Frequently Asked Questions

Standard focus motors can be installed onto most microscopes with a coarse and fine focus knob. The focus can be installed on the left or right side of the microscope. The direction of turn of the motor can be reversed in the controller to compensate: see the manual for your controller for RS232 commands.

Place the focus sleeve over the coarse focus, place the focus housing over the sleeve and fix with the grub screws. Push the motor into the focus housing and gently push the pad onto the fine focus, fix the motor in position with the screw.

Visit the download section for installation manuals for direct couplings

There are two different bulb fitting procedures. If you purchased your unit before August 2007 please use this guide:

Lumen 200 Bulb Installation (Old variants)

If you purchased your Lumen after August 2007 please use this guide:

Bulb Installation for the Lumen 200 Series

Important: Ensure your Lumen 200 is installed with adequate airflow around it.

Before attempting to install a controller, visit the download section and choose the relevant manual to download. Ensure that the power supply to the controller AND the accessories are switched off before you attempt to connect them.

The plastic screws help ensure that your sample holder is held firmly in the stage. They also guarantee that your sample moves the proper amount and is registered properly with the stage when performing sensitive experiments. The screws should not be over-tightened, but loosely threaded into the holes. The nylon material also allows for tilting of the holder when the leveling grub screws are adjusted.

General instructions:

Remove any previous stage and ensure there is maximum clearance for the stage, i.e., lower (raise) the condenser and if required remove the objectives. Unpack the Prior stage from the box and ensure you place the stage in a wide space. Turn the stage so that the Prior logo is at the front right (next to your right hand as you hold the stage). Place the stage onto dovetail (substage) and secure the stage. Please see below for different ways to secure your stage.

For dovetail fixings, you will be required to tighten a screw to fix the stage (some are spring-loaded and require pulling back to fit the stage).

For screw fittings, you will have to move the stage to reveal the mounting holes. Before trying to move the stage ensure the transit bolts are taken off. Hold the stage so that it aligns with the holes on the dovetail with one hand while you fix several screws to hold it in position. Ensure you have fitted all the screws before tightening each of them in turn.

Push the stage (if possible) through its travel range to ensure no collisions with any microscope fittings. If required adjust the limit switches provided on the stage to limit the travel range. Use changing limits to change the limits of travel on the stage.

Ensure you have the correct adapter for the microscope and position on the microscope: please contact us for the relevant manual. The adapter part number will be on your dispatch note and on the packaging. Generally, there are two positions in which the filter wheel could be fitted:

1. Emission: the filter wheel will fit between the sample and the camera port or/and eyepieces.
2. Excitation: the filter wheel will fit between the excitation (Hg, Lumen, or other light source) and the microscope.

The filter wheel is normally installed with the motor pointing away from the microscope. Look at the parts of the adapter: one will mirror the connection on the microscope female flange, the other will fix to it male flange.

You should attach the female flange to the side of the filter wheel with the motor on it, and male flange to the flat side of the filter wheel. In some cases you may need to remove the filter wheel cover to attach the adapter.

Filter rings and a filter change tool are supplied with your filter wheel.

The document below explains how to install filters in detail:

Changing Filters on the Filter Wheels

Ensure you have the correct adapter for the microscope and have located the correct position on the microscope.

The adapter part number will be on your dispatch note and on the packaging. Generally there are three positions which the shutter could be fitted:

1. Bright field: the shutter will fit between the bright field light source and the sample
2. Emission: the shutter will fit between the sample and the camera port or/and eye pieces.
3. Excitation: the shutter will fit between the excitation (Hg, Lumen, or other light source) and the microscope.

The shutter is normally installed with the silver side of the shutter blades pointing towards the light source.

Look at the parts of the adapter. One will mirror the connection on the microscope female flange, the other will fix to it the male flange. You should attach the female flange to the side of the shutter with the black blades and male flange to the side of the shutter with the silver blades. In some cases you may need to remove the shutter cover to attach the adapter.

