# VSM17-X

> High Performance (Rigid), Modular UHV Compatible Stage

Canonical product page: [https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-x/](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-x/)

Compact, high-load, modular UHV compatible stage. Travel ranges from 50 to 300 mm and can support loads up to 50 kg.

## Product details

- Product code: `VSM17-X`
- Category: [Linear](https://arunmicro.com/products/category/linearstages/)
- Made in the UK
- UK-based support

## Best for

Compact, rigid, motorised ultra-high-vacuum positioning requiring 50 to 300 mm travel.

Choose the VSM17-X for applications where stage stiffness is important, including stacked multi-axis mechanisms and mechanisms with offset loads.

The published centred load capacity normal to the carriage is 50 kg. This is separate from the permitted load along the travel axis.

Suitable for vacuum environments down to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar.

## Not suitable when

Do not interpret the 50 kg centred normal-load rating as a 50 kg vertical lifting rating. The datasheet specifies an axial load capacity of 15 kg at 1000 Hz and 1 A phase current, and a maximum load moment of 30 Nm.

For higher axial-load requirements, compare the VSM19-X with option HR.

For travel above 300 mm, compare other AML linear stages against the required load and stiffness.

Standard aluminium stages are limited to 150 °C, or 200 °C with option SS. The maximum temperature reduces to 120 °C when an optical encoder is fitted.

## Selection guidance

Choose the standard VSM17-X for 5 µm full-step resolution and a maximum speed of 15 mm/s.

Choose option HR for 1 µm full-step resolution, accepting a reduced maximum speed of 3 mm/s.

Choose the VSM19-X when higher axial-load capability or integrated limit switches and a connector are important. Consider the VSM17-Z for a dedicated vertical lifting arrangement with the sample table above the mechanism.

Evaluate accuracy, repeatability and resolution separately.

## Compatibility and prerequisites

The VSM17-X uses an AML D35.1 UHV stepper motor. Use an appropriate bipolar stepper motor drive, such as the AML SMD4, with motor temperature monitoring and suitable vacuum cabling and feedthroughs.

Mount the stage without distorting its baseplate and provide a sufficiently rigid supporting structure.

Limit switches and incremental or absolute encoders are optional.

For stacked assemblies, assess the payload together with the mass and changing load moments of the other moving stages. Route cables clear of moving parts throughout travel.

## Ordering guidance

Standard order codes: VSM17-X-050, VSM17-X-100, VSM17-X-150, VSM17-X-200, VSM17-X-250 and VSM17-X-300.

Options include:
- HR: 1 µm full-step resolution.
- SS: stainless steel construction.
- LS: two limit switches.
- ER: incremental encoder.
- EA: absolute encoder.
- R: radiation-hardened configuration.
- DL: dry-lubricated configuration; discuss application-dependent service life with AML.

Example: VSM17-X-100-HR-LS specifies 100 mm travel, 1 µm resolution and limit switches.

Provide quantity, orientation, payload, load offset, speed, duty cycle, positioning requirements and bakeout temperature. Confirm combined options and connection requirements before ordering.

## Order codes

| Order code | Description | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VSM17-X-050 | 50 mm Travel, 5 µm Resolution | £3,091.00 |
| VSM17-X-100 | 100 mm Travel, 5 µm Resolution | £4,482.00 |
| VSM17-X-150 | 150 mm Travel, 5 µm Resolution | £5,316.00 |
| VSM17-X-200 | 200 mm Travel, 5 µm Resolution | £7,326.00 |
| VSM17-X-250 | 250 mm Travel, 5 µm Resolution | £7,526.00 |
| VSM17-X-300 | 300 mm Travel, 5 µm Resolution | Price on request. Contact AML for a quotation. |

## Overview

Linear translation stage suitable for use in UHV. Can support centred loads of up to 50 kilograms and travel from 50 to 300 mm. 5 µm resolution allows for precise in-vacuum motion.

- Standard travels from 50 to 300 mm

- 5 µm resolution (1 µm for option HR)

- Maximum speed 15 mm/s (3 mm/s for option HR)

- Directly stackable for XYZ orientations

- Suitable for use to 1 x 10-10 mBar

- UHV-prepared aluminium construction as standard

- Stainless steel construction available (option SS)

- Bakeable to 150°C (200°C for option SS)

## Documentation and downloads

- [Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_VSM17-X.pdf)
- [Encoder Pinout Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_Encoder_Pinout.pdf)
- [Operating Instructions](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Manual_VSM17-X.pdf)
- [VSM17-X Drawing Pack](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/VSM17-X_Drawing_Pack.pdf)
- [VSM17-X-050 Step Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-X-050.zip)
- [VSM17-X-100 Step Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-X-100.zip)
- [VSM17-X-150 Step Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-X-150.zip)
- [VSM17-X-200 Step Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-X-200.zip)
- [VSM17-X-250 Step Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-X-250.zip)
- [VSM17-X-300 Step Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/AMLDeviceControlSetup.exe)

## Related products

- [SMD4 Stepper Motor Drive](https://arunmicro.com/products/smd4-stepper-motor-drive/): Stepper motor drive optimised for use with AML UHV-compatible motors. Features advanced connectivity with USB, Ethernet and RS232/485 interfaces. Optional encoder module for incremental and absolute encoders
- [VSM Stage Mounting Brackets and Table](https://arunmicro.com/products/vacuum-stage-mounting-brackets/): Mounting Brackets For UHV Compatible Stages.
- [Stage Alignment Spigot](https://arunmicro.com/products/vacuum-stage-alignment-spigot/): Stage Alignment Spigot for VSM Stages.
- [VSM23-X](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm23-x/): Versatile modular UHV compatible stage. Travel ranges from 100 to 450 mm and can support loads up to 20 kg.
- [VSM17-Z](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-z/): Modular UHV compatible stage. Designed specifically for Z-axis translation. Travel ranges from 50 to 70 mm and can support loads up to 30 kg.
- [VSM17-R-72K](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-r-72k/): High resolution UHV rotation stage. 0.005° resolution.
- [VSM17-R-3K6](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-r-3k6/): Zero backlash UHV rotation stage. 0.1° resolution.
- [VSM17-G-070](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-g-070/): High performance, modular UHV goniometer stage. 70mm rotation centre.
- [VSM17-G-114](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm17-g-114/): High performance, modular UHV goniometer stage. 114mm rotation centre.
- [MLF18F](https://arunmicro.com/products/electrical-feedthrough/): MLF18F 18-way feedthrough on a DN40 CF flange (70 mm OD). Individual glass compression seals and bakeable to 250°C.