Equipment operating around sensitive imaging systems, sensors, scientific instruments, or controlled magnetic fields may require motion components that minimize magnetic influence. A conventional stage can introduce materials or hardware that interfere with measurements, positioning, or surrounding instrumentation. American Linear Manufacturers develop non-magnetic linear stages around the operating requirements of specialized equipment. Without an experienced manufacturer to evaluate materials, bearings, fasteners, drive components, and mounting details together, engineers risk introducing unwanted magnetic materials into the assembly, creating integration problems that may require costly redesign later.
Non-magnetic requirements vary considerably by application. ALM can modify standard products or develop application-specific stage assemblies based on travel, mounting geometry, environmental conditions, positioning requirements, and material restrictions.
Manual configurations provide controlled linear adjustment without requiring a motor, making them practical for laboratory, optical, and instrument positioning applications.
Motor ready designs provide a mechanical stage platform that can be configured around compatible motors, couplings, feedback devices, and application requirements.
Crossed roller technology provides rigid, smooth, preloaded guidance for applications requiring accurate travel, low starting force, and zero sideplay.
Application specific stages can address unique dimensions, travel, mounting provisions, materials, finishes, drive arrangements, environmental preparation, and multi axis motion requirements.
A non-magnetic stage is more than a change in base material. Each mechanical element should be evaluated against the application's magnetic sensitivity and operating environment. ALM offers alternative materials and configurable components where application requirements call for them.
Stainless steel, brass, and other construction materials are available upon request, allowing stage structures to be adapted to specialized applications.
Bearing materials can be selected around application requirements, with stainless steel roller options documented for ALM corrosion resistant crossed roller ways.
Rail and guidance materials should be evaluated according to magnetic sensitivity, required accuracy, loading, corrosion resistance, and the surrounding operating environment.
Fastener selection forms part of the complete assembly review because mounting and structural hardware must remain compatible with application specific material requirements.
Lead screws, ball screws, couplings, motors, and related drive hardware can be evaluated according to positioning performance and system integration requirements.
Available options include corrosion resistant treatments and specialized finishes selected according to material, environmental exposure, cleanliness, and equipment requirements.
Lubrication can be configured around operating conditions, including applications requiring vacuum compatible components, clean environments, or other specialized preparation.
Custom mounting provisions, hole patterns, interfaces, and hardware can be incorporated to integrate the stage into new equipment or existing assemblies.
The correct configuration depends on more than magnetic requirements. Travel, load, positioning performance, mounting space, drive selection, and environmental conditions should be considered together before final stage specifications are established.
| Specification or Option | Design Consideration |
|---|---|
| Travel | Required stroke and available overall length |
| Load | Payload, moment loading, and stage orientation |
| Accuracy | Application specific positioning requirements |
| Repeatability | Required consistency across repeated movements |
| Stage Size | Available mounting envelope and equipment clearances |
| Materials | Magnetic sensitivity, rigidity, and environmental exposure |
| Drive | Manual, lead screw, ball screw, or motor ready configuration |
| Mounting | Standard or custom hole patterns and interfaces |
| Number of Axes | Single axis or multi axis configuration |
| Environmental Preparation | Vacuum, cleanroom, contamination, or other operating requirements |
| Feedback | Encoder, switch, and related positioning requirements |
| Protection | Covers, bellows, seals, or other application specific protection |
When magnetic materials could influence nearby equipment or measurements, stage construction becomes part of the system design. Non-magnetic configurations can support precision positioning across medical, scientific, semiconductor, optical, and research equipment with specialized environmental or instrumentation requirements.
Supports precise component movement within specialized imaging and diagnostic equipment where magnetic compatibility may influence the overall mechanical design.
Provides controlled positioning for experimental equipment and instruments operating near magnetic fields, sensitive detectors, or specialized measurement technologies.
Supports stable positioning of optics, sensors, laser components, and measurement assemblies where smooth movement and mechanical rigidity are important.
Provides precision motion for processing, inspection, testing, and positioning equipment operating within cleanroom, vacuum, or other controlled environments.
Helps position sensors, probes, detectors, and measurement assemblies where unwanted magnetic materials could affect sensitive instrumentation or collected data.
Supports custom experimental setups requiring specialized materials, compact positioning, configurable travel, or integration with existing laboratory and research equipment.
Standard and non-magnetic stages may perform similar positioning functions, but material selection and system integration differ. The appropriate design depends on whether magnetic interaction presents a meaningful concern within the equipment or operating environment.
| Consideration | Non-Magnetic Linear Stage | Standard Linear Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Magnetically sensitive applications | General precision positioning |
| Material Selection | Evaluated for magnetic compatibility | Selected primarily for mechanical performance |
| Hardware | Application specific material review | Standard hardware may be appropriate |
| Drive Components | Evaluated as part of complete assembly | Standard motor and drive options |
| Integration | Requires review of surrounding equipment | Conventional mechanical integration |
| Environment | Often specialized or controlled | Industrial and general equipment environments |
| Customization | Frequently application specific | Standard configurations often suitable |
Defining the operating conditions early helps ALM evaluate the complete motion requirement rather than a single component. Provide as much mechanical, environmental, and magnetic sensitivity information as possible, along with existing design documentation.
ALM brings more than 50 years of experience to produce standard and application specific crossed roller linear bearings, slides, and stages for demanding precision applications. Rugged, industrial grade designs provide high reliability, while industry leading lead times and competitive pricing support demanding development and production schedules. ALM also provides Custom Engineered Solutions when standard products cannot meet specific requirements. Dedicated support for OEM customers and product development brings experienced engineering assistance to applications from initial design and prototyping through production.
Tell ALM about your travel, load, mounting, environmental, and magnetic sensitivity requirements. Complete the contact form to discuss an application specific solution.
34 Sarah Dr. Farmingdale, NY 11735
1(800) 892-3991 · (516) 338-5741
Fax: (516) 333-1729
Emails: sales@americanlinear.com
(516) 338-5741