Yes, the Lumen 220 model is available for Cy5.5.

Yes, the standard Lumen 200 wavelength range is sufficient to cover both CY5 and DAPI.

Yes, we offer a service for larger quantities of light sources where we will design light sources for the purposes of our customers. Please see the OEM section of the website for more information on this, or contact technical support.

An encoded focus is required if the microscope being used has a focus mechanism that is not directly connected to the fine focus system and, therefore, when fine focus is moved the course focus moves as well. This includes most Zeiss models. In this case a Z-encoder is recommended to provide a reliable Z-position.

An encoder kit is required for most Zeiss microscopes as described in the earlier question. There is an option to add the encoders for other microscopes with the focus motors. An encoded focus is required for lengthy time lapse experiments where the microscope focus can drift with temperature over time.

1 mm ball screws provide a smaller step size which provides a smoother movement. Compared to 2 mm ballscrew 1 mm will slow the overall movement of the stage down by half. If your requirement is for speed use a 2 or 5 mm ball screw.

400 step motors should be coupled with a 1 mm ball screw to provide an extremely accurate and smooth (under high magnification) stage movement. High-precision encoders are also a good option to further improve this type of stage.

200 step motors are best coupled with 2 mm ballscrews to provide a greater movement speed where the accuracy required is sufficient with the ProScan III standard stage.

Yes, Prior offers a service designing controllers in both small and large quantities. Please see the OEM section of the website for more information, or contact us.

Yes, we offer a service for larger quantities of stages where we will design stages for the purposes of our customers. Please see the OEM section of the website for more information on this, or contact technical support.

Yes, we have an extensive range of sample holders.

If you have a request please contact tech support and supply details of what you would like to hold and which instrument and Prior stage you are using.

What are OEM & Batch Order products?

OEM and batch order products are products that have previously been available for individual purchase but are now only available to order in volume. OEM clients, OpenStand customers or customers wishing to buy more than 5 units in a single purchase order, can order products listed as OEM & Batch Order. Customers interested in single purchases or smaller volumes should instead choose a similar product from the main product range. Where an alternative product is not available, for example due to compatibility with a specific microscope, these products may be available for individual purchase subject to availability.  

What are Last Chance to Buy products?

Last Chance to Buy products are products that will be discontinued within the next 12 months. This may be due to changes in legislation, the release of a replacement product, or other reasons. Last chance to buy may not mean that products will be completely discontinued - they may still be available beyond 12 months under a supply contract or on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for more information.

Prior Scientific systems are designed to integrate with a wide range of third-party microscope components, including objectives, cameras, filters, and illumination systems. Compatibility depends on mounting standards and control protocols. Brand-specific information can be found on our product pages and in our configuration charts. Our technical support team can further advise on integration with brands such as Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss, Leica, and others. 

The OpenStand system can accommodate up to six objective lenses using a motorized nosepiece or up to five with a manual nosepiece. This allows for flexible magnification options and rapid switching between objectives during imaging workflows. We are not tied to any objective manufacturer, allowing you to choose the exact objectives most suited to your application.

We offer the following warranties:

• Motorized Stages: Five years from date of purchase (when used with a Prior Controller).
• Controllers, Joysticks, Focus Drives, Filter Wheels: Three years from date of purchase, when used with a Prior controller.
• Lumen 200 metal halide lamp or bulb: Two years from date of purchase or 2000 hours of use (whichever is soonest).
• Queensgate branded nanopositioning products: Two years from date of purchase.
• OEM and custom-built products: One year from the date of purchase.

Please see our full terms and conditions for your region for warranty details.

Prior components are compatible with leading imaging software platforms including Micro-Manager, Visiview, Inscoper, LabVIEW, Evident’s Cellsens Dimension and PRECiV Pro, and Nikon’s NIS Elements. 
LabVIEW drivers are available from our website in our software downloads section. 

