FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about the manual stage.
Basic information about the stage
We will explore what defines a manual stage, its merit, and classification by movement direction.
(A) Specifications / Technology
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Q1
What is the difference between a standard stage and a high precision stage?
A1
Standard stages are Misumi origianal products designed to be more affordable than the high precision stage by lowering the guaranteed accuracy conditions.
Please consider the intended use of the stage when choosing between the standard stage and the high accuracy stage. -
Q2
Is there an instruction manual for the stage?
A2
There is no instruction manual for the stage. Please use the stage after referring to this FAQ and technical information .
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Q3
The moment rigidity of the dovetail groove stage is not in the catalog specifications, is it specified elsewhere? ?
A3
The dovetail stage has a gap on the sliding surface.
Moment rigidity is not specified because the gap is a different size or each stage, which affects the moment load. If the moment load is important, linear ball or cross roller types are recommended. -
Q4
Does the stage have a product life? How long until accuracy starts to slip?
A4
There is no product life requirement.
Since it depends on various factors such as the usage environment (temperature, temperature, etc.), how the load is applied, and the frequency of use, it is not possible to estimate the standard usage period. -
Q5
I would like you to make some custom modifications to the products listed in the non-standard products catalog, such as adding tap holes. Is this possible?
A5
Modifications are approved on a case by case basis. Some products can accomodate additional machining, bracket modification, grease replacement, etc. ... some products cannot. Please contact us if you would like to make a request.
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Q6
Is it possible to remove the Z-axis bracket of the Z-axis stage (eg ZLBS, ZCRSC)?
A6
All Z-axis stage brackets can be removed. (It is bolted.) When you
move the upper surface of the stage to the full stroke position, the mounting screws for the bracket will appear.
The bracket can be removed by removing the mounting screws on the stage body.
* Please note that this is not covered by the warranty. -
Q7
What happens to the rack and pinion stage (eg ZWGCL) when the travel distance in the catalog specifications is exceeded?
A7
It will hit the stopper and stop.
All rack and pinion type X, XY, and Z axis stages, with the exception of the XLARGE series, have stoppers to prevent the block from coming off. Please note that excessive force could damage or overcome the stopper. -
Q8
Some dimensions do not have tolerances listed in the catalog. Please tell me the dimensional tolerance.
A8
MISUMI usually uses intermediate tolerance, so please refer to it as a reference value.
For details, see "Technical Information: Tolerances" . -
Q9
There is a hole not shown in the drawing of the catalog, can I use it?
A9
Holes not shown in the catalog drawings are not intended for use by customers.
Please refrain from using it as it may be changed or deleted without notice. -
Q10
What is a micrometer head?
A10
A micrometer head is a measurement tool composed of a spindle that moves via screw mechanism. The tool reads the amount of dispacement based on the movement of the spindle.
(Reference: JIS B 7502: 2016)
Micrometer head types includes options of normal type with a stroke of ± 3.25mm, ± 6.5mm, and ± 12.5mm;
Course/Fine micrometer head that includes a course and fine adjustment spindle; and a digital micrometer with a digital scale reading.
Options come "With nut" for easily fixing to a stage bracket, and "Straight", which requires split tightening on the other side.Kinds Model number Fixed part shape Stroke (mm) Minimum reading (μm) Remarks Micrometer head MCLN1 straight ± 3.25 Ten Fixed part outer diameter is φ6 Fixed part shape
Straight
With nut

MCLN2 Fixed part outer diameter is φ9.5 MCLN3 With nut MCLN1 with nut type MCLN4 straight Five MCLN2 scale 5 μm type MCLN6 With nut ± 6.5 Ten ―――― MCLN12 With nut ± 12.5 ―――― Coarse and fine movement micrometer head MCLN83 With nut Coarse movement ± 6.5, fine movement 0.2 Coarse movement 10, fine movement 0.5 ―――― Digital micrometer head MCLN84 0-25 1 ―――― -
Q11
What is the relationship between the stroke of the micrometer head and the scale?
A11
The scale starts from "0 (zero)" on the far left. When the stroke is ± 6.5 mm, the relationship between the scale and the stroke is as follows.
① Stroke "-6.5mm" when the scale is "0 (zero)"
② Stroke "0 (zero)" when the scale is "6.5mm"
③ Stroke "+ 6.5mm" when the scale is "13mm"
The attached figure is the state of ③ above.
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Q12
What is the thrust of a micrometer head? What is the load capacity?
A12
The thrust of the micrometer head depends on the operator. It cannot produce its own thrust. Also note that the micrometer head is sold as a maintenance part for the manual stage and the load capacity is not guaranteed. Please refer to the table on the right for reference values.
Model number Withstand load (reference value) MCLN1 (9.8N) MCLN2 MCLN3 MCLN4 (15N) MCLN6 (49N) MCLN12 -
Q13
What is a coarse / fine movement micrometer head?
