The tilt stage moves in an arc rather than in linear direction as with the X, X•Y, Z, and V stages. Therefore, if a guide rail with the same groove used for linear motion is adopted, there may be displacement between the V-gap and the steel balls which can lead to added stress.
In addition to reducing durability, the retainer (the assembly consisting of steel balls and the plates that they are held between) may also become misaligned causing loss of function.
In order to prevent this, we have developed a new type of guide rail based upon an entirely different concept.
For this guide rail, which is used in all tilt stage models of MM stages, we have redesigned the distance between the inner and outer arcs for the four points of contact with the steel balls. This helps maintain durability and greatly reduces retainer misalignment.
This guide rail design has been patented.
Patent No. 2762055