Compatibility varies depending on the specific component and software platform. Prior components support many popular imaging and automation software packages. For detailed compatibility, please contact technical support with your setup details.

Yes. SDKs for integration with proprietary systems are available from our software downloads page. The folders include examples to show compatibility with Python, C++, C#, and MATLAB.

For Python integration, the SDKs are primarily written in C++ and will require a wrapper to interface with Python. This will ensure optimal performance. 

PureFocus850 has its own software and GUI. We provide ASCII commands for integration with Python in the PureFocus Operating Manual. 

Our technical support teams will be happy to help if you have any questions.

Prior UK Tech Support
Prior Inc Tech Support

Pricing varies by product and configuration. For accurate pricing, please contact Prior Scientific directly or reach out to your local distributor. You can also request a quote via our contact form.

Yes, we offer product demonstrations, setup assistance, and technical support for OpenStand and PureFocus systems. Demonstrations can be arranged virtually or in person depending on location. Our team can provide guidance during installation and configuration to ensure optimal performance.

Yes, Prior Scientific has a global distribution network covering Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. Our products are available through authorized distributors and OEM partners worldwide.

You can find your nearest distributor by contacting our sales team. We’ll connect you with a local representative who can assist with product selection, pricing, and support.

Manuals for Prior Scientific components are available on our quick start guides and operating manuals downloads page. We also have several installation instructions and help sheets for our controllers and components.

You can download the latest control software, drivers, and firmware updates from our software downloads section. This includes firmware for our ProScan III and OptiScan III controllers; PureFocus 850 firmware; and the Prior SDK for integration with third-party platforms.

Yes, Prior Scientific offers software APIs and SDKs for developers who want to integrate our components into custom applications. These include documentation and sample code for Windows-based systems and are available for download from our software downloads section. Please contact us if you need support.

STEP and 3D CAD files are available for many of our precision positioning products, and are available to download from the product pages, in the documents and drawings tab. 

If you can’t find the file you need, please contact us for support.

Yes, in most cases you will need to buy a controller to operate a motorized XY stage. The controller acts as the interface between your computer or imaging system and the stage itself, allowing precise movement and integration with software. 

If you are buying a stage as part of a new automation system, you will need to buy a controller. However, if you are upgrading an existing system, your current controller may be compatible.

Prior stages can be used with third-party controllers: we will provide pinout and other information on request. This applies to both stepper and linear motor stages. It should be noted, however, that Prior’s Intelligent Scanning Technology (IST) is applied by the ProScan controller, not the stage itself, so the performance of the stage may be reduced compared to its stated specification.

To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, please contact Prior Scientific or your distributor before placing an order.

We offer two controllers: the ProScan III and the OptiScan III. 
ProScan stages have part numbers beginning with ‘H’, and are best used in combination with a ProScan III controller. OptiScan stages with part numbers beginning with ‘ES’, usually need the OptiScan III controller.

ProScan stages can be used with an OptiScan controller, but will not benefit from ProScan’s Intelligent Scanning Technology (IST) – for many applications, attributes like long travel range, (ProScan H116, ProScan H112, and ProScan H138 series) can be more important than raw performance.

OptiScan stages can be used with a ProScan controller, for example, as part of an OpenStand system with four or more motorized axes. In this case, OptiScan stages lack any programmed parameters that allow them to take advantage of the ProScan controller’s IST. 

In short, if high accuracy and repeatability are essential requirements, it is always best to pair a ProScan stage with a ProScan controller. Otherwise, Prior can help to identify the optimal combination of components to suit your application and budget. 

The best way to determine the right controller is to check the product specifications for your motorized stage on the product page or datasheet. You can also contact our technical support team, who will help you select a controller based on your application, number of axes, and software requirements.

Prior’s ProScan stages, with the exception of the H100A, are available with optional linear encoding for closed-loop control. In most cases, this is superior to rotary encoding as it measures the actual distance the stage has travelled, rather than the rotation of the motor. Linear encoders are usually offered at 100 nm resolution, but 50 nm encoders are used on our linear motor stages and may be available on some higher-precision stepper motor stage models.

