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This section provides an overview for linear stages as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 linear stage manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear stage companies as of January, 2025: 1.American Linear Manufacturers, 2.PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., 3.TPA Motion, LLC.
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Categories Related to Linear Stages
A linear stage is a device featuring a table mechanism powered by a linear servo motor. It integrates full-closed control with a linear encoder for position detection, forming an electromechanical direct-drive system. This system ensures precise positioning and efficient operational performance.
Linear stages can combine two orthogonal axes into XY axes, add a vertical Z-axis, or a rotational θ-axis, creating multi-axis stages like XY, XYZ, and XYZθ stages, suited for specific applications.
The direct-drive motor eliminates the need for intermediary mechanisms, enhancing mechanical performance, saving space, and reducing maintenance needs. This design also allows for long-distance travel.
Utilized primarily in precision positioning and transportation tasks, linear stages offer high-precision positioning and stable speed control, surpassing mechanisms like ball screws or belts.
Linear stages are vital in applications demanding high precision and speed stability, such as:
They are also utilized in long-stroke transport devices, high-speed handlers, and material feed-out mechanisms in press machines.
A linear stage comprises a linear servo motor, a linear encoder for accurate position detection, and linear bearings for guiding movements. A servo driver controls the motor.
In a typical setup, the magnet unit is stationary, and the coil unit is mobile. Current through the coil creates a magnetic field, inducing propulsive force along the magnet unit, enabling movement.
High-resolution encoders paired with servo drivers ensure precise positioning and speed stability. The accuracy of linear stages also hinges on the running accuracy of linear bearings and the installation surface's precision, impacting straightness and smooth movement.
Adhering to the Abbe principle, the linear encoder should be near the work point. As linear servo motors generate heat, efficient heat management is crucial to maintain accuracy and prevent thermal expansion effects.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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American Linear Manufacturers, founded in 1970 and located in Westbury, New York, is a manufacturer of precision linear crossed roller ways, components, and assemblies. The company’s broad range of products includes linear bearings, linear slides, tables and stages, and motorized positioning systems. These applications include high-precision machine tools, medical imaging equipment, metrology and inspection systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and astronomy. ALM's products are used for precise and controlled linear motion, enhancing the accuracy of machines and systems in these diverse fields, and the company is ISO 9001 certified.
MicroStrain is based in Williston, Vermont, and is an American manufacturer of inertial and wireless sensors originally established in 1987 before being acquired by HBK in 2019. The company produces various industrial and tactical-grade sensors, wireless sensor network devices, and data analysis software. Its products include battery powered wireless 3-axis accelerometers with a rugged and weather-proofed shell, cloud-based platforms for sensor data management or analysis, and software for wireless sensor network control purposes. The company's products are mainly used by clients in the aerospace, automation, and construction industries.
Physik Instrumente aka PI, founded 50 years ago, is a private company that creates and produces automation systems, including hexapods, air bearings, and piezo drives that are used in life-sciences, photonics, and aerospace industries and research institutes. Their products are manufactured in North America, Europe, and Asia. Physik Instrumente is ITAR registered. The company's head office is located in Auburn, America. And its manufacturing and other facilities are located in New England.
TPA Motion was started in 2002 and based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. TPA Motion is now part of the Acuvi AB group of companies. Acuvi is a Swedish Technology company focusing on developing compact drive solutions for life science, medical, and industrial applications. TPA Motion is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer and distributor of motion and precision assemblies. TPA Motion has 2 main product segments, component products and engineered OEM solutions. Component products include rails, actuators, bearings, guides, and assemblies. Engineered OEM solutions include microplate robots, curved rail systems, special telescopic slides, and high temperature systems.
OPTICA is a manufacturer of precision optics and polymer optics products. The company is based in Karnataka, India and is founded in 1985. The company product portfolio includes precision optics and polymer optics, optical instruments, sight systems, precision plastic molds for clear parts & molded clear parts, and product assemblies. The company supports Medical, Aerospace, Astronomy, Automation, Research & development Labs, Infrated Optics, and large-size schileren system for wind tunnels. The company also work with each customer as a partner from the initial concept drawing to prototype sample to production and support technically.
Natsu Precision Trade Limited, established in 2018 and headquartered in Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of precision displacement stages and components. The company's primary products include air-bearing rotating platforms, piezoelectric platforms, and gantry structure positioning platforms. It also produces optical lenses, plug-and-play lasers, and capacitive position sensors used in motion platforms for semiconductor wafer inspection. The company's services include custom device and component production as well as custom industrial automation systems.
Lishui Yongrun Precision Machinery Co. Ltd., established in 2002 and based in Lishui, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of transmission products. Its product portfolio includes linear shafts, motor brackets, and linear guides, and it has ISO 9001 certification for the production and sale of linear sliders and ball screws. The company also makes customized self-lubricating bearings built from materials such as white zinc, carbon steel, and hard chrome. The products are used in industries such as printing, chemical, and medical machinery, and the company has customers in several regions, including Africa, North America, and Europe.
Beijing PDV Instrument Co., Ltd, established in 2005, is a manufacturing enterprise specializing in optics, precision machinery, automatic control technology independent high-tech research and development, based in China. The company has been serving the scientific research institutes and universities, and have developed the hardware and software system (optical path construction, software development, mechanical circuit design, etc.) according to the needs of customers. It has processing equipment: 10 sets of CNC, 8 sets of lathe, and 11 sets of milling machines, with a group of experienced processing technicians.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Linear Manufacturers |
25.0%
|
| 2 | PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. |
25.0%
|
| 3 | TPA Motion, LLC |
25.0%
|
| 4 | MicroStrain, a LORD Company |
25.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear stage page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 44.4% |
Japan
|
2 | 22.2% |
|
China
|
2 | 22.2% |
|
India
|
1 | 11.1% |
482 products found - Page 2
482 products - Page 2
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