RS12
RS6
RS4
RS3
RS2
RS1.5
RS1
RS075
RS05
RS10M
RS8M
RS024
RS016
Post Spacers
Smooth or Threaded Bore
Turn Ø1" Posts into
Pedestal-Style Posts
CF125
BE1
Application Idea
Optical Construction Posts for Building Complex Optomechanical Assemblies
RS1G
RS2G
Insulating
Fiberglass
Posts
RS4T
RS4C
RS01M
Thorlabs' Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) Pillar Posts are a basic component in any optical setup. Posts with heights between 0.5" (12.5 mm) and 12" (300 mm) are available below, as well as a variety of post construction accessories. Ø1" (Ø25 mm) posts designed to mount our Polaris mirror mounts are also available.
Standard Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) Posts
Our standard Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) posts have a tap on both the top and bottom, allowing them to be threaded to another post or optical table in any orientation. We offer posts with 8-32, M4, 1/4"-20, or M6 taps on both ends. A Ø0.24" (Ø6.0 mm) hole in the center of each post is provided so that a 3/16" (5 mm) balldriver can be used to provide extra leverage when securing a mounted component. These posts can also be mounted with arbitrary height adjustments using Ø1" post mounts or Ø1" post holders. Alternatively, our BE1 pedestal adapter, sold below, can be threaded into the end of the post for functionality similar to that of our Ø1" pedestal posts. We also offer Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) posts with #8 (M4) counterbores on top which can be mounted using our non-bridging clamping arms, sold below.
Pillar posts are available in a variety of heights from 0.5" (12.5 mm) to 12" (300 mm). Additional heights can be achieved by stacking posts with heights of 0.39" (10 mm) or shorter on top of a standard pillar post. These posts can be stacked easily and securely by using the SPW501 or a balldriver on the torque hole, which provides extra leverage while tightening the components onto each other.
Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) Posts Designed for Polaris Mounts
These posts are designed for use with Polaris mounts. They contain one or three top-located 8-32 (M4) taps, for directly attaching a mirror mount without using a thread adapter. A precision 0.24" (6 mm) hole, located 20 mm from the base of the post, allows for alignment of multiple mounts along a common optical axis or for fine angle tuning. Popular post lengths are available from stock; custom lengths can be requested using the configurator below (single-mounting-hole versions only) or by contacting Tech Sales. Although these posts can be mounted utilizing the options described above for our standard posts, we recommend using our non-bridging clamping arms, sold below. These clamping arms, which are constructed from heat-treated stainless steel, remove the bridging effect commonly seen with standard clamping forks (described in further detail below), while also providing a higher holding force.
Construction Posts
These construction posts are designed for mounting optomechanical components in custom configurations. They are available with three tapped holes and two mounting flats or three clearance holes and one mounting flat. Versions are available with an 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) or 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped hole on each end.
Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) Fiberglass Posts for Thermal and Electrical Isolation
These G10/FR4 fiberglass posts are designed to provide a high level of thermal and electrical isolation. They feature 1/4"-20 (M6) threaded steel inserts and torque holes for tightening leverage.
These pillar posts are machined from nonmagnetic 303 stainless steel and provide strong support in an optical setup. By combining the rigidity of these solid Ø1" posts with Ø1" post mounts or Ø1" post holders, any arbitrary height support structure can be constructed. Each post is machined with a 8-32 tapped hole in both ends for direct mounting to an optical mount and breadboard. These posts can be adapted to bases with 1/4" (M6) counterbores by using SD1 counterbore adapters.
8-32 setscrews, available in our HW-KIT3 hardware kit, can be used to secure posts on top of each other, or to our Fixed Lens Mounts with Internal Threads.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS05P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 0.5" | $21.71 | Today |
RS075P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 0.75" | $22.33 | Today |
RS1P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 1" | $23.58 | Today |
RS1.5P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 1.5" | $26.82 | Today |
RS2P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 2" | $27.43 | Today |
RS3P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 3" | $29.94 | Today |
RS4P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 4" | $33.37 | Today |
RS6P8 | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 6" | $37.74 | Today |
These pillar posts are machined from nonmagnetic 303 stainless steel and provide strong support in an optical setup.By combining the rigidity of these solid Ø25.0 mm posts with Ø25.0 mm post mounts or Ø25.0 mm post holders, any arbitrary height support structure can be constructed. Each post is machined with a M4 tapped hole in both ends for direct mounting to an optical mount and breadboard. These posts can be adapted to bases with M6 (1/4") counterbores by using SD1 counterbore adapters.
