Thorlabs Inc.
Visit the 1/2

1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel Miniature Dovetail Translation Stages

  • Modular, Compact Design
  • Lockable Moving Platform
  • Rapid, Smooth Positioning

DT12

Compact Dovetail Translation Stage

DT12B
Base Plate Included

Application Idea

A DT12 Stage with a DT12CTA Top Plate and CT101 Optic Mount

DT12XYZ

3-Axis Dovetail Translation Stage

DT12XY

2-Axis Dovetail Translation Stage

DT12RA

360° Rotation Adapter

DT12B
Base Plate Included

Hide Overview

OVERVIEW

DT12 Stage Specifications
Travel Range 0.5" (12.7 mm)
Maximum Load Horizontal: 2.5 lbs (1.2 kg)
Vertical: 0.55 lbs (0.25 kg)
Travel per Revolution 0.014" (0.35 mm)
Construction Aluminum with Precision Steel Leadscrew
Dimensionsa (Including Actuator) 1.00" x 1.81" x 0.58" (25.4 mm x 45.9 mm x 14.8 mm)
Mounting Hole Threadingb 8-32 (M4)
  • Dimensions for One DT12 Stage
  • Maximum Screw Insertion Depth: 9/64" (3.5 mm)

Features

  • Single-Axis, XY, XZ, and XYZ Configurations Available
  • Compact Footprint: 1.00" x 1.81" (25.4 mm x 45.9 mm)
  • Dovetail Mechanism Provides Smooth Travel and Long Lifetimes
  • Lockable Moving Platform
  • Ø1/2" Post Mountable

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DT12 Stages are Post Mountable via a Bottom-Located 8-32 (M4) Mounting Tap

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[APPLIST]
DT12 Stage Mounted on an RC1 Rail Carrier that is Mounted on a Dovetail Rail

These Dovetail Translation Stages are compact, entry-level positioners, ideal for use in applications where space is limited. Each stage has a 1.00" x 1.00" (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm) platform that can be translated up to 1/2" (12.7 mm) using a precision M3 x 0.35 adjuster. The moving platform can be locked using a side-located setscrew and 0.05" hex key.

An 8-32 (M4) tap on the bottom of the stage allows it to be mounted on Ø1/2" posts, while a top-located
8-32 (M4) tap is for mounting optical components, top mounting plates, or accessories. Each stage includes mounting grooves on the top and bottom of the stage to attach to an optical table using two CL6 Clamps (sold separately).

Four stage configurations are available: single-axis, XY, XZ, and XYZ. In order to guarantee orthogonality of the axes, XY configurations must be ordered preconfigured from Thorlabs. Pre-configured multi-axis stages also include a base plate for mounting the stages to an optical table.

Dovetail Translation Stages
1/2" (12.7 mm) Travel
1" (25 mm) Travel
2" (50 mm) Travel

Accessories
A top mounting plate adapter is available that includes an array of 4-40 (M3) and 8-32 (M4) mounting taps and keyways that facilitate the mounting of our 30 mm cage stage accessoriesSlotted base plates for mounting the stages to an optical table are supplied with all 2- and 3-axis configurations, but are also available separately for single-axis stages. A right-angle bracket allows the stages to be easily assembled into XZ, YZ, or XYZ configurations, while a rotation adapter can be added to rotate a single stage up to 360°. In addition, a cage system adapter is provided for mounting a stage using 60 mm cage rods.


Hide Manual Linear Stages

MANUAL LINEAR STAGES

Manual Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' manual translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from less than 1/4" (6 mm) to 2" (50 mm) and longer for our long travel, large area platforms. Many of these stages can be ordered in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our Multi-Axis Stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard manual translation stages. In addition to linear translation stages, we offer rotation stages, pitch and yaw platforms, and goniometers. We also offer motorized translation stages that are powered by DC Servo motors, stepper motors, or direct drive technology.

Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages

These linear translation stages feature crossed-roller bearing travel mechanisms for precision motion, high load capacity, and low angular deviation. The LNR Series stages feature all-steel body construction, while the LX, XRN, and XR Series stage bodies are constructed of cast tool and jig aluminum. We also offer several vertical crossed-roller bearing stages (see below).

Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages
Product Family LNR Series 25 mm Stages LX Series 25 mm
Stages
XRN Series 25 mm Stages XR Series 25 mm Stages XR Series 50 mm Stages LNR Series 50.8 mm Stages
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 25 mm (0.98") 25 mm (0.98") 25 mm (0.98") 25 mm (0.98") 50 mm (1.97") 50.8 mm (2")
Drive Type Multiple Micrometer Micrometer Micrometer Micrometer Multiple
Platform Size 2.34" x 2.36"
(59.4 mm x 60.0 mm)
2.56" x 2.56"
(65.0 mm x 65.0 mm)
2.00" x 3.35"
(50.7 mm x 85.0 mm)
2.98" x 4.33"
(75.7 mm x 110.0 mm)
2.98" x 5.51"
(75.7 mm x 140.0 mm)
3.94" x 3.94"
(100.0 mm x 100.0 mm)
Possible Axis
Configurations
X, XZ, XY, XYZ X, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Ball Bearing Stages

These translation stages feature hardened steel linear bearings for precise motion and long life. They are available with a variety of actuators and in single-axis or preassembled multi-axis configurations.

Ball Bearing Stages
Product Family MS Series 1/4" Stages T12 Series 1/2" Stages MT Series 1/2" Stages PT Series 1" Stages LT Series 2" Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 1/4" (6.4 mm) 1/2" (12.7 mm) 1/2" (12.7 mm) 1" (25.4 mm) 2" (50 mm)
Drive Type Multiple Thumbscrew Multiple Multiple Differential Micrometer
Platform Size 1.17" x 1.17"
(29.7 mm x 29.7 mm)
0.76" x 0.81"
(19.3 mm x 20.6 mm)
2.40" x 2.41"
(61.0 mm x 61.2 mm)
3.00" x 4.00"
(76.2 mm x 101.6 mm)
3.75" x 3.75"
(95.3 mm x 95.3 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Dovetail Stages

These compact stages incorporate dovetails and a leadscrew for the translation mechanism. They are suitable in general purpose motion control applications.

Dovetail Stages
Product Family DT Series 1/2" Stages DTS Series 1" Stages
(Vacuum-Compatible Version Available)
DTS Series 2" Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 1/2" (12.7 mm) 1" (25 mm) 2" (50 mm)
Drive Type Thumbscrew Thumbscrew Thumbscrew
Platform Size 1.00" x 1.00" (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm) 2.68" x 2.95" (68.0 mm 75.0 mm) 2.68" x 3.74" (68.0 mm x 95.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZa X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details
  • The DTSA03 anodized angle bracket designed for XYZ configurations may also be used with the DTS25V(/M) vacuum-compatible stages; however, the DTSA03 is not vacuum-compatible.
  • The 1" (25 mm) travel DTS Series features an anodized DTS25(/M) stage and a DTS25V(/M) stage that is vacuum-compatible down to 10-6 Torr.

Flexure Stages

Thorlabs' Nanoflex™ translation stages feature frictionless flexure mechanisms for improved positioning and resolution when compared to similar stages made using bearings. The translation of the stage is accomplished by the elastic deformation (flexing) of a linkage attached to the mounting platform. Most models also include piezo actuators for small position adjustments.

Flexure Stages
Product Family Nanoflex™ 1.5 mm Stage Nanoflex™ 5 mm Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 1.5 mm (0.06") + 25 µm Piezo 5 mm (0.20") 5 mm (0.20") + 20 µm Piezo
Drive Type Thumbscrew and Piezo Actuator Differential Micrometer Differential Micrometer and
Open-Loop Piezo Actuator
Differential Micrometer and
Closed-Loop Piezo Actuator
Platform Size 1.18" x 1.18" (30.0 mm x 30.0 mm) 2.95" x 2.95" (75.0 mm x 75.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Vertical Stages

We offer vertical translation stages with crossed-roller bearings for precise motion as well as long travel vertical stages for heavy-duty applications.

