Electric displacement stages (those precise, motorized platforms that move probes or samples) lose accuracy over time—tiny wear and tear turns “±0.001mm” into “±0.01mm” faster than you’d think. But with the right maintenance, you can keep them sharp for years.

Daily checks:

· Lubrication: Wipe rails with a dry cloth, then apply a thin layer of low-viscosity oil (e.g., Mobil Velocite No. 3) to prevent friction buildup. Skip this, and accuracy drops by 50% in 6 months.

· Alignment: Use a straightedge to check if the stage moves parallel to its rails. A 0.1° misalignment causes 0.017mm error per 10mm travel.

Monthly calibration:

· Use a laser interferometer to measure actual vs. commanded position. If the error exceeds the stage’s specs (e.g., >±0.005mm), adjust the controller’s compensation table.

· Check for backlash (slop when reversing direction). Most stages let you tighten screws or replace bearings to fix this—critical for bidirectional scans.

Long-term care:

· Environmental control: Keep stages away from dust (use covers) and temperature swings (>±2°C/day causes thermal expansion/contraction).

· Load limits: Never exceed 80% of the stage’s maximum load. Overloading bends rails—permanent damage that’s costly to repair.

Pro tip: For high-use stages (daily operation), schedule a professional service yearly. They’ll replace worn gears and realign rails—cheaper than buying a new stage ($5k–$20k) prematurely.

Not sure if your stage is accurate? Measure a known distance (e.g., a 10mm gauge block) 10 times—consistent readings mean it’s good; variability signals trouble.