M4 setscrews, available in our HW-KIT3/M hardware kit, can be used to secure posts on top of each other, or to our Fixed Lens Mounts with Internal Threads.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS12P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 12.5 mm | $21.71 | Today |
RS19P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 19 mm | $22.33 | Today |
RS25P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 25 mm | $23.58 | Today |
RS38P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 38 mm | $26.82 | Today |
RS50P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 50 mm | $27.43 | Today |
RS75P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 75 mm | $29.94 | Today |
RS100P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 100 mm | $33.37 | Today |
RS150P4/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 150 mm | $37.74 | Today |
These pillar posts provide strong support in an optical setup. By combining the rigidity of these solid Ø1" posts with our high stability RB2 base, any arbitrary height support structure can be constructed. Each post is machined with a 1/4"-20 tapped hole in both ends for direct mounting to an optical table or standard base and an optical mount. These posts are machined from nonmagnetic 303 stainless steel.
To convert the 1/4"-20 taps to 8-32 taps, we separately offer the AE8E25E thread adapter, which has external 1/4"-20 threading and internal 8-32 threading. The adapter can be used with an 8-32 setscrew to attach many of Thorlabs' imperial optomechanical parts to a Ø1" imperial pillar post. In principle, the adapter can also be used to connect two pillar posts, but a solid 1/4"-20 setscrew, which is included in our HW-KIT4 hardware kit, is a more stable choice for this.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS05 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 0.5" | $21.71 | Today |
RS075 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 0.75" | $22.33 | Today |
RS1 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 1" | $23.58 | Today |
RS1.5 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 1.5" | $26.82 | Today |
RS2 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 2" | $27.43 | Today |
RS3 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 3" | $29.94 | Today |
RS4 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 4" | $33.37 | Today |
RS6 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 6" | $37.74 | Today |
RS12 | Ø1" Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 12" | $69.55 | Today |
These pillar posts provide strong support in an optical setup. By combining the rigidity of these solid Ø25.0 mm posts with our high stability RB2 base, any arbitrary height support structure can be constructed. Each post is machined with an M6 tapped hole in both ends for direct mounting to an optical table or standard base and an optical mount. These posts are machined from nonmagnetic 303 stainless steel.
To convert the M6 taps to M4 taps, we separately offer the AE4M6M adapter, which has external M6 threading and internal M4 threading. The adapter can be used with an M4 setscrew to attach many of Thorlabs' metric optomechanical parts to a Ø25.0 mm metric pillar post. In principle that adapter can also be used to connect two pillar posts but a solid M6 setscrew as included in the hardware kit HW-KIT4/M will provide a more stable solution.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS12/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 12.5 mm | $21.71 | Today |
RS19/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 19 mm | $22.33 | Today |
RS25/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 25 mm | $23.58 | Today |
RS38/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 38 mm | $26.82 | Today |
RS50/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 50 mm | $27.43 | Today |
RS75/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 75 mm | $29.94 | Today |
RS100/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 100 mm | $33.37 | Today |
RS150/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 150 mm | $37.74 | Today |
RS300/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M6 Taps, L = 300 mm | $69.55 | Today |
These posts are machined from heat-treated stainless steel to provide stable support for attached mounts. Heat treating the materials removes the internal stresses that can cause temperature-dependent hysteresis. All of our Polaris mirror mounts, clamping arms, and 45° adapters are constructed from this same material, which has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Matching the CTE of materials within an optical setup is essential to achieve optimal thermal repeatability.
These posts feature a #8 (M4) counterbore hole for mounts with threaded mounting holes up to Ø2". The top of the posts have two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, which are located on either side of the counterbore hole. Dowel pins are not included. These posts are designed to mount to an optical surface using our non-bridging clamping arms for Ø1" posts.
A Ø6 mm alignment bore is located 20 mm from the base and can be used in combination with our cage rods for the alignment of multiple mounts along a common optical axis or for fine angle tuning. Note that the alignment bore does not go completely through the PLS-C1 and PLS-C246/M posts. Instead, these posts contain two bores on opposite sides, within ±0.3°, that are 0.20" (5.1 mm) deep. Given their shorter length, a through bore would interfere with the counterbore and prevent components from being securely attached to the post.
Popular post lengths are available from stock; custom lengths can be requested by contacting Tech Sales. Since the counterbore posts require clamping arms for Ø1" posts or other optomechanical components for mounting to an optical surface, the minimum length for custom posts should not be less than the height of the mounting component, which is 0.60" (15.2 mm) for these clamping arms.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
PLS-C246/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Counterbore, L = 24.6 mm | $37.00 | Today |
PLS-C373/M | Ø25.0 mm Pillar Post, M4 Counterbore, L = 37.3 mm | $40.00 | Today |
PLS-C496/M | Ø25.0 mm Pilar Post, M4 Counterbore, L = 49.6 mm | $43.00 | Today |
PLS-C1 | Ø1" Pillar Post, #8 Counterbore, L = 1.00" | $37.00 | Today |
PLS-C15 | Ø1" Pillar Post, #8 Counterbore, L = 1.50" | $40.00 | Today |
PLS-C2 | Ø1" Pillar Post, #8 Counterbore, L = 2.00" | $43.00 | Today |
Our Posts for Polaris® Mounts are machined from heat-treated stainless steel to provide stable support for our Polaris Mirror Mounts. Heat treating the materials removes the internal stresses that can cause temperature-dependent hysteresis. All of our Polaris mirror mounts, clamping arms, and 45° adapters are constructed from this same material, which has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Matching the CTE of materials within an optical setup is essential to achieve optimal thermal repeatability.
