Thorlabs MT1/M 13 mm Manual Single-Axis Translation Stage

Thorlabs MT1/M 13 mm Manual Single-Axis Translation Stage

The Thorlabs MT1/M is a compact manual single-axis translation stage designed for controlled linear positioning in optical, photonics, fiber optic, imaging, inspection, and laboratory systems. Its translating mounting platform provides 12.7 mm, or 0.50 inch, of travel for positioning compatible optical mounts, sensors, samples, fixtures, and experimental components.

The stage includes a Thorlabs 148-801ST micrometer head with a 13 mm knurled adjustment grip and a 9.5 mm barrel. The micrometer advances the platform by 0.64 mm, or 0.025 inch, for each complete revolution, allowing the operator to combine practical coarse positioning with controlled final alignment.

A dedicated locking screw secures the translating platform after the required position has been established. The stage also provides a versatile metric mounting pattern with seven M6 x 1.0 threaded holes and four M4 x 0.7 threaded holes on the moving platform.

The MT1/M can be mounted individually for single-axis movement or incorporated into a compatible multi-axis assembly. Alignment bores and included dowel-pin hardware support stage alignment when multiple MT1 stages are stacked together.

Features and Benefits of the Thorlabs MT1/M

The Thorlabs MT1/M provides practical manual positioning for professional users who require a compact translation stage with metric mounting interfaces.

• Single-axis translation: Provides controlled linear movement for positioning compatible optical and laboratory components.
• 12.7 mm travel: Offers 0.50 inch of total platform movement for alignment and adjustment.
• 148-801ST micrometer head: Provides precise manual control through a knurled 13 mm adjustment grip.
• 0.64 mm per revolution: Produces 0.025 inch of platform movement for every complete micrometer rotation.
• Translating mounting platform: Provides a stable surface for compatible optics, fixtures, samples, and custom assemblies.
• Metric threaded mounting pattern: Includes seven M6 x 1.0 holes and four M4 x 0.7 holes.
• Platform locking screw: Allows the selected position to be secured after alignment.
• Stacking capability: Alignment bores support accurate assembly of multiple compatible MT1 stages.
• Side-actuator compatibility: Supports the optional Thorlabs MT405 side-mounted actuator kit.
• Compact construction: Provides useful travel and mounting capacity in a space-conscious mechanical format.
• Manual operation: Requires no electrical power, software, motor driver, or motion controller.
• Professional applications: Suitable for optical alignment, fiber coupling, inspection, imaging, laboratory research, and prototype equipment.

12.7 mm Manual Translation

The MT1/M provides 12.7 mm of total linear travel. This range supports adjustment of a mounted component along a single axis without requiring electrical or computer-controlled motion equipment.

Typical positioning tasks include adjusting the spacing between optical components, aligning a detector with a beam, changing the location of a sample, positioning a camera or sensor, and optimizing coupling within a fiber optic or photonics assembly.

The complete travel path should remain clear of adjacent mounts, optical fibers, electrical cables, samples, and other equipment. The micrometer should not be forced after the platform reaches its mechanical travel limit.

148-801ST Micrometer Adjustment

The supplied 148-801ST micrometer head provides a documented travel of 12.7 mm. Its knurled grip measures 13 mm in diameter, while the barrel measures 9.5 mm in diameter.

Each complete micrometer revolution moves the platform by 0.64 mm, equivalent to 0.025 inch. Smaller rotations produce proportionally smaller position changes, allowing gradual alignment while the user monitors optical power, beam location, image quality, focus, detector response, or another measurement.

The micrometer should turn smoothly throughout its usable range. Excessive force, side loading, contamination, or impact can damage the spindle, barrel, internal threads, or stage contact surface.

Platform Locking Screw

The MT1/M includes a locking screw operated with a 1.5 mm, or 1/16 inch, hex key. The lock can be engaged after the desired position has been established.

Securing the platform helps limit unintended movement caused by vibration, cable forces, handling, or incidental contact with the micrometer. The lock should be released before the stage position is adjusted.

The locking screw should be tightened only enough to hold the selected position. Excessive torque can place unnecessary mechanical stress on the locking mechanism or translation assembly.

Metric Mounting Platform

The translating platform includes seven M6 x 1.0 threaded holes with a documented depth of 5.6 mm. It also includes four M4 x 0.7 threaded holes with a documented depth of 5.6 mm.

This mounting pattern supports compatible optical mounts, adapter plates, samples, fixtures, brackets, and custom mechanical assemblies. Fastener length should be selected carefully so the screw engages securely without exceeding the available thread depth.

The mounted component should be secured evenly and positioned close to the platform center whenever practical. Significantly offset or elevated loads can introduce additional mechanical leverage and reduce positioning stability.

Stacked Multi-Axis Configurations

The stage includes 3.2 mm alignment bores for use with 1/8-inch dowel pins. The documented center-to-center alignment distance is 40.6 mm when compatible MT1 stages are stacked.