Vertical Stages
Product Family XRN Series 9 mm Vertical Stage XR Series 14 mm Vertical Stage MVS Series 1/2" Vertical Stage MVS Series 1" Vertical Stage VAP Series 4" Vertical Stage VAP Series 10" Vertical Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel 9.0 mm (0.35") 14.0 mm (0.55") 1/2" (13.0 mm) 1" (25.0 mm) 4" (101.6 mm) 10" (254 mm)
Drive Type Worm-Gear Driven Lift Screw Micrometer Adjuster Knob and Coarse Manual Positioning
Platform Size 2.00" x 2.00"
(50.7 mm x 50.7 mm)
2.98" x 2.98"
(75.7 mm x 75.7 mm)
2.36" x 2.36" (60.0 mm x 60.0 mm) 3.00" x 6.00" (76.2 mm 152.4 mm)
Additional Details

Hide Single-Axis Miniature Dovetail Translation Stage

Single-Axis Miniature Dovetail Translation Stage


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DT12 Stage attached to a DT12B Base Plate (Not Included)

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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
The stage can be mounted
to an optical table or breadboard using two CL6 Clamps.

Click for Details

DT12(/M) Mechanical Drawing
  • Single-Axis Dovetail Translation Stage
  • Bottom-Located 8-32 (M4) Tap for Ø1/2" Post Compatibility
  • Top-Located 8-32 (M4) Tap for Mounting Components
  • Lockable Moving Platform

The DT12(/M) is a compact, 1/2" (12.7 mm) translation stage that incorporates a dovetail and lead screw translation mechanism for smooth linear positioning along the entire range of travel. The mounting platform is a 1.0" (25.4 mm) square that is translated using a precision M3 x 0.35 adjuster. The moving platform can be locked using a side-located setscrew and 0.05" hex key to guard against accidental movement. The top and bottom plates feature an 8-32 (M4) tap for a variety of mounting options. The maximum screw insertion depth for both of these taps is 9/64" (3.5 mm).

Multi-axis configurations using two or three DT12 stages are available below. However, two DT12 stages can be attached perpendicularly to one another using the DT12A Angle Bracket or DT12RA Rotation Adapter. XY configurations must be ordered preconfigured from Thorlabs in order to guarantee orthogonality.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12/M
12.7 mm Dovetail Translation Stage, M4 Taps
$92.36
Today
DT12
1/2" Dovetail Translation Stage, 8-32 Taps
$92.36
Lead Time

Hide Two-Axis Miniature Dovetail Translation Stages

Two-Axis Miniature Dovetail Translation Stages


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DT12XZ Translation Stage

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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
DT12XY Stage Mounted on an RC1 Rail Carrier that is Mounted on a Dovetail Rail
  • Preconfigured, 2-Axis XY and XZ Translators
  • Bottom-Located 8-32 (M4) Tap for Ø1/2" Post Compatibility
  • Top-Located 8-32 (M4) Tap for Mounting Components
  • Each Stage Includes a DT12B(/M) Base Plate
  • Lockable Axes of Translation

The DT12XY(/M) and DT12XZ(/M) are compact, two-axis translation stages that incorporate a dovetail and lead screw translation mechanism for smooth linear positioning along the entire range of travel for each axis. The DT12XY(/M) consists of two DT12(/M) stages, while the DT12XZ(/M) consists of two DT12(/M) stages and a DT12A Angle Bracket. Each stage also includes a base plate to mount it directly to an optical table. Please note that XY configurations must be ordered preconfigured from Thorlabs in order to guarantee orthogonality of the axes. The stages are permanently attached and cannot be separated.

