An apparatus for providing three dimensional positioning to the ends of one or more translating elements which are normally restricted to translation along the longitudinal axes of the elements. A cartridge assembly including a cylinder at least partially formed of a ceramic element holds the translating element at an angle to the center axis of the cylinder. The cartridge assembly rotates within a cylindrically shaped chamber in a lid assembly. The lid assembly is mounted on the port of a chamber where the translating element is to be positioned, thereby allowing the translating element to extend into the chamber. The center axis of the cylindrical chamber of the lid assembly is at an angle to the center axis of the port of the chamber. A rotational drive unit rotates the cartridge assembly within the lid assembly. A translational drive unit longitudinally drives the translating element within the cartridge assembly.