15 Dual-Axis Positioning Stage Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for dual-axis positioning stages as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 dual-axis positioning stage manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked dual-axis positioning stage companies as of April, 2024: 1.PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P..
Table of Contents
What Is a Dual-Axis Positioning Stage?
The equipment configuration generally consists of stages in each axis direction stacked on top of each other. A dual-axis positioning stage (XY-axis stage) has two axes: an X-axis for left/right movement and a Y-axis for vertical movement. The use of this stage has the advantage of facilitating positioning.
The accuracy and features vary depending on the stage guide system and feed mechanism, so selecting a stage that best suits the application is necessary.
Uses of Dual-Axis Positioning Stages
The main applications of 2-axis stages are for manufacturing semiconductor devices and microscopic observation, which require positioning. There are various types of stages with positioning accuracy ranging from low precision to high precision depending on the guide system and feed mechanism, and they have different features.
Principles of Dual-Axis Positioning Stages
Dual-axis positioning stages are composed of a "guide mechanism" and a "feed mechanism. Since the characteristics of each mechanism differ depending on its type, the following is a description of typical kinds of stages.
Guide mechanism
- Dovetail groove type: A dovetail groove type is a guiding mechanism in which the male and female trapezoidal grooves slide together.
- Crossed roller system: A system that moves by linear contact between a roller and a V-groove rail, providing high rigidity. It is also suitable for precise positioning due to its low friction and minute feed rate.
- Ball type: This is a mechanism that moves by contact between an R-groove machined along a circular arc and a ball, which provides good contact between the R-groove and the ball and stable load capacity in all directions. The movement accuracy is not significantly different from the cross-roller system and is also suitable for accurate positioning.
Feed Mechanism
- Rack and pinion: This feed mechanism combines a rail with cut teeth called a "rack gear," and a gear called a "pinion". It is characterized by its ability to move the stage quickly but is unsuitable for high-precision positioning.
- Feed screw: This is a screw-type feed mechanism that utilizes the relationship between the male and the female thread. It can feed the stage at the resolution of the screw pitch, enabling fine feed, but the feed speed is slow, making it unsuitable for positioning over long strokes.
- Micrometer: This mechanism can feed stages with finer precision than a feed screw. Its internal structure is almost the same as that of a feed screw, but it is also equipped with a scale to determine the amount of travel accurately. The feed speed is also slow, so it is not suitable for positioning over long strokes.
Select the combination that best suits your application and configure Dual-Axis positioning stages from the above guide and feed mechanism choices.
The operation of Dual-Axis positioning stages is not limited to manual positioning; it may also be used as Dual-Axis positioning stages capable of automatic positioning, with each axis driven by a motor. In this case, since positioning accuracy is determined by the feed mechanism type and the drive motor's resolution, the selection of motor specifications is also essential.
Generally, servo motors or stepping motors are used when precise positioning is required.
List of 15 Dual-Axis Positioning Stage Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
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- United States of America
- China
- Japan
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NBK America LLC
Stages
Manufacturer Overview
NBK America LLC, founded in 2015 and based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is an American manufacturer and a subsidiary of Japan's Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha, specializing in mechanical components. Their product range includes couplings, like miniature shaft couplings for precision machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, special screws, such as vacuum application screws and other machine components. NBK offers finite automaton (FA) solutions, including wireless positioning units for production lines and setup operations. NBK provides machine component servicing, such as vibration resistance treatment and laser engraving. Services for couplings and special screws include coupling stainless steel screw alteration and screw length adjustment.
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ALIO Industries, LLC
Dual-Axis Positioning Stages
Manufacturer Overview
ALIO Industries, LLC is a manufacturer of ultra-precise motion control solutions that was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, USA. The company is involved in the designing and manufacturing of multiple system products such as Rotary Motion Systems, Linear Motion Systems, Micron 2 (µII) Motion Systems, and Z-Lift and Vertical Motion Stages. Its products are used by various industries,including laser processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and life sciences. The company also offers other services, including engineering, and testing.
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PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
Multi-Axis Positioning Stages / Multi-Axis Positioning Systems
Manufacturer Overview
Physik Instrumente aka PI, founded 50 years ago, is a private company that creates and produces automation systems, including hexapods, air bearings, and piezo drives that are used in life-sciences, photonics, and aerospace industries and research institutes. Their products are manufactured in North America, Europe, and Asia. Physik Instrumente is ITAR registered. The company's head office is located in Auburn, America. And its manufacturing and other facilities are located in New England.
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Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.
Dual-Axis Positioning Stages
Manufacturer Overview
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) was established in 1985 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The company is a manufacturer of motion control products for OEMs and other customers across industries ranging from aerospace, astronomy, manufacturing, medical, and semiconductors. The company provides in-house components manufacturing with a wide variety of components available off the shelf and the ability to custom-build sub-assemblies for customers worldwide. The company’s product lines include motor control systems, motorized stages, and solenoid control electronics.
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Artisan Technology Group
Parker / Daedal Dual-Axis Square Profile Positioning Stage
Distributor Overview
Artisan Technology Group is a supplier of Measuring & Test Equipment based in Illinois. The company provides parts and components for various businesses such as semiconductors for manufacturing sectors, instruments, incubators, microscopes, and more for Lab and Analytic departments, there are also communication products and electrical testers, analyzers, and furthermore there are drives, control systems for PLC and Motors with other products related to ARINC, VME, and VXI. Overall there is a vast inventory of equipment that serves the industrial, commercial, and military systems.
