T-Series/Precautions/motion products/T-LS

Special Note

T-LS linear stages contain a spring which applies a light load against the leadscrew. Typically these stages are used in a horizontal orientation, and the only force experienced by the leadscrew is the spring force, which serves to keep the load on the leadscrew always in the same direction, thus reducing backlash. If used in a vertical orientation, the spring is not needed to reduce backlash since the load (the weight of the stage and whatever may be mounted to it) is always in the same direction by default. In fact, if the load is greater than the minimum spring force and less than the maximum spring force, the existence of the spring will actually introduce backlash since there will be a point in the stage travel where the load on the leadscrew changes direction. Therefore, when using T-LS stages in a vertical orientation, we recommend removing the spring from the stage. This can be done relatively easily using a small hook fashioned from a paperclip to slip the spring off its mounting posts and slide it out of the stage. It may help to fully extend the stage prior to spring removal.