Each post contains one or three top-located 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) mounting holes and a bottom-located 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) mounting hole. The 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) threads allow a mirror mount to be attached directly to the post, eliminating the need for thread adapters and thereby reducing the instability created when stacking multiple optomechanical components.
Versions of these posts with a single 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) mounting hole can be used with our smaller Polaris mounts, while the posts with three 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) mounting holes are ideal for securing larger Ø2" and Ø3" Polaris mounts with more than one screw. Popular post lengths are available from stock; custom lengths can be requested using the configurator below (single-mounting-hole versions only) or by contacting Tech Support.
Created with OEM and custom systems in mind, each post features holes for DIN-7m6 ground dowel pins (not included) on either side of the central threaded hole at each end to aid with alignment. Securing posts and accessories within a system using dowel pins prevents them coming loose due to vibrations, shipping, or incidental contact.
Our Non-Bridging Clamping Arms, available below, are the ideal mounting solution for these posts. These clamping arms feature a non-bridging design that reduces the gap, or “bridge,” that traditionally results between the back of a standard clamping fork and a Ø1" pedestal post base.
Click here for more information on these posts including OEM mounting options, mounting stability details, and test data.
Thorlabs manufactures custom and high-volume Polaris products for use in custom and OEM systems. See our custom configurator below for our custom post options. High-volume discounts are built into the configurator, with a minimum order size of 26 posts required to receive the discount.
For pricing information on high-volume orders of our standard posts, please contact OEM Sales.
Alignment Bore
A Ø6 mm bore is located 20 mm above the base of the post to allow for fine alignment. The alignment bore will not be covered when these posts are secured with a non-bridging clamping arm, sold below. Please note that this bore does not go completely through the posts with lengths of 1.0" or shorter; these posts contain two bores on opposite sides, within ±0.3°, that are 0.20" (5.1 mm) deep. Given their shorter length, a through bore would interfere with the mounting threads, preventing anything from being securely attached to the post. Any post with a length of 1.49" (37.6 mm for metric posts) or less will have a similar alignment bore configuration.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
These posts are designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. They are chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, they are double vacuum bagged so that they can be transported into a cleanroom environment without introducing contamination. Please contact Tech Support for details.
Polaris® Mount and Post Interoperabilitya | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Item # | Post Length (L) |
Resulting Optical Axis Heights with Polaris Mounts (Mirror Center) | Post Mounting Holes | |||||||
Ø1/2" Fixed & Kinematicb |
POLARIS-K05P2 Ø1/2" Kinematic |
Ø19 mm Kinematic & Ø1" Fixed |
Ø1" & Ø25 mm Kinematic |
Ø1.5" Kinematic & Ø2" Fixed |
Ø2" Kinematic |
Ø3" Kinematic |
Top | Bottom | ||
PLS-P1 | 1.00" | 1.50" | 1.62" | 1.75" | 2.00" | 2.25" | 2.40" | 3.00" | One 8-32 | One 1/4"-20 |
PLS-T1 | Three 8-32 | |||||||||
PLS-P150 | 1.50" | 2.00" | 2.12" | 2.25" | 2.50" | 2.75" | 2.90" | 3.50" | One 8-32 | |
PLS-P2 | 2.00" | 2.50" | 2.62" | 2.75" | 3.00" | 3.25" | 3.40" | 4.00" | One 8-32 | |
PLS-T2 | Three 8-32 | |||||||||
PLS-P238 | 2.38" | 2.88" | 3.00" | 3.13" | 3.38" | 3.63" | 3.78" | 4.38" | One 8-32 | |
PLS-T238 | Three 8-32 | |||||||||
PLS-P3 | 3.00" | 3.50" | 3.62" | 3.75" | 4.00" | 4.25" | 4.40" | 5.00" | One 8-32 | |
PLS-T3 | Three 8-32 | |||||||||
PLS-P4 | 4.00" | 4.50" | 4.62" | 4.75" | 5.00" | 5.25" | 5.40" | 6.00" | One 8-32 | |
PLS-T4 | Three 8-32 | |||||||||
24.2 mm | 36.9 mm | 39.9 mm | 43.3 mm | 49.6 mm | 56.0 mm | 59.8 mm | 75.0 mm | Three M4 x 0.7 | One M6 x 1.0 |
|
24.6 mm | 37.3 mm | 40.3 mm | 43.7 mm | 50.0 mm | 56.4 mm | 60.2 mm | 75.4 mm | One M4 x 0.7 | ||
37.3 mm | 50.0 mm | 53.0 mm | 56.4 mm | 62.7 mm | 69.1 mm | 72.9 mm | 88.1 mm | One M4 x 0.7 | ||
49.2 mm | 61.9 mm | 64.9 mm | 58.3 mm | 74.6 mm | 81.0 mm | 84.8 mm | 100.0 mm | Three M4 x 0.7 | ||
PLS-P496/M | 49.6 mm | 62.3 mm | 65.3 mm | 68.7 mm | 75.0 mm | 81.4 mm | 85.2 mm | 100.4 mm | One M4 x 0.7 | |
PLS-P605/M | 60.5 mm | 73.2 mm | 76.2 mm (3.00") |
73.2 mm | 85.9 mm | 92.3 mm | 96.1 mm | 111.3 mm | One M4 x 0.7 | |
