35 mm Riser Kit: When You Need Extra Height on Your Stage
By Zygo | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn when a 35 mm riser kit is the right fix for optical stage height, how to install it on NewView 8000 and 9000 systems, and the checks that prevent setup mistakes.
Quick answer
Use the ZYGO 35 mm Riser Kit when your NewView 8000 or 9000 stage sits too low for the sample, fixture, or accessory you need to clear, and you have confirmed that 35 mm of added height is the right amount. Install it with the included system counterweight, then recheck clearance and balance before running a measurement.
When a riser kit is the right fix—and when it is not
A riser kit is a mechanical height adjustment, not a cure for every stage-access problem. Reach for it when the limiting factor is vertical clearance between the stage and the objective or optics above it, and the shortfall is roughly 35 mm. If your sample is too tall because of a fixture that could be swapped for a lower-profile one, try that first; a riser adds height but does not change travel range or load capacity.
The 35 mm Riser Kit is specified for NewView 8000 and 9000 systems. On other platforms, do not assume it fits or that the counterweight is appropriate—check with Zygo before ordering. Also consider whether adding height changes how you load samples or whether operators can still reach controls comfortably; a taller stage can be less ergonomic for frequent small-part loading.
The counterweight is part of the installation, not an optional extra
The kit includes risers and a system counterweight. The counterweight exists because raising the stage changes the mass distribution and balance of the system. Skipping it or installing it loosely can leave the stage feeling unstable or affect positioning repeatability. Treat the counterweight installation as a required step, and verify it is secure before powering up or moving axes.
If you are unsure how the counterweight attaches on your specific NewView configuration, stop and consult Zygo support rather than improvising. The catalog does not list torque values, adapter plates, or model-specific fasteners, so those details must come from your system documentation.
Check clearance before and after—not just at one point
Clearance is not a single number. Check it at the lowest and highest stage positions you actually use, with the tallest sample and fixture you expect to run. A riser that clears at mid-travel can still interfere at an extreme. Also confirm that cables, vacuum lines, or enclosure panels are not strained by the new height.
If you routinely run both tall and short samples, decide whether the riser stays installed permanently or is swapped in for specific jobs. Repeated installation and removal adds wear and setup time, so a permanent installation with a lower-profile fixture for small parts is often the more practical choice.
Step-by-step riser kit setup
- Confirm the height shortfall: Measure the vertical gap between your tallest sample or fixture and the optics above the stage at the working position. Compare it with the 35 mm the kit adds. If the shortfall is much less or much more than 35 mm, a riser kit may not be the right solution. Write down the measured gap so you can verify improvement after installation.
- Verify system compatibility: Check that your system is a NewView 8000 or 9000. The kit is specified for those models; do not install it on other platforms without confirming fit and counterweight suitability with Zygo. Have your system model and configuration ready if you need to ask Zygo support.
- Power down and secure the stage: Shut down the system and lock or park the stage in a safe position before removing any covers or fasteners. Follow your site's lockout procedure. A common mistake is leaving the stage free to move while installing risers, which can cause misalignment or pinch hazards. Confirm the stage cannot move before you begin disassembly.
- Install the risers and counterweight: Fit the risers according to your NewView documentation, then install the system counterweight. Do not skip the counterweight or leave fasteners hand-tight. If the documentation does not cover your configuration, stop and contact Zygo rather than guessing. Check that all fasteners are fully seated and the counterweight is secure before restoring power.
- Recheck clearance through full travel: With the riser installed, move the stage through the full range you use and check clearance at the lowest and highest points, not just the middle. Look for strained cables, contact with enclosure panels, and interference with fixtures. If clearance fails at an extreme, do not run the system until the interference is resolved.
- Verify stability and measurement performance: After power-up, check that the stage moves smoothly and that the system feels balanced. Run a known sample or calibration check to confirm measurement behavior is unchanged. If positioning feels loose or results shift, recheck the counterweight and fastener installation before proceeding. Record the post-installation check result so future troubleshooting has a baseline.
Product facts
- 35 mm Riser Kit: The ZYGO 35 mm Riser Kit includes risers and a system counterweight and is intended for NewView 8000 and 9000 systems. The included counterweight means you can complete the height change without sourcing a separate balance component, but only on the specified NewView platforms.
35 mm Riser Kit
