McBain Instruments Microscope Vertical Mount Z-Axis Linear Stage Optical Stand

McBain Instruments Microscope Vertical Mount Z-Axis Linear Stage Optical Stand

This is a heavy-duty vertical microscope positioning mount made by McBain Instruments, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of precision scientific and optical instruments. The unit provides motorized-ready or manual Z-axis (vertical) travel via a linear rail slide, allowing precise height adjustment of a mounted microscope or optical assembly. The large knurled manual focus knob on the left side of the column drives vertical movement, with a locking pin to secure position once set. A horizontal arm extends from the carriage and terminates in a circular objective/optics holder with a four-screw mounting ring.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: McBain Instruments, Inc.
• Type: Vertical Z-axis microscope/optical positioning mount
• Linear rail: MIC brand, model RW 206.10, Made in U.S.A.
• Axis of travel: Z-axis (vertical)
• Adjustment: Manual — large knurled aluminum focus knob with locking pin
• Horizontal arm with circular objective/optics holder (black anodized ring, 4-screw pattern)
• Flat plate base with through-hole mounting points for table/optical breadboard attachment
• Caution label references securing X, Y, and Z stages — designed as part of a multi-axis positioning system
• Construction: Painted aluminum/steel column and base
• Mount only — no microscope body, optics, or additional accessories included

Applications

Vertical microscope mounts of this type are used in laboratory and industrial settings to position optical instruments — microscopes, cameras, sensors, or laser heads — at precise heights above a sample or workpiece. They are commonly used in semiconductor inspection, materials analysis, quality control, and research microscopy. McBain Instruments supplied precision optical mounts and positioning stages primarily to universities, national labs, and aerospace/defense facilities from the 1970s through the 1990s. The caution label referencing X, Y, and Z axis stages indicates this unit was part of a larger multi-axis automated or semi-automated positioning system, likely a wafer inspection or semiconductor metrology station. The linear rail carriage and manual focus knob make it well suited for any application requiring stable, repeatable vertical positioning of an optical head.