Prior Scientific FB204/FB205 Motorised Z-Axis Focus Mounts
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Prior Scientific FB204/FB205 Motorised Z-Axis Focus Mounts
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Prior Scientific Motorised Positioning
FB204/FB205 Motorised Z-Axis Focus Mounts
High-load, precision Z-axis positioning for upright reflected-light microscopy, custom microscopes and optical-table imaging systems.
Price on quotation
FB204 and FB205 focus mounts are supplied as part of a configured positioning system. Auckland Scientific will confirm the mounting arrangement, encoded or non-encoded drive, XY stage, controller, sample load and software requirements before quotation.
Product overview
Prior Scientific FB204 and FB205 motorised focus mounts provide precise vertical movement of compatible motorised stages and samples in upright reflected-light microscopy systems.
Both models incorporate the Prior FB203 high-performance single-axis linear actuator, providing 38 mm of motorised Z-axis travel and supporting loads of up to 14 kg. This allows relatively large stages, heavy specimens and complex sample assemblies to be moved vertically with controlled, repeatable motion.
The FB204 uses an in-line base arrangement for a stable, conventional installation. The FB205 has an offset base designed to reduce the system height and assist integration where the optical or mechanical layout restricts the available space.
When combined with a compatible Prior motorised XY stage and ProScan III controller, either focus mount can form a complete motorised XYZ platform for industrial inspection, materials research, semiconductor development and custom microscopy.
38 mm Z travel
Extended vertical movement for focusing, sample translation and automated Z-stacking.
14 kg load capacity
Suitable for large motorised stages, heavy samples and complex sample assemblies.
Sub-micron repeatability
Repeatability down to ±0.3 µm with the encoded E-series configurations.
Flexible system integration
Designed for breadboard-mounted optical systems, custom microscopes and gantry-based imaging.
Designed for reflected-light microscopy
FB204 and FB205 are intended principally for upright reflected-light applications where the sample or motorised stage is translated vertically beneath a fixed optical system.
Typical optical arrangements may include reflected brightfield, darkfield, fluorescence, coaxial illumination, laser-based imaging or other epi-illumination techniques. The complete optical layout and working-distance requirements must be considered when specifying the system.
Transmitted-light applications require a different configuration
FB204 and FB205 are configured for upright reflected-light systems. Applications requiring an open optical path for transmitted illumination should normally use the FB206 focus mount, which will be listed separately.
Available focus-mount configurations
These configurations are selected during quotation and are not Shopify variants.
| Model | Mounting arrangement | Encoder | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FB204 | Standard base, in line with the axis of travel | Non-encoded | Stable general-purpose reflected-light XYZ systems |
| FB204E | Standard base, in line with the axis of travel | 100 nm linear encoder | Closed-loop positioning and enhanced repeatability |
| FB205 | Offset base for reduced-height integration | Non-encoded | Space-constrained or customised optical systems |
| FB205E | Offset base for reduced-height integration | 100 nm linear encoder | Encoded positioning in space-constrained systems |
FB204 or FB205?
FB204: in-line base
The mounting base is positioned in line with the vertical axis. This provides a stable platform and is generally preferred where the available system height and footprint allow a conventional arrangement.
FB205: offset base
The base is offset from the vertical axis to reduce the installed height and support integration into space-constrained custom optical systems.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Non-encoded models | Encoded E models |
|---|---|---|
| Travel range | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Resolution | 20 nm minimum motor-step resolution | 100 nm encoder resolution |
| Linearity over full travel | ±3.5 µm | ±3.5 µm |
| Repeatability over full travel | ±0.7 µm | ±0.3 µm |
| Accuracy over full travel | Less than 5 µm | Less than 5 µm |
| Maximum load | 14 kg | 14 kg |
| Speed range at maximum load | 1-14 mm/s | 1-14 mm/s |
| Drive mechanism | High-precision recirculating ball screw | High-precision recirculating ball screw |
| Cable length | 1 m | 1 m |
| Limit switches | Adjustable | Adjustable |
Specifications apply when the focus mount is operated with an appropriate ProScan III controller. Overall system performance also depends on the selected stage, load, mounting rigidity, controller settings and installation.
Approximate dimensions
| Model family | Overall dimensions | Mounting arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| FB204/FB204E | Approximately 196 × 155 × 143 mm | In-line standard base |
| FB205/FB205E | Approximately 184 × 180 × 143 mm | Offset base |
Allowance must also be made for the complete Z travel, attached stage, sample, cables and working clearance. Refer to the dimensional drawings in the datasheet during system design.
XY stage and XYZ system integration
FB204 and FB205 are compatible with many Prior motorised XY stages. The appropriate stage depends on the required travel, sample format, load, resolution, encoding and optical layout.
A complete motorised XYZ system may include:
- FB204, FB204E, FB205 or FB205E focus mount
- A compatible Prior motorised XY stage
- A ProScan III controller configured for XY and Z control
- Encoder-compatible controller configuration for E-series models
- CS200XY and CS200Z joysticks where manual positioning is required
- Stage-to-controller and focus-control cables
- Suitable optical breadboard and mechanical mounting components
- Sample holder selected for the specimen type
Please note: the XY stage, controller, joysticks, breadboard, sample holder, cables and mounting hardware are not included unless specifically identified in the Auckland Scientific quotation.
Encoded systems require controller verification
Prior advises that the controller configuration must be checked before combining an encoded FB-series focus mount with a ProScan III controller that will also operate an HLD117 linear-motor stage. Auckland Scientific will verify the complete controller architecture before quotation.
Software and automation
The focus mount is controlled through an appropriate Prior ProScan III controller. It may be operated manually using a compatible CS200Z joystick or through supported imaging and automation software.
Prior ProScan III controllers are compatible with a range of microscopy software platforms, subject to the appropriate hardware support, software edition and device configuration.
Custom control may also be possible using Prior’s controller commands and software-development resources. Where Python or other custom integration is required, Auckland Scientific will review the controller, operating system and required functions.
Typical applications
- Industrial component inspection
- Semiconductor and wafer inspection
- Materials science and materials chemistry
- Laser-based microscopy
- Automated Z-stacking
- Custom optical-table microscopy
- Gantry-based imaging systems
- OEM instrument development
- Research and system integration
Product literature
Download the Prior Scientific Z-Axis Motorised Focus Mounts datasheet for technical specifications, ordering information and dimensional drawings.
Supported by Auckland Scientific
Auckland Scientific brings more than 21 years of experience in microscopy sales, imaging applications and scientific instrumentation. Custom XYZ platforms require assessment of the optical layout, sample, load, travel, stage and control requirements before hardware is specified.
Our service can include:
- Application and sample assessment
- FB204 or FB205 mounting selection
- Encoded or non-encoded configuration guidance
- XY stage, controller and joystick selection
- Mechanical and breadboard-integration planning
- Installation and commissioning
- Operator training and workflow guidance
- Software and custom-control guidance
- Ongoing technical and service support
Request a quotation
To help us specify the correct FB204/FB205 system, please provide:
- The intended reflected-light imaging application
- The optical-system layout and available mounting space
- Maximum sample and stage weight
- Required XY and Z travel
- Required positional repeatability and accuracy
- Whether linear encoding is required
- The required motorised XY stage
- Existing Prior controller, if applicable
- The imaging or automation software
- Installation, training or custom-integration requirements
Auckland Scientific will review the application and provide a quotation covering the focus mount, XY stage, controller, joysticks, cables, mounting hardware and support services required.
Specifications and compatibility information may change. Final mechanical, optical, controller and software compatibility and the complete bill of materials will be confirmed at quotation stage.