A13
The coarse / fine movement micrometer head has a double thimble structure, and is a micrometer head that can be adjusted in two stages, coarse movement (1 scale 10 μm) and fine movement (1 scale 0.5 μm).
Please note that Fine movement stroke distance is limited. Coarse movement stroke is ± 6.5 mm, fine movement stroke is 0.2mm.
Some stages support coarse and fine movement micrometer heads as standard.
* Target product: MCLN83
* Target product (stage): XSKG , FSXR , FSXYR , FSZR -
Q14
What are the basic specifications of the digital micrometer head?
A14
The digital micrometer head can display the adjustment position on its digital screen. Some stages can use the digital micrometer head in place of the standard micrometer head. Basic functions include an origin set function (ABS length measurement system), a zero set function (INC length measurement system), and measurement data output function.
* A separately sold connection cable is required to use the above functions.
* Target product (single item): MCLN84
* Target product (stage): XSDG , FSXR , FSXYR -
Q15
What kind of clamps are there?
A15
The clamp operation that fixes the stage into place include the standard clamp, lever clamp, split clamp, disc clamp, and opposing clamp. For details on the different variations, refer to "What is a stage?".
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Q16
What should I do to increase the clamping force (holding force)?
(B) How to use
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Q1
Please tell me how to read the vernier scale.
A1
<How to read the vernier scale>
① Read the 0 position of the vernier scale Ⓐ in 1 mm increments on the scale of the main scale Ⓑ.
(2) Of the scales in Ⓐ, read the scale Ⓒ that matches the scale in Ⓑ, and use that as the numerical value in units of 0.1 mm. (0.6 mm in the case of the right figure)
③ The sum of 1 and 2 is the reading value (30.6 mm in the case of the attached figure)
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Q2
Please tell me how to read the micrometer head.
A2
<How to read the micrometer head scale>
(1) Read how many mm the thimble end face is on the sleeve in 0.5 mm increments.
(11.5 mm in the case of the figure on the right) (
2) Read the thimble value at the position where the sleeve baseline and thimble scale line match.
(0.36 mm in the case of the figure on the right)
③ The sum of 1 and 2 is the reading value. (11.86 mm in the case of the attached figure)
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Q3
Can the stage be mounted upside down, sideways, or vertically?
A3
The listed specifications for our stages are based on being mounted horizontally on a flat surface. Many stages can be mounted upside down, sideways, or vertically, but it can affect the load capacity and accuracy. Be careful when choosing a stage that will be mounted in these ways.
Refer to the "Definition of posture", "Conditions of use", and "Characteristic table by product" for more information.<Definition of posture>




Top and bottom reversal Side horizontal Side vertical <Usage conditions>
The load capacity of the "Characteristic table by product" in the table below is premised on use under the following conditions.
(1) The distance between the center of the stage surface and the center of gravity of the work is 1/2 or less of the stage surface size (example: 20 mm for stage size □ 40, 12.5 mm for □ 25)
2) The center of gravity of the work is within the stage surface
3) Stroke ± 0
Since the overhang load is a moment load for the stage, consider the allowable moment load when using it.<Characteristic table by product>
Classification (* 1) Model number Top and bottom
reversalSide Standard Standard Horizontal Vertical X-axis Dovetail groove lead screw XFES XSL , XEG Conditional Conditional Dovetail Rack & Pinion XDTS XWG , XFG Cross roller XCRS XPG Conditional Conditional Linear ball XLBS (* 2) XSG Horizontal
Z axisRack-and-pinion ―――― ZLFG Conditional Conditional Cross roller ―――― ZLPG Unavailable Unavailable Linear ball ZLLB ZLTG Rotate Ground joint type RTRM RPG Conditional Conditional Cross roller bearing type ―――― RPGS Conditional Conditional Goniometer Ant groove ―――― GFG Conditional Conditional Cross roller ―――― GPG Yes: Same as horizontal load capacity
Conditional: Approximately 1/3 of horizontal load capacity is a guide. (* 3)
Unavailable: Cannot be usedPlease note that these values are for reference only and are not covered by the warranty. Also, please check that it is assumed that the above "Terms of Use" are met.
* 1 For products that do not apply, please contact us individually.
* 2 The side vertical of XLBS is the same as ZLBS (19.6N).
* 3 Please note that if the vertical load capacity (see Fig. A) is listed in the catalog, that will be given priority. -
Q4
Is it okay to purchase and combine each axis?
A4
Yes, it is possible to combine them. Many stages use normalized measurements allowing them to be combined using nothing more than machine screws.
You can combine them according to your usage conditions.
If you combine them yourself, we cannot guarantee the degree of orthoganal alignment. Please use a square, dial guage, or alignment instrument of your choice to ensure orthoganal alignment.