Due to Intelligent Scanning Technology (IST), non-encoded ProScan stages will perform to a similar level for most specifications as encoded ones, with the only major improvement being seen in bi-directional repeatability. If this is critical for your application, Prior will always recommend the encoded stage model.

OptiScan stages are never offered with encoders as standard, as OptiScan controllers lack encoder support. 

OEM clients can request linear or rotary encoding, which Prior will supply depending on feasibility.

Intelligent Scanning Technology (IST) significantly improves the metric accuracy of motorized stages by fully mapping the stage during calibration and storing the correction values in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). When connected to a ProScan III controller, the EEPROM is read, and the controller automatically applies the correction factors to the stage’s movements.

This is especially important for ensuring the accuracy of stage movement over long travel ranges. Motorized stages with IST can also save users money, since encoder scales are not always needed to achieve the desired results.

Choosing between a linear or a stepper motor stage depends on the application and budget. 

Prior’s linear motor stages offer the best overall performance, offering superior accuracy and repeatability, and the highest maximum velocities. The low friction of linear motor drives produces low velocity variation, making linear motor stages well-suited to on-the-fly triggered camera acquisition. They also offer nearly silent operation. For applications requiring the absolute pinnacle of performance, starting your search with a linear stage is often the best option. Linear stages have the drawbacks, however, of typically higher prices and a limited load capacity, which impacts the range of conditions in which they can operate optimally. 

Most of Prior’s stages, however, use stepper motor and lead- or ballscrew drives. This type of drive still offers exceptional repeatability and accuracy close to that of our linear stages, as well as high rates of acceleration and high stability.

Prior’s stepper stage range also provides solutions for all budgets, from the economical OptiScan ES111 for routine automated imaging to the long-travel HE12/2ST, fitted with linear encoders for optimal long-range repeatability when scanning semiconductor wafers. They are also easier to set up than linear stages in unusual environments.

A common misconception about screw-based stage drives is that they have shorter lifetimes. Prior’s stepper stages have a 5-year warranty, and we often hear of stages that have been operating in the field with typical use for 10 or more years without servicing. The main limitation of stepper stages is their maximum velocity, although speeds of up to 60mm/s are possible. 

The ProScan III controller can manage up to 16 axes, depending on the configuration and connected devices. It supports motorized stages, focus drives, filter wheels, shutters, and more — all through a single interface.

The OptiScan III is available as a  3-axis system to control the motorized XY stage and a focus motor, or a 1-axis system to control a focus motor only.

No, Queensgate nanopositioning stages require their own dedicated controllers due to their high-resolution piezoelectric drive systems. However, Prior and Queensgate systems can often be integrated within the same setup using compatible software platforms.

Prior stages are compatible with a wide range of third-party software such as Nikon NIS Elements, Evident/Olympus PRECiV and CellSens Dimension, Stream Motion, Inscoper, and µManager.

Integration depends on the specific models and communication protocols. We recommend checking our software compatibility list or contacting support for guidance.

While it is possible to integrate a Prior Stage with a third-party controller, this will invalidate our five-year guarantee. 

Prior motorized stages are compatible with a wide range of microscopes from major manufacturers, including Nikon, Olympus, Leica, and Zeiss. Compatibility depends on the model and mounting requirements.

Use the brand filters on our Motorized Stage category page, then check the compatibility tab on the product page for details of specific models.

A standard motorized stage order typically includes the stage itself, mounting hardware, and a quick-start guide. 

Controllers, cables, and software are sold separately unless ordered as part of a bundle.

Lead times vary depending on the product. 

Our selected Fast-Track components have a four- to six-week lead time. Other lead times vary, depending on demand and level of customization required. 

For the most accurate delivery estimate, please contact our sales team or your local distributor.