PLS-T605/M | Three M4 x 0.7 | |||||||||
PLS-P746/M | 74.6 mm | 87.3 mm | 90.3 mm | 93.7 mm | 100.0 mm | 106.4 mm | 110.2 mm | 125.4 mm | One M4 x 0.7 | |
PLS-T746/M | Three M4 x 0.7 | |||||||||
PLS-P996/M | 99.6 mm | 112.3 mm | 115.3 mm | 118.7 mm | 125.0 mm | 131.4 mm | 135.2 mm | 150.4 mm | One M4 x 0.7 | |
PLS-T996/M | Three M4 x 0.7 |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
PLS-T242/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, Three M4 Mounting Holes, L = 24.2 mm | $46.47 | Today |
PLS-P246/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, One M4 Mounting Hole, L = 24.6 mm | $35.35 | Today |
PLS-P373/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, One M4 Mounting Hole, L = 37.3 mm | $36.54 | Today |
PLS-T492/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, Three M4 Mounting Holes, L = 49.2 mm | $50.38 | Today |
PLS-P496/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, One M4 Mounting Hole, L = 49.6 mm | $39.25 | Today |
PLS-P605/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, One M4 Mounting Hole, L = 60.5 mm | $40.63 | Today |
PLS-T605/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, Three M4 Mounting Holes, L = 60.5 mm | $51.60 | Today |
PLS-P746/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, One M4 Mounting Hole, L = 74.6 mm | $43.10 | Today |
PLS-T746/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, Three M4 Mounting Holes, L = 74.6 mm | $54.21 | Today |
PLS-P996/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, One M4 Mounting Hole, L = 99.6 mm | $46.93 | Today |
PLS-T996/M | Ø25.0 mm Post for Polaris Mounts, Three M4 Mounting Holes, L = 99.6 mm | $58.06 | 3 weeks |
PLS-P1 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, One 8-32 Mounting Hole, L = 1.00" | $35.35 | Today |
PLS-T1 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, Three 8-32 Mounting Holes, L = 1.00" | $46.47 | Today |
PLS-P150 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, One 8-32 Mounting Hole, L = 1.50" | $36.54 | Today |
PLS-P2 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, One 8-32 Mounting Hole, L = 2.00" | $39.25 | Today |
PLS-T2 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, Three 8-32 Mounting Holes, L = 2.00" | $50.38 | Today |
PLS-P238 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, One 8-32 Mounting Hole, L = 2.38" | $40.63 | Today |
PLS-T238 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, Three 8-32 Mounting Holes, L = 2.38" | $51.60 | Today |
PLS-P3 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, One 8-32 Mounting Hole, L = 3.00" | $43.10 | Today |
PLS-T3 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, Three 8-32 Mounting Holes, L = 3.00" | $54.21 | Today |
PLS-P4 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, One 8-32 Mounting Hole, L = 4.00" | $46.93 | Today |
PLS-T4 | Ø1" Post for Polaris Mounts, Three 8-32 Mounting Holes, L = 4.00" | $58.06 | Today |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
PLS-P-CUSTOM | Customer Inspired! Custom Polaris Mounting Post | $0.00 | Lead Time |
These construction posts are designed for mounting optomechanical components in custom configurations. The RS4P8T (RS100P4T/M) post offers three 8-32 (M4) tapped holes and two mounting flats, while the RS4P8C (RS100P4C/M) post offers three #8 (M4) clearance holes in a counterbored slot and one mounting flat. A single construction post may be used to mount an optomechanical component on its side, as shown in the photo to the right. Additionally, the two construction post variants can be combined using a cap screw, as shown below, to enable mounting components at an arbitrary angle. Each end of these posts has an 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped hole.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS100P4T/M | Ø25.0 mm Optical Construction Post, SS, M4 Taps, L = 100 mm | $52.48 | Today |
RS100P4C/M | Ø25.0 mm Optical Construction Post, SS, M4 Taps and Clearance Holes, L = 100 mm | $52.48 | Today |
RS4P8T | Ø1" Optical Construction Post, SS, 8-32 Taps, L = 4" | $52.48 | Today |
RS4P8C | Ø1" Optical Construction Post, SS, 8-32 Taps and #8 Clearance Holes, L = 4" | $52.48 | Today |
These construction posts are designed for mounting optomechanical components in custom configurations. The RS4T (RS100T/M) post offers three 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped holes and two mounting flats, while the RS4C (RS100C/M) post offers three 1/4" (M6) clearance holes in a counterbored slot and one mounting flat. A single construction post may be used to mount an optomechanical component on its side. Additionally, the two construction post variants can be combined using a cap screw, as shown in the photo to the right, to enable mounting components at an arbitrary angle. Each end of these posts has a 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped hole.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS100T/M | Ø25.0 mm Optical Construction Post, SS, M6 Taps, L = 100 mm | $52.48 | Today |