If the combination requires orthogonality and it is difficult for the customer to obtain accuracy by himself / herself, please contact us at stages@misumiusa.com. -
Q5
Is it possible to change the specifications after purchase? Is it possible to purchase only the parts separately and change the position of the micrometer head and the clamp change by myself after purchasing the stage?
A5
Please note that we do not recommend modifying our stages yourself. Any modifications done by anyone other than the manufacturer are not covered under warranty and can affect the accuracy of the stage. If a modification is desired, please contact us at stages@misumiusa.com.
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Q6
When I installed the stage, it didn't move as much as it did before it was installed. Is there any cause?
A6
(1) The surface accuracy of the stage mounting surface and the surface accuracy of the parts mounted on the stage affect the stage accuracy and movement.
The recommended flatness is 0.01 mm or less.
For details, see "Technical Information: Flatness of Mounting Surface" .
(2) Is there any problem with the length of the bolt used? When fixing parts to the stage, select bolts that are less than or equal to the tap depth on the stage surface.Precautions about bolts used

Examples of problems when using inappropriate bolts

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Q7
For rotary stages, how do I calculate the rotation amount from the feed amount on the micrometer head?
A7
When moving from the center position of the micrometer head, it is possible to calculate the amount of rotation by displacement using trigonometric functions.
Example) When the RPG60 is moved 0.01 mm from the center position of the micrometer head.
Since the distance from the center of rotation to the micrometer head of RPG60 is 37.5 mm,
the amount of rotation per scale (0.01 mm) = arctan (0.01 / 37.5) x (180 / π) x 3600 ≒ 55 (″). -
Q8
Can the spring inside of the stage be replaced with a different spring?
A8
This is not recommended. The optimum tension for sliding resistance on each stage determines which spring is used. We cannot guarantee accuracy if the spring is changed.
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Q9
I would like to move the stage more finely. Is there a mechanism that can be adjusted more finely than the standard micrometer head?
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Q10
I would like to modify the manual stage in-house by adding a motor to it. Is this possible?
A10
This is not recommended. The specifications of stage modified in-house, in this fashion, cannot be guaranteed. Further more, a modification done outside of the manufacturer cannot be covered under warranty. Please send such customizatin inquiries to stages@misumiusa.com.
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Q11
Can the clamp and micrometer head orientation be changed in-house by altering the position?
A11
We do not recommend doing this in-house. Required parts might differ depending on orientation. Also, this will void warranty.
If a replacement is needed, please contact us at stages@misumiusa.com.
(C) About the simplified adjustment unit
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Q1
What is a simplified adjustment unit suitable for adjusting?
A1
The main uses are as follows.
Suitable for adjusting the position or angle of inspection cameras / sensors / lighting / air blow nozzles / blades / work fixing jigs / contact probes, etc.
It can also be used for adjusting the guide width of the conveyor work and centering the work (centering).
Simplified adjustment units are general purpose and can be used for more than is listed above. -
Q2
Do you need work tools to use?
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Q3
Can it be used in the "upside down / vertical / horizontal" mounting direction?
A3
Please refer to the table below as the usable directions differ depending on the product.
Mounting direction Horizontal Top and bottom reversal Side horizontal Vertical 



Yes: Catalog notation load capacity
Conditional: (Reference value) Catalog notation load capacity 1/2 to 1/3 * Reference value is not guaranteed.Classification Representative model number Horizontal (horizontal) Top and bottom reversal Side horizontal Vertical X-axis Open / close adjustment unit XANON Yes Conditional Conditional Conditional X-axis Lead screw type side clamp XKCS Yes Unavailable Conditional Conditional X-axis Lead screw type stroke selection XKNEF Yes Yes Conditional Conditional X-axis Lead screw type standard XKNEJ Yes Yes Conditional Conditional X-axis Set screw type standard XKNG Yes Yes Conditional Conditional X-axis Rack & pinion average class XKRG Yes Conditional Conditional Conditional X-axis Rack & pinion grade XKRKG Yes Conditional Conditional Conditional X-axis Lead screw type large lead XKS Yes Yes Conditional Conditional X-axis Lead screw type heavy load type XKST Yes Yes Conditional Conditional X-axis Lead screw type key guide unit XKYF Yes Unavailable Conditional Conditional X-axis Sensor adjustment compact type XSEN Yes Yes Yes Yes X-axis Sensor adjustment stroke selection type XSENC Yes Yes Yes Yes Z axis Z-axis lead screw type for setup change XKDSP Yes Conditional Conditional Yes Z axis Z-axis lead screw type stage for initial adjustment XKEMA Yes Yes Yes Yes XY axis Lead screw type standard XYKNEJ Yes Yes Conditional Conditional XY axis Set screw type standard XYKNG Yes Yes Conditional Conditional XY axis Rack & pinion average class XYKRG Yes Conditional Conditional Conditional XY axis Lead screw type large lead XYKS Yes Yes Conditional Conditional rotate Angle adjustment unit XKRC Yes Yes Conditional Conditional Tilt angle Tilt adjustment unit TLSG Yes Unavailable Unavailable Yes Z axis Strut unit with scale ZKB Yes (vertical installation) ―――― ―――― ―――― Z axis Lead screw type standard ZKNEJ Yes (vertical installation) ―――― ―――― ―――― Z axis Set screw type standard ZKNG Yes (vertical installation) ―――― ―――― ―――― Z axis Lead screw type heavy load type ZKST Yes (vertical installation) ―――― ―――― ―――― -
Q4
Please tell me about the clamp mechanism of the simplified adjustment unit.