Prior offers several stages designed for heavy or oversized samples. 

• ProScan HT1111LC Industrial Hardness Testing Stage has a maximum load of 100 kg.
• ProScan HT11 Series offers a surface area up to 600 mm2 with a maximum load of 100 kg. 
• ProScan H112 stages and ProScan H116 stages are designed for large samples such as semiconductor wafers, but also have a load capacity of 25 kg, making them well-suited to applications also needing longer travel ranges.

Yes, Prior motorized stages are engineered for low-drift and minimal vibration, making them ideal for long-term imaging and time-lapse experiments.  

For ultra-stable applications, we recommend pairing our stages with vibration isolation platforms and environmental control systems. Selecting a stage fitted with linear encoders can also compensate for mechanical drift during such experiments.

Many Prior motorized xy stages are compatible with environmental chambers and incubators used in live-cell imaging and temperature-sensitive experiments. 

Our H117 motorized XY stage for inverted microscopes features a flat top plate allowing easy integration with many stage top incubation systems and environmental chambers. 

Stages such as the HT11 series are designed for whole-animal experiments and integrate with complex electrophysiology apparatus.

If you’re experiencing issues with your Prior stage, please contact our technical support team first to troubleshoot the problem. 

If a return is necessary, you can arrange this by completing our Return Merchandise Authorization Request form. 

Choosing the right OpenStand configuration depends on your imaging application, sample size, and required components. Prior Scientific offers expert guidance to help you build a system that meets your needs. Start by contacting our sales team, who will walk you through available options, including motorized stages, optics, hardware autofocus, and nanopositioning technology. 

Prior also gives advice on selecting the right microscope objectives, cameras and other third-party equipment for your application. 

OpenStand is a fully customizable imaging platform that is compatible with a wide range of Prior Scientific and third-party components. We are continually developing and adding to our range of options: please contact us to discuss your application. 

Yes. Prior’s PureFocus laser autofocus system integrates directly with all types of OpenStand, including in conjunction with a reflected light system.

Our four OpenStand variants are the starting point of any customization. Each is suited to specific applications:

OpenStand-U upright microscopy platform.

This is our most flexible platform. It supports reflected and transmitted light microscopy, including fluorescence, brightfield and polarization imaging. Focusing can be performed by moving the sample or the objective. It is often the best place to start when developing an upright imaging system.

OpenStand-M small-format microscopy platform.

This platform is designed for users who want to integrate a microscope into a larger device. It supports the same level of fluorescence and industrial imaging techniques as the OpenStand-U, only in a smaller package. Simple transmitted illumination is also available, but the OpenStand-M is primarily targeted towards reflected light applications.

OpenStand-L large format microscopy platform.

Designed for imaging large samples or for applications requiring significant clearance between the microscope and sample, the OpenStand-L accommodates our largest stages. It is equally well-suited for imaging 12-inch semiconductor wafers and macroscopic imaging of industrial samples that require lower magnifications.

OpenStand-V inverted microscopy platform.

A popular platform for life science, it can handle a range of applications from simple well-plate screening to live cell imaging and even advanced confocal microscopy.  The OpenStand-V offers the most ports for adding peripheral devices such as laser sources or additional cameras. Additionally, the OpenStand-V can also be used to image microfluidic chips or polished industrial samples. 

Please contact us to request details of a typical system, based on your requirements. 

OpenStand works with third-party software like µManager, Inscoper, and Visitron’s Visiview. We also support customers in developing their own software: SDK files are available to download and include examples for integration with C++, C#, Python, and MATLAB. For Python, we recommend programming in C++ and using a wrapper to integrate with Python. 

OpenStand is designed for most kinds of imaging – if your technique doesn’t appear in the below list, please contact us.

We can either supply the necessary components directly, or, for more complex techniques, facilitate the integration of third-party hardware. 

