precision positioning for Medical and Life Sciences
Positioning Solutions
The Industry’s Most Trusted Precision Positioning Portfolio for Medical OEMs
From high-throughput laboratory automation to nanometer-scale microscopy, precision motion is at the core of the most demanding medical and life sciences applications. Our linear stages, piezo stages, and z-focus stages give OEM engineers the accuracy, repeatability, and integration support needed to build reliable, scalable positioning systems that meet the rigorous requirements of medical device development.
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Precision Positioning Solutions
Linear Stages
High-precision linear stages available with linear motor, screw drive, ball bearing, and cross-roller bearing configurations for a wide range of speed, travel, and load requirements.
Piezo Stages
Sub-nanometer precision piezoelectric stages for applications requiring ultra-fine motion and rapid response. Available in 1-axis, 2-axis, 3-axis, and tip/tilt configurations with integrated piezo electronics and software.
Z-Focus Stages
Precision z-axis stages engineered for microscopy, offering nanometer-level resolution and fast, repeatable positioning for autofocus and automated depth scanning.
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Explore how precision stages can streamline your instrument design. Novanta has the right technology and engineering expertise for your application.
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Advanced RFID Solutions for Life Sciences
Laboratory Automation
High-throughput linear stages and piezo actuators for IVD instruments, liquid handling systems, and sample management platforms demanding precise, repeatable motion with high duty cycle.
Microscopy
Precision linear and z-focus stages for automated slide scanning, super-resolution imaging, and confocal systems requiring repeatable, low-vibration motion and nanometer-scale focus control.
Semiconductor & Metrology
High-throughput linear stages and piezo actuators for IVD instruments, liquid handling systems, and sample management platforms demanding precise, repeatable motion with high duty cycle.
Analytical Technologies
Compact, low-profile stages for spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and analytical instrument platforms where tight form factors and high positioning accuracy are required in every scan cycle.
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FAQs
A linear stage is a precision motion device that provides controlled, accurate movement along a single linear axis. Linear stages are used in applications requiring repeatable positioning, scanning, and automation, and are available with a variety of drive mechanisms including linear motors, ball screws, and lead screws.
A piezo stage is a precision motion device that uses piezoelectric actuators to achieve extremely fine, rapid linear or rotary movements. Piezo stages are capable of sub-nanometer positioning resolution and are commonly used in microscopy, semiconductor inspection, and other applications where ultra-high precision is critical.
A z-focus stage is a dedicated vertical-axis positioning stage used primarily in microscopy and imaging systems to control focus depth. Z-focus stages provide fast, highly repeatable vertical motion with nanometer-level resolution, enabling autofocus and precise depth scanning in automated slide scanners and analytical instruments.
In microscopy, linear stages provide XY sample scanning motion for slide imaging, while z-focus stages control the objective’s vertical position for autofocus. Piezo stages are used for high-speed, nanometer-precise adjustments in super-resolution and confocal imaging systems. Together, these stage types enable automated, high-throughput, and high-resolution imaging workflows.
In laboratory automation and IVD instruments, linear stages handle sample transport, reagent delivery, and optical alignment. High-duty-cycle screw-driven and linear motor stages are well suited for these applications, providing accurate, repeatable positioning over long travel ranges and across millions of operating cycles.
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