RS100C/M | Ø25.0 mm Optical Construction Post, SS, M6 Taps and Clearance Holes, L = 100 mm | $52.48 | Today |
RS4T | Ø1" Optical Construction Post, SS, 1/4"-20 Taps, L = 4" | $52.48 | Today |
RS4C | Ø1" Optical Construction Post, SS, 1/4"-20 Taps and 1/4" Clearance Holes, L = 4" | $52.48 | Today |
Thorlabs' Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) fiberglass posts provide thermal and electrical isolation between the mounted device(s) and the breadboard surface. Each post end features threaded steel inserts and a machined dot on top of each metric post denotes a metric threaded insert. The G10/FR4 fiberglass construction features excellent insulation compared to stainless steel (see the isolated posts page for details). These posts have the same profile as our Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) stainless steel pillar posts (Item #s RS1, RS2, RS25/M, and RS50/M).
The plot to the right depicts the measured temperatures of a heated breadboard and the tops of four attached Ø1" posts, including stainless steel and fiberglass variants. The data illustrates the increased thermal insulation of our G10/FR4 fiberglass pillar posts compared to stainless steel posts.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS25G/M | Customer Inspired! Ø25.0 mm Fiberglass Pillar Post, M6 x 1.0 Taps, Length = 25 mm | $53.79 | Today |
RS50G/M | Ø25.0 mm Fiberglass Pillar Post, M6 x 1.0 Taps, Length = 50 mm | $58.19 | Today |
RS1G | Ø1" Fiberglass Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, Length = 1" | $53.79 | Today |
RS2G | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Fiberglass Pillar Post, 1/4"-20 Taps, Length = 2" | $58.19 | Today |
The RB2(/M) pillar post base mounts Ø1" (25 mm) optical posts at a variable height (shown to the right). The hollow base allows the post to pass through, allowing 0.5" of post height adjustment. Translation is locked via a top-located clamping screw.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RB2/M | Adjustable Height Post Base for Ø25 mm RS Series Post Extensions | $37.72 | Today |
RB2 | Adjustable Height Post Base for Ø1" RS Series Post Extensions | $37.72 | Today |
These small post spacers are designed for achieving "in between" heights of our Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) Posts without compromising structural rigidity. The center 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped through hole allows threaded studs to pass through to the mating tap of the components on the top and bottom. Each spacer ≤0.31" (8 mm) long features two slots on the side that allow it to be securely tightened onto a post using the SPW501 spanner wrench (sold below), as shown in the image to the right. Spacers with lengths 0.35" (9 mm) or larger feature a through hole instead of the two slots; this through hole accepts a 1/8" (3 mm) balldriver as well as the SPW501 for providing leverage while tightening or loosening.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS4/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 4 mm | $11.60 | Today |
RS5/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 5 mm | $11.74 | Today |
RS6/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 6 mm | $12.60 | Today |
RS7/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 7 mm | $12.60 | Today |
RS8/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 8 mm | $12.60 | Today |
RS9/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 9 mm | $14.47 | Today |
RS10/M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, M6 Tap, L = 10 mm | $14.47 | Today |
RS016 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.16" | $11.60 | Today |
RS020 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.20" | $11.74 | 3 weeks |
RS024 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.24" | $12.60 | Today |
RS028 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.28" | $12.60 | Today |
RS031 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.31" | $12.60 | Today |
RS035 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.35" | $14.47 | Today |
RS039 | Ø1" Post Spacer, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 0.39" | $14.47 | Today |
These spacers are designed for achieving heights in between those of our catalog Ø1" (Ø25 mm) Posts offering without compromising structural rigidity. The center clearance hole allows Ø1/4" (M6) threaded studs to pass through to the mating tap of the components on either side of the spacer. Achieving, for example, a total post height of 8.2" is as simple as inserting one RS5M spacer (0.2" thickness) in between two RS4 posts (4" length).
