# VSM23-X

> Modular UHV Compatible Stage

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

## Product details

- Product code: `VSM23-X`
- Category: [Linear](https://arunmicro.com/products/category/linearstages/)
- Made in the UK
- UK-based support

## Best for

Motorised ultra-high-vacuum linear positioning requiring 100 to 450 mm travel and loads within the published 20 kg support rating.

Choose the VSM23-X for a versatile, lightweight stage that can be combined with other AML VSM stages to create multi-axis mechanisms.

Standard configuration provides 5 µm resolution and a maximum speed of 25 mm/s. Option HR provides 1 µm resolution with a reduced maximum speed of 5 mm/s.

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

## Not suitable when

Do not select the VSM23-X solely from its 20 kg load rating. Confirm axial loading, mounting orientation and off-centre load moments with AML, particularly for vertical motion or stacked mechanisms.

For travel above 450 mm, consider the VSM30-X. For an undriven support stage rather than a motorised axis, consider the VSM23-P.

The standard aluminium version is bakeable to 150 °C; option SS increases this to 200 °C. Confirm the permitted temperature for any encoder-equipped configuration before selection.

## Selection guidance

Choose the standard VSM23-X when travel speed is more important than the finer resolution provided by option HR. Choose HR when smaller commanded movements are required and the lower maximum speed is acceptable.

For shorter travel with higher supported loads or greater rigidity, compare the VSM17-X and VSM19-X. For travel from 500 mm, compare the VSM30-X.

Select using travel, mounting orientation, axial load, off-centre moments and the complete moving assembly. Do not equate the stated resolution with guaranteed positioning accuracy.

## Compatibility and prerequisites

The VSM23-X is compatible with VSM17 and VSM23 stages and AML stage mounting brackets for multi-axis assemblies.

A suitable stepper motor drive, such as the AML SMD4, and an appropriate vacuum feedthrough and cabling arrangement are required.

Limit switches and encoder feedback are optional extras.

Confirm mounting interfaces, cable clearance throughout travel, motor temperature monitoring and the control-system connections required by the selected options.

## Ordering guidance

Standard order codes use VSM23-X followed by the travel in millimetres.

Available standard travels: 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 mm.

Specify HR for 1 µm resolution or SS for stainless steel construction where required. Identify any requirement for limit switches or encoder feedback.

For quotation, provide quantity, travel, mounting orientation, payload, load offset, required speed, duty cycle, positioning requirements and bakeout temperature.

Confirm the complete option code, mounting accessories, drive, feedthrough and cabling configuration with AML before ordering.

## Order codes

| Order code | Description | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VSM23-X-100 | 100 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £2,897.00 |
| VSM23-X-150 | 150 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £3,268.00 |
| VSM23-X-200 | 200 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £3,891.00 |
| VSM23-X-250 | 250 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £4,063.00 |
| VSM23-X-300 | 300 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £4,423.00 |
| VSM23-X-350 | 350 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £4,681.00 |
| VSM23-X-400 | 400 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £5,303.00 |
| VSM23-X-450 | 450 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £5,415.00 |

## Overview

Linear translation stage for ultra high vacuum applications. Travel ranges from 100 to 450 mm and can support loads up to 20 kg. 1 µm or 5 µm resolution available. Modular design enables direct compatibility with all VSM23 and VSM17 stages.

Compatible with AML's vacuum stage mounting brackets. These can be used to create multi-axis mechanisms with VSM stages.

- Standard travels from 100 to 450 mm

- 5 µm resolution (1 µm for option HR)

- Maximum speed 25 mm/s (5 mm/s for option HR)

- Suitable for use to 1 x 10-10 mBar

- Directly stackable for XYZ orientations with all VSM23 and VSM17 stages

- Lightweight design using UHV-prepared aluminium construction as standard

- Limit switches and encoder options available

- Stainless steel construction available (option SS)

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

## Documentation and downloads

- [Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_VSM23-X.pdf)
- [Encoder Pinout Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_Encoder_Pinout.pdf)
- [Operating Instructions](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Manual_VSM23-X.pdf)
- [VSM23-X-100 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-100.zip)
- [VSM23-X-150 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-150.zip)
- [VSM23-X-200 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-200.zip)
- [VSM23-X-250 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-250.zip)
- [VSM23-X-300 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-300.zip)
- [VSM23-X-350 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-350.zip)
- [VSM23-X-400 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-400.zip)
- [VSM23-X-450 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM23-X-450.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.
- [Stage Alignment Spigot](https://arunmicro.com/products/vacuum-stage-alignment-spigot/): Stage Alignment Spigot for VSM Stages.
- [VSM23-P](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm23-p/): Linear passive stage for UHV applications. 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-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.