Stacking multiple stages can provide two-axis or three-axis manual positioning for optical alignment and laboratory applications. The included alignment features help establish repeatable mechanical orientation between compatible stages.

The complete stacked assembly should be mounted on a rigid support. The number of stages, attached load, center of gravity, fastener engagement, and required travel clearance should be reviewed before operation.

Optional Side-Mounted Actuator Kit

The MT1/M supports the optional Thorlabs MT405 side-mounted actuator kit. This accessory repositions the stage actuator for installations where the standard micrometer orientation is inconvenient or obstructed.

The MT405 is secured to the MT1/M using four 4-40 cap screws supplied with the actuator kit. The actuator kit should be considered included only when specifically identified with the product.

Typical Applications

The Thorlabs MT1/M is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Laser and optical component alignment
• Fiber optic coupling
• Detector and sensor positioning
• Lens, mirror, and aperture translation
• Camera and imaging-system adjustment
• Sample positioning
• Microscopy and inspection fixtures
• Photonics laboratory experiments
• Optical component characterization
• Research and development systems
• Prototype equipment construction
• Manual multi-axis positioning assemblies

Product Overview

Brand	Thorlabs
Model	MT1/M
Product Category	Manual Single-Axis Translation Stage
Travel	12.7 mm, or 0.50 inch
Adjustment Method	148-801ST manual micrometer head
Travel per Revolution	0.64 mm, or 0.025 inch
Platform Size	Approximately 61 x 61 mm
Mounting Standard	Metric
Primary Application	Manual linear positioning of compatible optical, photonics, inspection, and laboratory components

 

Specifications

Specification	Details
Number of Axes	One
Stage Travel	12.7 mm, or 0.50 inch
Micrometer Model	Thorlabs 148-801ST
Micrometer Travel	12.7 mm, or 0.50 inch
Micrometer Travel per Revolution	0.64 mm, or 0.025 inch
Micrometer Grip Diameter	13 mm, or 0.51 inch
Micrometer Barrel Diameter	9.5 mm, or 0.37 inch
Locking Screw Tool Size	1.5 mm, or 1/16 inch, hex key
Approximate Weight	0.20 kg

 

Mounting Specifications

Mounting Feature	Details
M6 Platform Threads	Seven M6 x 1.0 threaded holes
M6 Thread Depth	5.6 mm, or 0.22 inch
M4 Platform Threads	Four M4 x 0.7 threaded holes
M4 Thread Depth	5.6 mm, or 0.22 inch
Base Clearance Bores	Two bores for compatible M6 or 1/4-inch cap screws
Alignment Bores	3.2 mm bores for included 1/8-inch dowel pins
Stacking Alignment Spacing	40.6 mm center to center
Optional Side Actuator Kit	Thorlabs MT405

 

Selected Mechanical Dimensions

Dimension	Details
Platform Width	Approximately 61 mm, or 2.40 inches
Platform Length	Approximately 61 mm, or 2.40 inches
Nominal Overall Length with Standard Micrometer	Approximately 119.1 mm, or 4.69 inches
Nominal Overall Length with Optional MT405	Approximately 81.7 mm, or 3.21 inches
Side-Mounted Configuration Width	Approximately 78.8 mm, or 3.10 inches

 

Installation and Alignment

The MT1/M should be installed on a clean, flat, and rigid optical table, breadboard, base plate, or compatible laboratory fixture. The supporting surface should remain free from dust, metal fragments, raised burrs, adhesive residue, and other contamination.

The stage base can be secured using the appropriate clearance bores and compatible M6 or 1/4-inch cap screws. Fasteners should be tightened evenly without distorting the stage body.

The mounted component should be attached using screws with the correct thread and engagement depth. The selected screws must not exceed the documented thread depth or interfere with the translation mechanism.

Before alignment begins, the locking screw should be released and the platform positioned near the center of travel. The micrometer can then be adjusted gradually while the optical, electrical, or mechanical response is monitored.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Thorlabs MT1/M receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include full 12.7 mm travel, micrometer-head operation, platform movement, locking-screw function, mounting-thread condition, and stacking-alignment features.

The 148-801ST micrometer may be operated through its usable adjustment range to check for smooth rotation, consistent translation, binding, excessive looseness, damaged threads, or irregular movement.

The platform, stage base, micrometer, locking screw, threaded mounting holes, clearance bores, alignment bores, dowel pins, labels, metric identification mark, and external surfaces may be inspected for contamination, corrosion, deformation, impact damage, unauthorized modification, or excessive wear.

The exact testing scope depends on the included micrometer, optional actuator hardware, mounting accessories, representative load, optical alignment equipment, and available positioning metrology.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for optical positioning, motion control, photonics, laser alignment, fiber optics, telecommunications, laboratory, production, inspection, electronic testing, RF/microwave, and technical research applications. The Thorlabs MT1/M supports optical laboratories, equipment manufacturers, production facilities, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the 12.7 mm travel, 148-801ST micrometer condition, platform movement, locking mechanism, metric mounting threads, alignment features, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.