built-in limit switches prevent damage by ensuring that the stage or mount cannot be driven it past its intended end of travel. 

These simple, open loop, motorized actuators are ideal for any application in which stage or mount adjustment must be performed remotely, or where the adjustment interface is inaccessible.  They are also ideal for applications needing precise, smooth, vibration-free adjustment, in small and large increments, e.g., for handling delicate objects.  In addition, the DC drive motor requires no current flow to hold the actuator stationary, thus eliminating any electrical noise.  These characteristics make 500 series actuators particularly useful for precision micromanipulation applications in life sciences, including those involving single cells, such as patch clamp and myocyte force studies. 

In addition to these standard products, Siskiyou can customize these actuators for OEMs in a variety of ways.  This includes integrating encoders within the actuators, using stepper rather than DC motors, or constructing the actuators for UV or vacuum compatibility. 

Siskiyou Corporation (Grants Pass, OR) provides a diverse range of micromanipulators, microscope sample positioners, motion control systems and modular opto-mechanical mounts and positioners to life science and photonics researchers and OEMs.  The goal of the company is simple – to offer the highest quality product at an economical price, and to support customers with superior service.  Founded in 1972, Siskiyou is a vertically integrated company, performing all design, manufacturing, anodizing, and assembly in-house.