Preconfigured 3-axis stages are available below.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12XY/M
12.7 mm XY Dovetail Translation Stage with Baseplate, M4 Taps
$219.76
Today
DT12XZ/M
12.7 mm XZ Dovetail Translation Stage with Baseplate, M4 Taps
$268.46
Today
DT12XY
1/2" XY Dovetail Translation Stage with Baseplate, 8-32 Taps
$219.76
Lead Time
DT12XZ
1/2" XZ Dovetail Translation Stage with Baseplate, 8-32 Taps
$268.46
Today

Hide Three-Axis Miniature Dovetail Translation Stage

Three-Axis Miniature Dovetail Translation Stage


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DT12A Angle Bracket Replaced with the DT12RA Rotation Adapter (Available Below)
  • Preconfigured, 3-Axis XYZ Translator
  • Bottom-Located 8-32 (M4) Tap for Ø1/2" Post Compatibility
  • Top-Located 8-32 (M4) Tap for Mounting Components
  • DT12B(/M) Base Plate Included
  • Lockable Axes of Translation

The DT12XYZ(/M) is a compact, three-axis translation stage that incorporates a dovetail and lead screw translation mechanism for smooth linear positioning along the entire range of travel for each axis. It consists of a DT12XY(/M) 2-Axis Stage with a DT12(/M) stage attached using a DT12A Angle Bracket. The stage also includes a base plate to mount it directly to optical tables. Please note that the two stages forming the XY portion are permanently attached and cannot be separated.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12XYZ/M
12.7 mm XYZ Dovetail Translation Stage with Baseplate, M4 Taps
$359.94
Today
DT12XYZ
1/2" XYZ Dovetail Translation Stage with Baseplate, 8-32 Taps
$359.94
Today

Hide Top Plate for Miniature Dovetail Stages

Top Plate for Miniature Dovetail Stages


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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
A DT12 Stage with a DT12CTA Top Plate and CT101 Optic Mount

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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
A DT12 Stage with a DT12CTA Top Plate and CT104 Rotation Mount
  • Twelve 4-40 (M3) and Four 8-32 (M4) Tapped Mounting Holes for Increased Mounting Options
  • Two 4 mm Wide Central Keyways for Aligning 30 mm Cage Stage Accessories
  • Reference Lip Prevents Misalignments when Mounting the Plate
  • Flatness: 0.05 mm (0.02")
  • Parallelism: 0.05 mm (0.02")
Item # DT12CTA DT12CTA/M
Mechanical Drawing

The DT12CTA(/M) Top Plate features an array of tapped mounting holes with two 4 mm wide keyways to provide increased mounting options for our line of DT12 Dovetail Translation Stages. Two orthogonal keyways facilitate the mounting of 30 mm cage stage accessories, such as translation and rotation mounts for Ø1/2" optics or SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) mounts, as shown in the images to the right. When mounted, the optical axis will be 38.5 mm (1.51") from the base of the translation stage. The plate also contains twelve 4-40 (M3) and four 8-32 (M4) tapped mounting holes for securing and mounting various components. For complete dimensions and mounting hole locations, please see the mechanical drawings in the table to the right.

The top plate is attached to the DT12 dovetail stage via a central #8 (M4) counterbore and included 8-32 (M4) button-head screw. A lip that runs along a bottom edge of the plate creates a reference edge that prevents unwanted rotation of the plate when it is attached to the stage.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12CTA/M
Customer Inspired! Top Plate for DT12 Stages, M3 and M4 Tapped
$39.81
Lead Time
DT12CTA
Customer Inspired! Top Plate for DT12 Stages, 4-40 and 8-32 Tapped
$39.81
Today

Hide Mounting Adapters for Miniature Dovetail Stages

Mounting Adapters for Miniature Dovetail Stages


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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
A DT12A Angle Bracket shown mounting two DT12 Stages perpendicular to one another. This XZ configuration is then mounted on a DT12B Base Plate.

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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
The stage can be mounted
to an optical table or breadboard using two CL6 Clamps.
  • DT12A Angle Bracket Mounts Two DT12 Stages Perpendicular to One Another
  • DT12B(/M) Baseplate Provides a Convenient Method of Bolting the Stage to an Optical Table
  • CL6 Table Clamps Fix a DT12 Stage to an Optical Table

These mounting adapters provide simple methods of attaching multiple DT12 stages to one another or to an optical table or breadboard.

The DT12A Angle Bracket, which is compatible with both imperial and metric stages, allows two stages to be mounted perpendicular to each other. This bracket is required when assembling stages in an XZ, YZ, or XYZ configuration and is attached to the stages using the two supplied 8-32 (M4) countersunk screws.