Note that spacers 0.9 mm and thinner have an indent on the side due to the manufacturing process. This feature is cosmetic and does not interfere with the spacer's functionality.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS01M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.1 mm | $8.57 | Today |
RS02M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.2 mm | $8.57 | Today |
RS03M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.3 mm | $8.57 | Today |
RS04M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.5 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.4 mm | $9.11 | Today |
RS05M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.5 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.5 mm | $9.11 | Today |
RS06M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.5 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.6 mm | $9.11 | Today |
RS07M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.5 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.7 mm | $9.64 | Today |
RS08M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.5 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.8 mm | $9.64 | Today |
RS09M | Customer Inspired! Ø24.5 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 0.9 mm | $9.64 | Today |
RS1M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 1 mm | $7.66 | Today |
RS2M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 2 mm | $7.95 | Today |
RS3M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 3 mm | $8.68 | Today |
RS4M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 4 mm | $8.68 | Today |
RS5M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 5 mm | $8.97 | Today |
RS6M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 6 mm | $9.27 | Today |
RS7M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 7 mm | $9.45 | Today |
RS8M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 8 mm | $9.63 | Today |
RS9M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 9 mm | $9.92 | Today |
RS10M | Ø25.0 mm Post Spacer, Thickness = 10 mm | $10.05 | Today |
This Ø25 mm, peelable, laminated shim provides fine height adjustment when using our Ø1" posts. These 1.0 mm ± 10% thick shims come in packs of 5 and have 14 layers, which are each 0.075 mm thick. They have a through hole to accommodate a 1/4"-20 (M6) screw.
Be aware the finish on some shims may appear tarnished due to the manufacturing process. This does not affect form, fit, or function. Only the appearance is altered.
To peel, take a sharp edge like a box cutter and hold it at a 45° angle to the tab on the shim as shown in the photo to the right. Gently flick the knife upward until the layer begins to lift. In general, you should be able to lift an edge within 5 attempts. If you cannot get an edge to lift, gently tap the corner of the tab on a table until the material begins to flare.
Once an edge is lifted, insert the blade under the layer, squeeze the layer between your thumb and the blade, and roll your wrist down and then up to start peeling (see photo in the upper left). Once the layer has been peeled up enough, you can use your thumb and forefinger to remove it the rest of the way. Repeat this process until you have removed as many layers as desired. Discard all peeled-off layers.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS1LM | Customer Inspired! Ø25 mm Laminated Post Spacer, 1 mm Thick, Pack of 5 | $42.47 | Today |
RS-KIT Post Spacer and Setscrew Kit | |||
---|---|---|---|
Item | Qty. | Item | Qty. |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 1 mm Thick (RS1M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 7 mm Thick (RS7M) | 1 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 2 mm Thick (RS2M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 8 mm Thick (RS8M) | 1 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 3 mm Thick (RS3M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 9 mm Thick (RS9M) | 1 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 4 mm Thick (RS4M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 10 mm Thick (RS10M) | 5 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 5 mm Thick (RS5M) | 5 | 1/4"-20 Setscrew, 7/8" Long | 25 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 6 mm Thick (RS6M) | 1 | 1/4"-20 Setscrew, 1" Long (SS25S10) | 25 |
RS-KIT/M Post Spacer and Setscrew Kit | |||
---|---|---|---|
Item | Qty. | Item | Qty. |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 1 mm Thick (RS1M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 7 mm Thick (RS7M) | 1 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 2 mm Thick (RS2M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 8 mm Thick (RS8M) | 1 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 3 mm Thick (RS3M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 9 mm Thick (RS9M) | 1 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 4 mm Thick (RS4M) | 5 | Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 10 mm Thick (RS10M) | 5 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 5 mm Thick (RS5M) | 5 | M6 x 1.0 mm Setscrew, 20 mm Long (SS6MS20) | 25 |
Ø25 mm Post Spacer, 6 mm Thick (RS6M) | 1 | M6 x 1.0 mm Setscrew, 25 mm Long (SS6MS25) | 25 |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
RS-KIT/M | Ø25 mm Post Spacer and M6 Setscrew Kit | $339.74 | Today |
RS-KIT | Ø25 mm Post Spacer and 1/4"-20 Setscrew Kit | $339.74 | Today |
Pedestal Base Adapters
The BE1(/M) and BE1R(/M) pedestal base adapters feature a 1/4"-20 (M6)-threaded stud that fit into the bottom of our standard Ø1/2" post holders or Ø1" posts to convert them into pedestal-style mounts for added stability. The BE1R(/M) adapter features a magnet in the base that is sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without clamping to an optical table (see photo at the top right). Made from solid 303 stainless steel with a 1.25" (31.8 mm) outer diameter, these adapters allow standard Ø1" posts to be used with the clamping forks sold below.
The BE1(/M) base adapter is available in a pack of five for ease of ordering.
