THORLABS Z8 Series Motorized DC Servo Actuators User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- THORLABS
Table of Contents
THORLABS Z8 Series Motorized DC Servo Actuators
Overview
Description
Thorlabs has developed this series of high-resolution motorized actuators for
use in high precision applications. From drop-in replacements to custom
mounts, these motorized actuators will satisfy even the most demanding
requirements. Three different travel lengths are offered; 6.0 mm, 12.0 mm and
25.0 mm.
The Z812B and Z825B actuators are shipped with a clamping bush fitted, ready
for use with a 3/8″ barrel mount. The Z806 and Z812 actuators thread into a ¼”
-80 mounting bush.
The Z800 series Motorized Actuators use a 6V DC servomotor that provides
sufficient torque for high load capabilities. Utilizing a 67.49:1 gear
reduction head and a 512 counts per rev precision encoder gives a minimum
resolution of 29 nm. The actuators allow very small step sizes over the entire
travel range, delivering greater flexibility with negligible backlash and fine
resolution. The DC servomotor allows for continuously variable speeds while
the optical encoder allows closed loop operation. The actuators use integrated
hard stops that automatically cut the power when they have reached their
mechanical limits.
The Z800 series Motorized Actuators are light, compact, and extremely durable.
They are ideal for use in mirror mounts, translation stages, microscopes, OEM
applications, and a wide variety of other components that require higher
precision than most standard drive mechanisms allow. 
Safety
Safety Information
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the
protection of the equipment itself, the operator should take note of the
Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on
the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the
equipment itself.
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning: Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution: Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note: Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
General Warnings
Warning: To avoid injury never put anything in the gap between the
Actuator and any rigid structure.
Caution: If the actuator encounters a hard stop while still in the middle
of its range (i.e. a translation stage at the end of its travel range), the
motor should be stopped as soon as possible to prevent damage to the gear head
or motor and to keep the unit from overheating.
When the Z8 motors are fitted to certain optomech products e.g. the GNL series
Goniometers, it is possible that the motor will reach the mechanical hardstops
of the stage before the motor limit switches are activated. In this case, DO
NOT continue to drive the motor into the hardstop as this will damage the
motor. As a guide, the total current drawn should not exceed 80 mA.
Caution: The control PC used to operate the driver for the Z8 series
actuators must be running APT Software version 2.8.0 or higher. Earlier
versions of software do not support this product.
Caution: When storing these units, be sure to fully retract the lead
screw to protect the threads from damage. Improper connection of the motor
will result in permanent damage. All power supplied to the motor should be
turned off before altering any connections to the motor. Check all connections
before supplying power to the motor.
Connection Details & Specifications
Pin Assignments
Pin assignments for the D-Type connector on the motor flying lead are
dscribed below.
| Pin | Description | Pin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground (Limit and Vcc) | 9 | Ident Resistor |
| 2 | Forward Limit | 10 | Vcc (+5 V DC) |
| 3 | Reverse Limit | 11 | Encoder Ch A |
| 4 | Reserved for Future Use | 12 | Reserved for Future Use |
| 5 | Motor (-) | 13 | Encoder Ch B |
| 6 | Reserved for Future Use | 14 | Reserved for Future Use |
| 7 | Motor (+) | 15 | Reserved for Future Use |
| 8 | Reserved for Future Use |
Caution
DO NOT connect a motor actuator while the K-Cube is powered up.
Description of connections
-
Motor (+): supplies a + VDC supply to the motor of the actuator. The maximum current is 240 mA.
-
Vcc: a connection should be made to a +5 VDC supply to power both channels A and B on the encoder.
Encoder Channels A and B: The Z800 series actuators use a Hall Effect encoder. Both channels A and B are supplied by the Vcc (5 V DC) connection. -
GND: the ground connection for the encoder.
-
Motor (-): supplies a – VDC supply to the motor of the actuator. The maximum current is 240 mA.
-
Limit Ground : a common ground for both the forward and reverse limit switches.
-
Reverse Limit: the reverse limit prevents over driving of the actuator at its minimum extension.
-
Forward Limit: the forward limit prevents over driving of the actuator at its full extension.
-
Note. When a limit switch is activated, the switch makes contact, and the associated output line is connected to ground (pin 1).
When using a third party controller, the inputs must be connected via a 10 k pull up resistor as shown below. When either switch operates, the associated input is pulled to ground and the TTL buffers switch.
Operation and Maintenance
Compatible Drivers and Software
Thorlabs often releases updated firmware for bug fixes and support for new
features. We recommend all users to download the latest version of software
and use the included firmware update utility. Failure to do this could result
in stages not being recognized by the latest controllers.
