# VSM17-Z

> Modular UHV Stage for Z-Axis Translation

Canonical product page: [https://arunmicro.com/products/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.

## Product details

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

## Best for

Dedicated vertical positioning in ultra-high-vacuum systems where the sample table must remain above the mechanism throughout its travel.

Choose the VSM17-Z for 50 or 70 mm of Z-axis travel with a centred load capacity of up to 30 kg.

The stage provides 1 µm resolution and a maximum speed of 5 mm/s.

Suitable for vacuum environments down to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar, either as a standalone vertical axis or as part of a modular VSM17 positioning system.

## Not suitable when

The VSM17-Z is designed specifically for vertical translation. It should not be treated as a general-purpose horizontal stage.

For vertical travel beyond 70 mm, discuss a suitable vertically mounted linear-stage arrangement with AML.

Loads above 30 kg, substantial load offsets or unusual mounting orientations require review. The centred load rating does not establish suitability for every off-centre load.

The stage is bakeable to 200 °C, but the maximum temperature reduces to 120 °C when an optical encoder is fitted.

## Selection guidance

Choose VSM17-Z-050 for 50 mm travel or VSM17-Z-070 for 70 mm travel.

Select according to required movement, available installation height and the complete load arrangement. Check the model-specific load-moment limits as well as the centred load capacity.

Choose the VSM17-Z rather than a vertically mounted X-stage when keeping the sample table above the mechanism is important.

For a stacked XYZ mechanism, consider placing the vertical stage above the horizontal axes to avoid lifting their mass. Assess positioning accuracy and repeatability separately from the 1 µm resolution.

## Compatibility and prerequisites

The VSM17-Z uses an AML D35.1 UHV stepper motor and is compatible with the VSM17 modular stage range.

Provide a suitable bipolar stepper motor drive, motor temperature monitoring, vacuum feedthroughs and cabling. AML offer the SMD3 and SMD4 stepper motor drives.

Limit switches and incremental or absolute encoders are optional.

Include the sample, fixture and any components carried by the moving table when assessing the load. Confirm the mounting interface, clearance over the complete vertical travel and cable routing before installation.

## Ordering guidance

Standard order codes:
- VSM17-Z-050: 50 mm travel, 1 µm resolution.
- VSM17-Z-070: 70 mm travel, 1 µm resolution.

Published options include:
- LS: two limit switches.
- ER: incremental encoder.
- EA: absolute encoder.
- R: radiation-hardened configuration.

Dry lubrication can be requested; confirm the configuration and application requirements with AML.

Provide quantity, travel, payload including fixtures, load offset, available installation height, speed, duty cycle, positioning requirements and bakeout temperature. Identify any other stages in the assembly.

## Order codes

| Order code | Description | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VSM17-Z-050 | 50 mm Travel, 1 µm Resolution | £3,820.00 |
| VSM17-Z-070 | 70 mm Travel, 1 µm Resolution | £4,490.00 |

## Overview

Linear vertical translation stage suitable for use in UHV. Can support loads of up to several kilograms and travel from 50 mm. Designed specifically for Z-axis translation, the sample table is always above the mechanism across the stage's full range of travel. Suitable for loads up to 30 kg.

- Standard travels from 50 to 70 mm

- 1 µm resolution

- 30 kg centred load capacity

- Maximum speed of 5 mm/sec

- Designed for Z-axis translation

- Suitable for use to 1 x 10-10 mBar

- Bakeable to 200 °C

## Documentation and downloads

- [Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_VSM17-Z.pdf)
- [Encoder Pinout Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_Encoder_Pinout.pdf)
- [Operating Instructions](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Manual_VSM17-Z.pdf)
- [VSM17-Z-050 STEP Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-Z-050.zip)
- [VSM17-Z-070 STEP Files (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM17-Z-070.zip)

## 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.
- [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-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.
- [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.