This revolutionary new series of single axis linear stepper stages, which are also integrated in a variety of XY gantries, integrate a linear encoder into each single-axis linear stepper motor stage to operate the linear stepper motor as a 2-phase brushless linear motor, when coupled with state-of-the-art motion control electronics package provided by H2W. This allows H2W’s stage to achieve speeds and accelerations previously unachievable with a linear stepper motor (up to 5 G’s). The stage includes cable carrier to yield high cycle counts, there are also provisions that allow customer cables to be routed within the cable carrier, custom mounting hole on the moving table are available upon request at no additional charge, 1-micron resolution linear encoder, the stepper motor forcer and platen, bearings and a switch for home position, and optional end-of-travel limits are all integrated into a compact package, and cables are terminated in a standard 9-pin D-subminiature connector. Continuous forces are available with 6-lb, 10-lb, or 20-lb, or any combination of these forces. This package is low cost, and has a short lead time for custom lengths and/or options.