The Thorlabs compatible controller for this product is the K-Cube Single
Channel DC Servo Controller KDC101. The use of these controllers ensures
optimal performance. All above performance specifications are guaranteed only
with use of Thorlabs controllers and drivers.
Maintenance
Periodic greasing of the lead screw is advised, particularly in
applications with a high duty cycle. Grease the lead screw thread as follows
whenever the thread appears dry or the motor is noisy:
- Drive the motor to extend the leadscrew to its full extent.
- Apply a thin bead of high load, silicon free lubricant (e.g. Apiezon 100) as shown below.
- Drive the motor to retract the lead screw and distribute the grease.
- Remove access grease using a lint free cloth.
Specifications
| Specification | Z806 | Z812/Z812B | Z825B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Range | 6 mm | 12 mm | 25 mm |
| Gear Reduction | 67.49:1 | ||
| Lead Screw Pitch | 1.0 mm | ||
| Feedback | Motor-mounted rotary encoder 512 counts/rev of the motor |
34,555 counts/rev of leadscrew
Limit Switches| Electromechanical
Motor Type†| 6 V DC Servo
Backlash| <8 µm
Axial Load Capacity| 9.0 kg
**Speed Range*| 50 µm/sec to 2.6 mm/sec
Calculated Resolution‡| 29 nm
Phase to Phase Resistance| 33.0 W
Phase to Phase Inductance| 0.6 mH
Operating Temperature| 41° to 104° F (5° to 40° C)
Cable Length| 1.6 ft (0.5 m)
Connector| HDDB15
Compatible Controller**| KDC101 K-Cube DC Servo Controller
† Although thye motor drive voltage is nominally 6V, voltages up to 12V can be used with PWM controlled outputs.
- At 2.6 mm/sec, velocity ripple and distortion of the acceleration/deceleration profile may occur. For improved control, the max velocity should be limited to 2.3 mm/sec.
‡ Calculated Resolution. Actual resolution will depend on the applied load.
How to Calculate the Linear Displacement per Encoder Count
For the Z8 series motors, there are 512 encoder counts per revolution of the
motor. The output shaft of the motor goes into a 67.49:1 planetary gear head.
This requires the motor to rotate 67.49 times to rotate the 1.0 mm pitch lead
screw one revolution. The end result is the lead screw advances by 1.0 mm.
To calculate the linear displacement of the actuator per encoder count:
512 x 67.49 = 34,555 encoder counts per revolution of the lead screw
Linear displacement of the lead screw per encoder count is:
1.0 mm / 34555 counts = 2.9 x 10-5 mm (29 nm)
Notes on Max Velocity and Acceleration/Deceleration Profile
Although the max velocity is quoted at 2.6 mm/sec, it is possible to drive the
Z8 motor at speeds in excess of this figure. However, at higher velocities the
controlled acceleration and deceleration profiles may be affected. If these
controlled profiles are required, then the speed should be reduced to around
2.3 mm/s maximum.
Furthermore, the velocity ripple due to the PID loop in the KDC101 driver is
greater when the unit is running at the higher velocities.
Regulatory
Declarations Of Conformity
For Customers in Europe See Section 6.3.
For Customers In The USA
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the company could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
Compliance
As required by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
of the European Community and the corresponding national laws, we offer all
end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without
incurring disposal charges.
This offer is valid for electrical and electronic equipment
- sold after August 13th 2005
- marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see Fig. 1)
- sold to a company or institute within the EC
- currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
- still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic products, this “end of life” take back service does not refer to other products, such as
- pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM laser driver cards)
- components
- mechanics and optics
- left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or your nearest dealer for further information.
Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to the company, you must hand it to
a company specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a
litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
Ecological background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic
products during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to
reduce the content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A
controlled recycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative
impacts on the environment
CE Declaration[
](https://manuals.plus/wp-
content/uploads/2022/07/THORLABS-Z8-Series-Motorized-DC-Servo-Actuators-7.png)
Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information.
USA, Canada, and South America Thorlabs, Inc.
sales@thorlabs.com
techsupport@thorlabs.com
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
europe@thorlabs.com
France
Thorlabs SAS
sales.fr@thorlabs.com
Japan
Thorlabs Japan Inc.
sales@thorlabs.jp
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
sales@uk.thorlabs.com
techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
scandinavia@thorlabs.com
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
brasil@thorlabs.com
China
Thorlabs China
chinasales@thorlabs.com
Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site. www.thorlabs.com
References
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
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