Clamping Forks
These clamping forks are designed to provide exceptional clamping force when used with our Ø1/2" post holders and Ø1" posts that have been adapted using the BE1(/M) or BE1R(/M) to pedestal-style mounts. They can also be used with our pedestal-style Ø1/2" post holders or Ø1" pedestal posts without any need for the BE1(/M) or BE1R(/M).
Fabricated from solid 303 stainless steel, all of these clamping forks create three points of contact with the table for high stability. For flexibility in the positioning of post assemblies, the CF038-P5 and CF038C(/M)-P5 forks offer 0.40" (10.2 mm) long counterbored slots, the CF125 and CF125C(/M) forks offer 1.24" (31.5 mm) long counterbored slots, and the CF175 and CF175C(/M) forks have 1.75" (44.4 mm) long counterbored slots. The counterbored slots on the CF038-P5, CF125, and CF175 forks are designed for user-supplied 1/4"-20 (M6)-threaded cap screws. For further convenience, the CF038C(/M)-P5, CF125C(/M), and CF175C(/M) forks each include a 1/4"-20 (M6)-threaded captive screw. Please note that significant over tightening of clamping forks can deform the surface of an optical table, which can cause misalignment of components and decrease stability.
Our clamping forks are also available in packages of five for ease of ordering (note: the CF038-P5 and CF038C(/M)-P5 clamping forks are only available in packs of five).
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
BE1/M | Ø31.8 mm Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, M6 Thread | $10.83 | Today |
BE1/M-P5 | Customer Inspired! Ø31.8 mm Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, M6 Thread, 5 Pack | $52.82 | Today |
BE1R/M | Customer Inspired! Ø31.8 mm Magnetic Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, M6 Thread | $19.10 | Today |
CF038C/M-P5 | Clamping Fork, 10.2 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 x 1.0 Captive Screw, 5 Pack | $56.14 | Today |
CF125C/M | Customer Inspired! Clamping Fork, 31.5 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 x 1.0 Captive Screw | $12.83 | Today |
CF125C/M-P5 | Clamping Fork, 31.5 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 x 1.0 Captive Screw, 5 Pack | $61.09 | Today |
CF175C/M | Customer Inspired! Clamping Fork, 44.4 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 x 1.0 Captive Screw | $14.01 | Today |
CF175C/M-P5 | Clamping Fork, 44.4 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 x 1.0 Captive Screw, 5 Pack | $67.05 | Today |
CF038-P5 | Customer Inspired! Clamping Fork, 0.40" Counterbored Slot, Universal, 5 Pack | $44.56 | Today |
CF125 | Clamping Fork, 1.24" Counterbored Slot, Universal | $9.68 | Today |
CF125-P5 | Clamping Fork, 1.24" Counterbored Slot, Universal, 5 Pack | $45.91 | Today |
CF175 | Clamping Fork, 1.75" Counterbored Slot, Universal | $11.76 | Today |
CF175-P5 | Clamping Fork, 1.75" Counterbored Slot, Universal, 5 Pack | $55.85 | Today |
BE1 | Ø1.25" Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, 1/4"-20 Thread | $10.83 | Today |
BE1-P5 | Customer Inspired! Ø1.25" Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, 1/4"-20 Thread, 5 Pack | $52.82 | Today |
BE1R | Customer Inspired! Ø1.25" Magnetic Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, 1/4"-20 Thread | $19.10 | Today |
CF038C-P5 | Clamping Fork, 0.40" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Captive Screw, 5 Pack | $56.14 | Today |
CF125C | Customer Inspired! Clamping Fork, 1.24" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Captive Screw | $12.83 | Today |
CF125C-P5 | Clamping Fork, 1.24" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Captive Screw, 5 Pack | $61.09 | Today |
CF175C | Customer Inspired! Clamping Fork, 1.75" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Captive Screw | $14.01 | Today |
CF175C-P5 | Clamping Fork, 1.75" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Captive Screw, 5 Pack | $67.05 | Today |
Thorlabs' Non-Bridging Clamping Arms are the ideal solution for stably mounting our Ø1" or Ø25 mm Posts for Polaris Mounts or Ø1" Monolithic Polaris Mount. Each clamping arm, which is machined from heat-treated, stress-relieved stainless steel bar stock, provides extremely high holding forces with minimal torquing of the mounting screws (see the graph to the right).
The flat, non-bridging top and bottom surfaces of each clamping arm allow it to be used with either side in contact with an optical table or other mounting surface. This feature allows the clamp to be positioned in left- or right-handed orientations and optical components to be placed in near contact to one another while minimizing the footprint (see the image to the left). On each side of the arm, a relief cut around the slot protects the ±0.001" (±0.02 mm) flat surface from any marring due to the screw and washer, allowing for more stable mounting.