The DT12B(/M) Base plate provides a convenient method of bolting the stage to the work surface. The base plate is first secured to the table with the included 1/4"-20 (M6) countersunk cap screw. The stage then fixes to the base plate using the supplied 6-32 (M3) bolts and cleats.

The CL6 table clamp offers an alternative method of fixing the stage to the work surface. Each stage includes mounting grooves along the top and bottom of the stage for direct attachment to an optical table using two clamps.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12B/M
Customer Inspired! Base Plate for DT12 Stages (Metric)
$35.05
Today
DT12A
Angle Bracket for DT12 Stages
$48.12
Today
CL6
Table Clamp, RLA Series Optical Rails
$7.02
Today
DT12B
Base Plate for DT12 Stages
$35.05
Today

Hide Rotation Adapter for Miniature Dovetail Stages

Rotation Adapter for Miniature Dovetail Stages


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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
DT12RA Rotation Adapter and DT12 Stage Mounted on a DT12XY Stage

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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
LMR1 Lens Mount Attached to a Rotation Adapter Without the Angle Bracket and Mounted on a
DT12B Base Plate
  • Rotates any DT12 Stage or 8-32 (M4) Mounted Component up to 360º
  • Mount Two DT12 Stages Perpendicular to One Another
  • Flexure Clamp Locking Mechanism

The DT12RA(/M) rotation adapter enables any DT12 stage or 8-32 (M4) mounted component to be rotated up to 360o. The adapter includes an attached angle bracket which is easily mounted to an existing single, 2-axis, or 3-axis configuration using the included 8-32 (M4) countersunk screw, as shown in the photo to the right. Rotation is locked via a flexure clamp that is tightened using a side-located M3 cap screw and a 2.5 mm hex key. Please see the manual, which is available by clicking on the red Docs icon () below, for complete mounting instructions.

The angle bracket can be removed, allowing the adapter to be used with the DT12CSA Cage System Adapter or secured directly to the work surface using the DT12B Base Plate or two CL6 Clamps. This is shown in the photo to the right, where an LMR1 Lens Mount is mounted on the rotation adapter, which is attached to a DT12B base. 


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12RA/M
Rotation Adapter for DT12 Stages (Metric)
$84.94
Today
DT12RA
Rotation Adapter for DT12 Stages
$84.94
Lead Time

Hide 60 mm Cage System Adapter for Miniature Dovetail Stages

60 mm Cage System Adapter for Miniature Dovetail Stages


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[APPLIST]
[APPLIST]
DT12CSA and DT12XY Stage Mounted on Two Ø6.0 mm cage rods

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DT12 Stage Mounted on the DT12CSA 60 mm Cage Adapter
  • Mount DT12 Stages and DT12RA Rotation Adapters Within a 60 mm Cage System
  • Allows for Coarse Adjustment Along Cage Rods
  • Can be Locked onto Cage Rods with Two Side-Located M3 Nylon-Tipped Setscrews

The DT12CSA 60 mm Cage System Adapter allows a DT12 Translation Stage or DT12RA Rotation Adapter to be mounted over two Ø6.0 mm cage rods, as shown in the photo to the far right. The adapter provides coarse translation along the length of the cage system and can be locked in place with two M3 nylon-tipped setscrews and a 1.5 mm hex key.

A DT12(/M) stage is mounted using 8-32 (M4) countersunk screws, as shown in the photo to the right, whereas the DT12RA(/M) rotation adapter is attached using the M4 cap screws. All mounting screws are included with the DT12CSA. Please note that the angle bracket included with the DT12RA must be detached from the rotation adapter before it can be attached to the DT12CSA 60 mm cage adapter. 

When inserted into a 60 mm cage system with a DT12 stage or DT12RA adapter attached, the distance from the top surface of the attached accessory to the center line of the cage system will be about 23.2 mm (0.91") for the DT12 stage and 29.5 mm (1.16") for the DT12RA rotation adapter.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DT12CSA
Ø6.0 mm Cage Rod Adapter for DT12 Stages
$52.56
Today