Motorized Microscope Stages
A motorized microscope stage drives the specimen in X and Y under electronic control instead of by hand, so a controller and imaging software can move to exact coordinates automatically. This enables hands-free workflows — multi-field acquisition, image tiling and whole-slide scanning — with far greater speed and repeatability than manual positioning. Clemex supplies Märzhäuser motorized stages in standard (open-loop) and encoded (closed-loop) versions.
Standard vs encoded stages
Standard (open-loop)
Standard motorized stages are driven by stepper motors and position by counting motor steps against a calibrated ball-screw pitch, without a separate device reading the carriage's actual position. They deliver automated, repeatable positioning at a lower cost and are well suited to routine automated acquisition.
Encoded (closed-loop)
Encoded stages add an integrated linear measuring system, so the controller reads the carriage's true position and corrects for mechanical error. The result is higher accuracy and repeatability — the right choice when your measurements demand it. Entry-level encoded stages are also available for labs that want measured positioning at a lower price point.
Key features
- Fully automated XY positioning for multi-field capture, image tiling and whole-slide scanning
- Maximum travel speed of 120 mm/s
- Repeatability <1 µm
- Accuracy +/- 3 µm
- Encoded models add a linear measuring system for micron-level accuracy and repeatability
- Ball-screw drive available in a finer pitch (higher precision) or a coarser pitch (higher speed)
- Electronic stage identification: the stage self-identifies to the controller for automatic set-up
- High-precision cross-roller bearings and long-term lubrication for smooth motion and long life
- Wide travel range and brand-specific mounts, driven by the Märzhäuser TANGO controller
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a motorized microscope stage used for?
Automated, software-driven XY positioning — for multi-field acquisition, image tiling and whole-slide scanning, without moving the sample by hand.
What is the difference between standard and encoded stages?
Standard (open-loop) stages position by counting motor steps. Encoded (closed-loop) stages add a linear measuring system that reads the true position and corrects errors, giving higher accuracy and repeatability.
Do I need a controller to run a motorized stage?
Yes. A motorized stage is driven by a controller, typically the Märzhäuser TANGO, which can be operated with a joystick and integrated with image analysis software.
Can they be used for whole-slide or large-area scanning?
Yes. Motorized scanning stages automatically move across large areas so many fields of view can be acquired and stitched into a single high-resolution image.
How do I choose the ball-screw pitch?
A finer pitch favours precision, while a coarser pitch favours speed. The best choice depends on your application, and our specialists help you decide.
Not sure whether you need a standard or encoded stage? Our specialists help you configure a motorized stage and controller for your workflow.