The clamping arms are offered with slot lengths of 0.75" (19.1 mm) or 1.30" (33.0 mm), providing flexibility when used in applications such as tight laser cavity setups. Four of our clamping arms are designed to hold Ø1" posts, while the remaining two are designed to hold Ø25 mm posts; see the table below for details. Note the arms with a Ø1" (25.4 mm) bore are not compatible with Ø25 mm posts; the bore diameter is too large and will not contact the post when clamping.
Industry standard clamping forks are designed with a bridge, as shown in Figure 1, for clamping to pedestal-style posts or post holders. This design will slightly damage the laser platform during each use by pulling up the part of the platform located under the bridge. The Thorlabs clamping arm, as shown in Figure 2, is designed with a flat top and bottom to eliminate this problem.
The flexure clamp, shown in the photo to the left, is actuated using a side-located 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) cap screw and allows a post to be rotated 360° about its center. As the flexure clamp and mounting slot are secured with separate screws, the position of the fork and the rotational alignment of the post can be adjusted independently. While best performance is achieved with full post engagement, the 0.60" (15.2 mm) thick mounting bore supports up to 0.25" of post height adjustment.
The non-bridging clamping arm design has undergone extensive testing to ensure high-quality performance; see the graph to the upper right. For optimal performance, we recommend tightening the flexure clamping screw of an imperial clamping arm with 15 to 25 in-lb of torque and the flexure clamping screw of a metric clamping arm with 1.75 to 3 N•m of torque. When mounting to a table or platform, we recommend using 40 to 65 in-lb of torque for an imperial clamping arm and 4.75 to 7 N•m of torque for a metric clamping arm. Please note that the values for imperial and metric clamps are not a direct conversion due to an efficiency difference between 1/4"-20 and M6 x 1.0 screws. The efficiency of M6 x 1.0 screws is about 5% less than that of 1/4"-20 screws due to differences in diameter and pitch. For best results, use the maximum recommended torques from each range. These torque values can be dialed in using a torque driver.
Item # | Compatible Post Size |
Clamping Screw |
Slot Length | Footprint |
---|---|---|---|---|
POLARIS-SCA1 | Ø1" (25.4 mm) |
1/4"-20 (3/16" Hex) |
0.75" (19.1 mm) |
2.78" x 1.60" (70.5 mm x 40.6 mm) |
POLARIS-CA1 | 1.30" (33.0 mm) |
3.33" x 1.60" (84.5 mm x 40.6 mm) |
||
POLARIS-SCA1/M | M6 x 1.0 (5 mm Hex) |
0.75" (19.1 mm) |
2.78" x 1.60" (70.5 mm x 40.6 mm) |
|
POLARIS-CA1/M | 1.30" (33.0 mm) |
3.33" x 1.60" (84.5 mm x 40.6 mm) |
||
POLARIS-SCA25/M | Ø25.0 mm (Ø0.98") |
0.75" (19.1 mm) |
2.78" x 1.60" (70.5 mm x 40.6 mm) |
|
POLARIS-CA25/M | 1.30" (33.0 mm) |
3.33" x 1.60" (84.5 mm x 40.6 mm) |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
POLARIS-SCA1/M | Flexure Clamping Arm for Ø1" Posts, Non-Bridging, Stainless Steel, 19.1 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 Clamping Screw | $85.08 | Today |
POLARIS-SCA25/M | Flexure Clamping Arm for Ø25 mm Posts, Non-Bridging, Stainless Steel, 19.1 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 Clamping Screw | $85.08 | 3 weeks |
POLARIS-CA1/M | Flexure Clamping Arm for Ø1" Posts, Non-Bridging, Stainless Steel, 33.0 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 Clamping Screw | $90.55 | Lead Time |
POLARIS-CA25/M | Flexure Clamping Arm for Ø25 mm Posts, Non-Bridging, Stainless Steel, 33.0 mm Counterbored Slot, M6 Clamping Screw | $90.55 | 3 weeks |
POLARIS-SCA1 | Customer Inspired! Flexure Clamping Arm for Ø1" Posts, Non-Bridging, Stainless Steel, 0.75" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Clamping Screw | $85.08 | Today |
POLARIS-CA1 | Flexure Clamping Arm for Ø1" Posts, Non-Bridging, Stainless Steel, 1.30" Counterbored Slot, 1/4"-20 Clamping Screw | $90.55 | Lead Time |
The SPW501 Spanner Wrench is designed to tighten or loosen Ø1" posts that have torque slots, as illustrated in the photo to the right. The SPW501 can also be used with Ø1/2" posts and Ø1" posts that have through holes. The wrench is designed to fit into the slot or through hole and provide leverage for tightening or loosening the post when mounting the post directly to a tapped hole. Please use minimal force when tightening to prevent binding due to overtightening.
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
SPW501 | Spanner Wrench for Ø1/2" Posts and Ø1" Posts | $19.10 | Today |