A4
There are three types of clamp mechanism for the simple adjustment unit. The features and related products of each are as follows.
① Opposite clamp
Adjust by pushing the table from one side with a set screw, and clamp the table by sandwiching it from both sides with clamp bolts installed in the opposite direction.
The table does not rattle after clamping. "Opposite clamp" can be selected by push screw type alterations.
Product type example: XKNG② Clamp with set bolt
It is used for the lead screw type. Press the lead screw shaft directly with the set bolt and lock it so that the adjustment handle does not turn. Since the table is not fixed directly,
there is a risk of slight backlash due to backlash after adjusting the position.
Product type example: XANON , XKNEJ , XKS , ZKST③ Clamp by lever
The simple adjustment unit uses two fixing methods.
(1) By rotating the lever attached to the side of the table, the tip of the lever comes into contact with the shaft for the guide and presses it directly.
Has excellent holding power.
Product type example: ZKB
(2) A grooved table and guide shaft are fixed by split tightening with a clamp lever. Since the table tightens the entire outer circumference of the shaft, a large holding force can be obtained.
Product type example: XKST -
Q5
I would like to know more about the guide mechanism of the simplified adjustment unit. Please tell me.
A5
There are three types of guide mechanism for simplified adjustment units: (1) shaft guide, (2) ground joint type, and (3) key guide. The details are as follows.
① Shaft guide
A shaft is passed through a perforated table to assist the linear motion of the table, which is used in many simple adjustment units.
The simple adjustment unit using the shaft guide can be installed upside down and used.
Product type example: XKNEJ , XKNG , XKST② Ground joint
The table (top plate) operates while rubbing against the surface of the mounting plate (bottom plate), and the faces always contact each other to assist the linear motion.
Compared to shaft guides, it is not suitable for use upside down or in the vertical direction.
Product type example: XANON , XKCS , XKRG③ Key guide
The table (top plate) and mounting plate (bottom plate) are processed to be uneven, and the faces always come into contact with each other to
assist linear motion.
Unlike the sliding guide, the precision of the part where the two sides mesh in a key shape is achieved, so the backlash of the top plate is reduced.
Compared to shaft guides, it is not suitable for use upside down or in the vertical direction.
Product type example: XKYF , XYKYF
(D) About custom-made
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Q1
Can I make a custom order?
A1
For custom-made products that are not handled in the catalog, please contact us at stages@misumiusa.com.
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Q2
Are any stages appropriate for use in a cleanroom environment?
A2
Some stages can have cleanroom grease applied, but they are not tested for a cleanroom environment. That being the case, many of our stages are used in JIS class 6 (US federal standard class 1000) environment. Use at your own discretion.
If you want to apply "clean environment grease", you can select it for the following stage series:
■ X-axis: FSXC series
■ XY-axis: FSXYR series
■ Z-axis: FSZR series
(E) Failure diagnosis / repair
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Q1
I'm using a manual X-axis stage, and feel a lot of rattling.
A1
If the stage is mounted to a rough surface, or attached to a rough object, the stage surface could deform causing a rough feel and affecting the accuracy. (The standard flatness is within 0.01mm)
Check the flatness of the object and the mounting location. -
Q2
The stage table does not return even if the micrometer head is returned.
A2
Check the clamp and make sure it is loose. Many stages use a spring mechanism to return the surface.
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Q3
If you turn the micrometer head after clamping, it will move. Is it a defective product?
A3
Even if the clamp is tightened, the stage will move if an external force that exceeds the holding force is applied.
If you want more holding power, consider the opposing clamp option. -
Q4
The manual stage does not move even if the micrometer head is turned.
A4
Check if the clamp is tightened.
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Q5
If parts such as the clamp plate and lead screw of the stage are broken, is it possible to purchase only the parts and replace them by myself?
A5
Some parts can be purchased, but replacement by the customer may affect the accuracy and function of the product and is not covered by the warranty.
If you need to replace it, please contact us at stages@misumiusa.com.
