Thorlabs ELL6-SM1 Motorized Dual-Position Slider

Description:

The Thorlabs ELL6 SM1-Threaded Dual-Position Slider is used in optical and photonics systems to rapidly switch optical components between two fixed positions using resonant piezoelectric motor technology. Commonly installed in laser laboratories, microscopy systems, spectroscopy equipment, optical test benches, imaging systems, and OEM photonic instruments requiring precise and repeatable positioning of filters, lenses, or other SM1-threaded optics. Optical engineers, laboratory technicians, and system integrators use this motorized slider for optical path switching, automated instrument control, laboratory upgrades, and replacement of positioning stages.

Applications:

The Thorlabs ELL6 provides fast, repeatable movement between two optical positions for automated filter selection, beam routing, and optical component exchange. Its compact design, integrated resonant piezoelectric motor, and SM1-threaded carriage make it suitable for microscopy, laser processing, fluorescence imaging, spectroscopy, machine vision, and OEM photonic systems where compact size, rapid switching, and precise positioning are required.

Technical Specifications:

• Brand: Thorlabs
• Part Number: ELL6
• Product Type: SM1-Threaded Dual-Position Motorized Slider
• Series: Elliptec®
• Motion Technology: Resonant Piezoelectric Linear Motor
• Number of Positions: 2
• Thread Type: Internal SM1 (1.035"-40), 3.5 mm Deep
• Number of Threaded Ports: 2
• Travel Distance: 31 mm (1.22 in.)
• Switching Time (No Load): 180–270 ms
• Switching Time (100 g Load): <600 ms
• Positioning Repeatability: <100 µm (30 µm Typical)
• Maximum Recommended Load: 100 g
• DC Input Voltage: 4.5–5.5 VDC
• Typical Current During Motion: <600 mA
• Communication Interface: Multi-Drop 3.3 V / 5 V TTL RS-232 Serial Protocol
• Minimum Lifetime: 3.3 Million Switching Operations or 100 km Total Travel
• Compatible with: 30 mm Cage System Components
• Typical Applications: Automated Filter Selection, Beam Steering, Optical Switching, Microscopy, Spectroscopy, Laser Systems, and OEM Photonic Instruments

Common Replacements:

• Thorlabs ELL6K SM1-Threaded Dual-Position Slider Kit
• Thorlabs ELL9 SM1-Threaded Four-Position Slider
• Thorlabs ELL12 SM05-Threaded Six-Position Slider