# VSM30-X

> Long Travel Modular UHV Compatible Stage

Canonical product page: [https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm30-x/](https://arunmicro.com/products/vsm30-x/)

Long travel linear translation stage for UHV applications. Travel ranges from 500 to 1000 mm and can support loads up to 40 kg.

## Product details

- Product code: `vsm30-x`
- Category: [Linear](https://arunmicro.com/products/category/linearstages/)
- Made in the UK
- UK-based support

## Best for

Long-travel, motorised ultra-high-vacuum positioning requiring 500 to 1000 mm of movement.

Choose the VSM30-X when the required travel exceeds the standard ranges of the VSM17-X, VSM19-X and VSM23-X.

The stage provides a 40 kg centred normal-load capacity and is intended for long-travel applications where torsional loads are relatively small.

Suitable for vacuum environments down to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar. Limit switches are included as standard, and encoder options are available.

## Not suitable when

Do not select the VSM30-X solely from its 40 kg centred load rating. The published maximum load moment is 10 Nm, so offset loads and stacked mechanisms require particular attention.

The standard configuration does not have the same axial-load capacity as the HR configuration.

For shorter travel with greater rigidity requirements, compare the VSM17-X or VSM19-X.

The stage is bakeable to 150 °C; fitting an optical encoder reduces the maximum temperature to 120 °C. Consult AML for travel beyond 1000 mm or requirements outside the published limits.

## Selection guidance

Choose the standard VSM30-X for 5 µm full-step resolution and a maximum speed of 25 mm/s.

Choose option HR for 1 µm full-step resolution and increased axial-load capacity, accepting a reduced maximum speed of 5 mm/s.

The published axial-load capacities are 20 kg standard and 40 kg with HR, at 500 Hz/s acceleration, 1000 Hz and 1 A phase current. These ratings are separate from the 40 kg centred normal-load capacity.

Check the complete load arrangement, moment loads and operating conditions rather than selecting from travel and payload alone.

## Compatibility and prerequisites

The VSM30-X uses an AML D42.1 UHV stepper motor and is compatible with other VSM stages and AML mounting brackets for multi-axis assemblies.

Use a suitable bipolar stepper motor drive, such as the AML SMD4, with appropriate temperature monitoring, vacuum feedthroughs and cables. AML supplies in-vacuum cables for the VSM30-X.

Allow sufficient space for the full stage assembly, carriage travel and cable movement.

Configure the included limit switches and any optional encoder in the control system. Assess changing moments when other stages are mounted on the moving carriage.

## Ordering guidance

Standard order codes: VSM30-X-500, VSM30-X-600, VSM30-X-700, VSM30-X-800, VSM30-X-900 and VSM30-X-1000.

Published options include:
- HR: 1 µm full-step resolution and increased axial-load capacity.
- ER: incremental encoder.
- EA: absolute encoder.

Limit switches are included as standard.

Example: VSM30-X-500-HR-ER specifies 500 mm travel, 1 µm resolution and an incremental encoder.

Provide quantity, travel, orientation, payload, load offset, speed, acceleration, duty cycle, positioning requirements and bakeout temperature. Confirm the mounting and complete cable configuration with AML.

## Order codes

| Order code | Description | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VSm30-X-500 | 500 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £6,358.00 |
| VSM30-X-600 | 600 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £6,997.00 |
| VSM30-X-700 | 700 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £8,188.00 |
| VSM30-X-800 | 800 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £9,975.00 |
| VSM30-X-900 | 900 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £12,359.00 |
| VSM30-X-1000 | 1,000 mm travel, 5 µm resolution | £15,338.00 |

## Overview

Long travel linear translation stage for UHV applications. Travel ranges from 500 to 1000 mm and can support loads up to 40 kg.

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

- Standard travels from 500 to 1000 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 with VSM23 and VSM17 stages

- Lightweight design using UHV-prepared aluminium construction as standard

- Encoder options available

- Bakeable to 150°C

Limit switches included as standard.

## Documentation and downloads

- [Datasheet](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Datasheet_VSM30-X.pdf)
- [Operating Instructions](https://arunmicro.com/documentation/Manual_VSM30-X.pdf)
- [VSM30-X-500 (.zip)](https://arunmicro.com/downloads/CAD_VSM30-X-500.zip)

## Related products

- [In-Vacuum Cables](https://arunmicro.com/products/in-vacuum-cables/): UHV compatible cables for connecting VSM19-X and VSM30-X stages
- [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-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.
- [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.