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Rotary Stages
Frequently Asked Questions
A rotary stage, also known as a rotation stage or a rotary tables or an index table is a precision motion control instrument that positions and controls an object around one or more axes.
Rotary stages are used in applications where a precise positioning of an object around an axis is required. It is often used in optical setups and photonics equipment to precisely position and rotate an optical element, such as a mirror, laser crystal, polarizer, etc.
A manual rotary stage typically consists of a round base plate and a platform that rotate relative to each other. These two components move relative to each other using a round rail guide that restricts the motion in one plane and around a specified axis. There are several different types of rail guides / bearing systems, each of which come with their unique pros and cons.
There are a few key parameters and features to look for when selecting the proper rotary stage for your application. This includes the rotation range, often specified in degrees, load capacity, the build material (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) as well as the accuracy, sensitivity and precision. Your specific requirements will dictate the type of stage and parameters needed. For example, if you are aligning a laser crystal or a polarizer, you might need high precision and thermal stability. Other applications might require lighter construction or higher load capacity, etc.
Most rotary stages come with predrilled mounting holes and you can use these holes to mount the stage on an optical table or a breadboard. For sensitive applications, such as the optical alignment of a laser crystal or polarization optics, you will also need to worry about the thermal stability and mount the stage in such a way that lateral expansion does not significantly distort the alignment. For these purposes you might want to use optomechanical clamps instead of relying on predrilled holes to avoid warping due to thermal expansion. Remember, we are talking about um level effects that would be enough to distort the optical alignment.
It really depends on your application. Aluminum rotation stages offer light and robust construction and are typically more affordable than their stainless steel cousins. They also often come in black anodized finish that minimizes stray light reflection. On the other hand, stainless steel stages are heavier and can offer more stability and precision. All else being equal, they are typically heavier and more expensive.
As in other precision instruments the price of a rotation stage can vary significantly depending on their specs. On the lower end you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a simple manual rotary stage of 75mm in diameter, while high-end models can reach and exceed $1,000 per unit.
Manual Rotary Stages — Precise, Reliable, and Versatile Positioning Solutions
When you need controlled rotation with high precision and stability, manual rotary stages provide a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective solution. At FindLight, we specialize in offering a range of manual rotary stages designed to enable fine angular adjustments for your most delicate and complex setups - whether you’re aligning optical components, calibrating sensors, or making small tweaks to your mechanical configuration.
What Are Manual Rotary Stages?
A manual rotary stage is a motion control platform that lets you rotate a component with high precision about a vertical or horizontal axis, typically by turning a knob or fine adjustment screw. Often used in optical benches, metrology setups, biotechnology equipment, or industrial manufacturing stations, manual rotary stages enable you to achieve accurate angular alignment without needing extensive automated control systems.
Why Are Manual Rotary Stages So Valuable?
Manual rotary stages enable high-resolution, smooth, and repeatable rotation - a crucial requirement for many scientific and industrial applications. The ability to fine-tune rotation by small degree intervals lets you align components with confidence, whether you’re calibrating a mirror, aligning a laser, or optimizing a sensor’s orientation.
Manual rotary stages are a preferred solution when you need maximum control, simplicity, or when automation is not a necessity. They enable you to make delicate tweaks by hand while retaining their stability, robustness, and precision. This makes them especially useful for prototypes, custom setups, or small batches of production where adaptability is more desirable than automated routines.
Types of Manual Rotary Stages:
At FindLight, we collaborate with leading suppliers to bring you a range of manual rotary stages designed to match your application’s demands:
Rotation Stages with Vernier Adjustment: Provide fine angular control down to arcminutes or even arcseconds, perfect for high-resolution applications.
Continuous Rotation Stages: Allow for 360º rotation without limitation - a versatile solution for many laboratory setups.
Rotation Stages with Locking Mechanisms: Provide additional stability by securing their rotation once the desirable angle is reached.
Rotation Stages with Large Loading Capacity: Support heavy components while retaining smooth, accurate rotation under substantial weights.
Applications of Manual Rotary Stages:
Manual rotary stages enable critical and accurate angular positioning across numerous fields, from biotechnology and materials science to industrial manufacturing and metrology. Scientists, engineers, and designers rely on them to align optical components, perform fine sensor calibrations, or aid in developing custom mechanisms where rotation is a key requirement. Whatever your application, choosing a high-quality manual rotary stage guarantees maximum control, stability, and repeatability, helping you achieve your most accurate and reliable results.
Did You know?
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