Multi-axis Positioning Systems make use of linear, rotary and goniometric stages, slides and drives in various combinations to create standard and custom positioning systems. Linear stages are driven slides that provide precise, controlled positioning along a linear axis. Rotary stages have tables or shafts that may be rotated to any angular position. Goniometric stages use an external axis of rotation. Instead of rotating around the center of the stage, these stages rotate around a point in space. Multi-axis positioning systems that incorporate combinations of linear, rotary and goniometric stages work in any orientation and are capable of six degrees of freedom (DOF): heave, sway, surge, pitch, yaw, and roll.