To date, OpenStand systems have been used with the following imaging modalities:

• Reflected brightfield
• Reflected darkfield
• Reflected polarization
• Transmitted brightfield
• Transmitted darkfield
• Transmitted polarization
• Transmitted phase contrast
• Transmitted DIC
• Reflected single and multichannel widefield fluorescence
• Spinning Disk Confocal
• Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM)
• Raman microscopy

The OpenStand-V system supports a wide range of imaging applications in life sciences and industry. Its modular design makes it ideal for custom setups in research and OEM environments.

Life Science Applications

• Live-cell imaging
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Transmitted light imaging
• Time-lapse studies

Industrial Applications

• Semiconductor metrology and inspection
• Inspecting polished industrial samples

Yes, Prior Scientific offers full-cycle development of custom imaging solutions. From initial concept and design to prototyping, manufacturing, and support, we work closely with OEM partners to deliver tailored systems that meet specific scientific and industrial needs.

Prior not only designs and build prototype systems and instruments but also has the capacity to be a long-term manufacturing partner. This has numerous benefits:

1. Your prototypes will be designed with scale-up in mind.
2. Our design and production engineering teams work in adjacent offices and collaborate daily on Prior’s own products, making for a smooth transition into production.
3. It can help secure grants, funding or investment by showing that you have a long-term strategy for manufacturing your products. 

Prior Scientific specializes in precision mechanical assemblies for scientific and industrial applications. This includes motorized XY stages, focus mechanisms, filter wheels and shutters, robotic sample handling, and nanopositioning devices (under the Queensgate brand). These components are designed for integration into OEM systems across life sciences, materials science, and industrial imaging.  

Through Kinetic Systems, we offer products for vibration isolation, control and damping, including optical tables, breadboards, and workstations. 

We also manufacture custom mechanical components designed to OEM requirements. Contact us for more details. 

Modern mechanical devices require well-designed electronics and firmware. As a complement to Prior’s core strength in mechanical engineering, we also design and manufacture our own controllers to ensure our technology performs at the right level for different applications. This includes embedded control systems, sensor integration, and firmware development — enabling us to deliver complete electromechanical solutions for our OEM partners.

Our imaging and positioning components are highly customizable. We offer modifications to dimensions, mounting interfaces, motion ranges, and control protocols. Whether you need a minor tweak or a fully customized solution, our engineering team works closely with our OEM clients to meet specific performance and integration goals.

Absolutely. Prior Scientific frequently adapts existing designs to suit unique customer requirements. This can include mechanical alterations, software adjustments, or environmental adaptations. Our iterative design process ensures that modified solutions maintain reliability and performance while meeting your exact specifications. By developing a pre-existing Prior solution, you can benefit from the many market-proven products in our portfolio and reduce your risks when going to market.

Yes, we support low-volume prototype production as part of our OEM development services. This allows customers to test and refine designs before scaling up. Our in-house manufacturing capabilities ensure fast turnaround and consistent quality, even for small batches.

We follow a collaborative, phased approach to revisions and iterative development. This includes design reviews, prototyping, testing, and feedback loops. Our engineering and project management teams work closely with OEM clients to ensure each iteration moves the product closer to final specifications, providing full traceability and documentation throughout to meet ISO 9001 standards. 

Our OEM process begins with a discovery phase where we review your application and performance needs. This is followed by concept development, prototyping, testing, and iterative refinement. We provide full documentation and support throughout the lifecycle of your project.

Prior has extensive experience with bringing products to market.  When developing a product with us, we can assist with logistical as well as technical challenges. Different regional requirements for safety and electromagnetic compatibility compliance can be difficult for spinouts or small OEMs to navigate; we can provide guidance and organize the necessary testing for some markets on our customers' behalf. 

Prior can also leverage its global supply chain network, regional subsidiaries and expertise in import/export to assist with shipments in the markets where we are active. 

To start an OEM partnership, simply contact us via the inquiry form, by email, or telephone. We’ll schedule an initial consultation to understand your application, goals, and technical requirements.