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CHUO PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD.
XY Stages
Manufacturer Overview
CHUO PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. (Chuo Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha), founded in 1955, is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, specializing in precise positioning units as well as optical machines and equipment. The company’s portfolio includes automatic and motorized stages and actuators, manual mechanical stages, stage accessories, and controllers. Automatic stage applications include sample table of laser repair and mapping systems, whereas manual stage applications encompass camera position adjustment for glass substrate and/or film inspection systems and prober position adjustment. Further offerings include microscopes and tool scopes, automation products for microscopes, as well as optical accessories, components, and instruments.
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THK U.K.
Dual-Axis Positioning Stage
Manufacturer Overview
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
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TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD.
XY-Axis Automatic Stage
Manufacturer Overview
Tokyo Seimitsu Co. Ltd., established in 1949 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductor production equipment and precision measuring instruments. Its product portfolio includes optical measuring instruments, probing machines, polish grinders, X-ray CT systems, and coordinate measuring machines. In 1952, the company developed Japan’s first high-pressure flow-type air micrometer, and in 1958, it created the world’s first germanium pellet automatic thickness sorting machine. It also developed Japan’s first coordinate measuring machine in 1969, followed by Japan’s first wafer-dicing machine in 1970. The company is the industry’s only semiconductor equipment manufacturer with measurement technology.
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Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Precision Positioning machine XY Stage
Manufacturer Overview
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) was established in 1888. SHI offers complete solutions for industrial machinery production and operations, heavy machinery for infrastructure, logistics, and construction, power generation systems as well as systems to reduce pollution, water purification, and ship construction. In addition, SHI also offers various software services including IT solutions.
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NSK Ltd.
XY Tables
Manufacturer Overview
NSK Ltd., based in Japan, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and motion control solutions which started its journey in 1916. The company has established itself as a major supplier for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses ball bearings, roller bearings, and linear motion components. Their Motion & Control products and technologies support the motion that brings comfort and convenience in cars, planes, wind turbines, satellites, and almost anything with moving parts.
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Optics Focus
Manual 2-Axis Goniometer Stage
Manufacturer Overview
Optics Focus, founded in Beijing, China, is manufacturer of optic mechanics, Photoelectric Instruments and Motorized Positioning Stages. The company’s product portfolio includes laser optics such as laser diode modules, laser beam expanders, and laser mirrors, optoelectronic devices, Optical Filters, and Prisms and Mirrors. Their products are used for laser cutting, medical devices, and research applications. They serve markets such as Telecommunications and Networking, Medical and Healthcare, Industrial Automation, Consumer Electronics and Environmental Monitoring. The company also offers customer services that include technical support, training and customized services.
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MIRUC OPTICAL CO.,LTD.
XY axis drive stages
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SINTO V-CERAX, LTD.
High-accuracy XY stage
Manufacturer Overview
Sinto V-Cerax Ltd., established in 1965 with headquarters in Toyokawa City, Japan, is a manufacturer of structural ceramics and polishing agents. The company's asphalt product line includes alumina ceramic material plates and blocks, slip castings using Sinto’s original immersion V-process, such as those requiring micron-order precision and mirror-like finishes, alumina balls used for high-purity pulverization, dispersion, and mixing of various powders, and a range of blasting abrasive materials used for surface finishing and polishing finished products. The company serves industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and shipbuilding.
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igus GmbH
Gantry robots
Manufacturer Overview
igus GmbH, established in 1964 and based in Cologne, Germany, is a manufacturer and distributor of technical products made using polymers for movement. Its products include injection molding frames, motor control systems, and plain bearings, and it has over 240,000 products in over 1,000,000 variations. It serves 188,000 companies from over 80 countries worldwide in 50 different industries, including packaging, automotive, and renewable energy. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001 certified, and in 2023, it recorded €1.115 billion in sales. Since 2021, the company has purchased 380 new injection-molding machines and has replaced 275 old ones.
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Dual-Axis Positioning Stage Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. |
100.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the dual-axis positioning stage page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- NSK Ltd.: 30,577
- Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.: 24,584
- THK U.K.: 13,502
Newly Established Company
- NBK America LLC: 2015 (9 years ago)
- Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.: 1985 (39 years ago)
- THK U.K.: 1971 (53 years ago)
Company with a History
- NSK Ltd.: 1916 (108 years ago)
- Reid Supply: 1948 (76 years ago)
- TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD.: 1949 (75 years ago)
Dual-Axis Positioning Stage Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- NBK America LLC
- ALIO Industries, LLC
- PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
- Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.
- Reid Supply
- Artisan Technology Group
Global Distribution of Dual-Axis Positioning Stage Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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6 | 50.0% |
Japan
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5 | 41.7% |
China
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1 | 8.3% |
List of Dual-Axis Positioning Stage Products
2 products are listed.
Sato Corporation
Fine adjustment of the position of the observed object XY stage HJ-XY01
Fine adjustment of observations is possible when observing with a microscope ■ Characteristics ・ Used in combination with microscope ・ By turnin...
Sato Corporation
XY Stage with LED lighting MJ-XY06
Compatible with MJ-MS / Dino Lite series. Equipped with LED, you can move the stage ■ Compatible with the MJ-MS series / Dino Lite series Compatib...
