Thorlabs Inc.
Visit the Motorized Precision Rotation Stage with DC Servo Motor page for pricing and availability information

Motorized Precision Rotation Stage with DC Servo Motor

  • Continuous 360° Motorized Rotation
  • Rotational Velocity: 25 Degree/Second
  • Tapped Platform for Mounting Prisms or Other Optics

PRMTZ8

Motorized Continuous
Rotation Stage

Application Idea

PRMTZ8 with PM3 Clamping Arm
and Pellin Broca Prism

Hide Overview

OVERVIEW

Key Specificationsa
Platform Size Ø66.2 mm (2.61")
Platform Mounting Holes Eight 6-32 (M4)
Sixteen 8-32 (M4)
Five 1/4"-20 (M6)
Bidirectional Repeatability ±0.1°
Backlash ±0.3°
Max Rotation Velocity 25 deg/s
Horizontal On-Axis Load Capacityb 15 N (1.5 kg, 3.4 lbs)
Repeatable Incremental Motion (Min) 0.04°
Percentage Accuracy 0.1%
Home Location Accuracy ±0.2°
Range 360° Continuous
  • See the Specs tab for complete specifications.
  • The PRMTZ8 is not suitable for mounting vertically.

Features

  • 25 deg/sec Rotation Velocity
  • Mounting Holes for Prism Clamps (Sold Below) or Other Optomechanics
  • 1° Graduations on Main Dial
  • Compact Design is Only 25 mm Tall
  • Home Limit Switch For Precise 0° Locating within ±0.2°
  • Recommended Driver: KDC101 DC Servo Controller

The PRMTZ8 is a compact, DC servo motorized 360° rotation stage with a tapped platform. The user can measure the angular displacement of the platform by using the Vernier scale (5 arcmin resolution) in conjunction with the graduation marks that are marked on the rotating platform in 1° increments. This rotation stage is also equipped with a home limit switch to facilitate automated rotation to the precise 0° position, allowing absolute angular positioning thereafter. The limit switch is designed to allow continuous rotation of the stage over multiple 360° cycles.

The KDC101 DC Servo Controller, sold separately below, is the ideal companion for achieving smooth, continuous motion that can be automated via the software interface. The stage, controller, and KPS101* or KPS201 power supply are available for purchase together as a bundle (Item #s KPRMTE and KPRMTE/M respectively).

The PRMTZ8 is supplied with 430 mm (16.93") of cable. An 2.5 m (8 ft) extension cable (PAA632) is available separately.

*This previous-generation item is not available for individual purchase. If a replacement is needed, the KPS201 Power Supply can be used.


Hide Specs

SPECS

Motor Specifications
Motor Type DC Servo
Nominal Voltage 6 V
No Load Speed 6560 rpm
No Load Current 7.43 mA
Nominal Speed 1050 rpm
Nominal Torque (Maximum Continuous Torque) 1.26 mN•m
Nominal Current (Maximum Continuous Current) 0.156 A
Stall Torque 1.54 mN•m
Starting Current  0.184 A
Maximum Efficiency 65%
Terminal Resistance 32.7 Ω
Terminal Inductance 0.607 mH
Torque Constant 8.38 mN•m/A
Speed Constant 1140 rpm/V
Speed / Torque Gradient 4450 rpm/mN•m
Mechanical Time Constant 13.9 ms
Rotor Inertia 0.298 g•cm2
Stage Specifications
Translation and Motion Parameters
Travel Range 360° Continuous
Bidirectional Repeatabilitya ±0.1°
Backlashb ±0.3°
Max Rotation Velocity 25 deg/s
Calculated Resolution 2 arcsec (0.0005°)
Horizontal On-Axis Load Capacityc 15 N (1.5 kg, 3.4 lbs)
Min Repeatable Incremental Motiond 0.04°
Percentage Accuracy 0.1%
Home Location Accuracy ±0.2°
Wobble 200 µrad
Physical
Platform Size Ø66.2 mm (2.61")
Platform Mounting Holes Eight 6-32 (M4)
Sixteen 8-32 (M4)
Five 1/4"-20 (M6)
Dimensions 137.4 mm x 73.3 mm x 25 mm
(5.41" x 2.88" x 0.98")
Weight 0.38 kg (0.84 lbs)
Cable Length 430 mm (16.93")
  • The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
  • When a stage is moved to a position and then returned to its original position, some motion is lost due to the lead screw mechanism. This loss is known as backlash.
  • The PRMTZ8 is not suitable for mounting vertically.
  • The minimum incremental motion that the stage can repeatedly achieve within its standard error.

 


Hide Pin Diagram

PIN DIAGRAM

Motor Connector Pin Out

Connector
The PRMTZ8 is supplied with 430 mm (16.93") of cable. A 2.5 m (8 ft) extension cable (PAA632) is available separately.
Pin Description Pin Description
1 Ground/Return 9 Ident Resistora
2 Reserved For Future Use 10 Vcc/Ident Resistor
3 Limit Switch 11 Encoder Channel B
4 Reserved For Future Use 12 Reserved For Future Use
5 Motor (+) 13 Encoder Channel A
6 Reserved For Future Use 14 Ident EEPROM
7 Motor (-) 15 Ident EEPROM
8 Reserved For Future Use - -
  • Used to identify the stage when it is connected to a Thorlabs controller.

D-Type Male

Schematic


Hide Kinesis Software

KINESIS SOFTWARE

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.50

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download
Kinesis Software
Kinesis GUI Screen

Thorlabs offers the Kinesis® software package to drive our wide range of motion controllers. The software can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide variety of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel benchtop units and modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the MMR60x Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework and APIs are included with each install. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

By providing this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can mix and match any of our motion control devices in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software package allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice. 


Hide Vernier Scales

VERNIER SCALES

Reading a Vernier Scale on a Linear Main Scale

Vernier scales are typically used to add precision to standard, evenly divided scales (such as the scales on Thorlabs' rotation, goniometric, or translation mounts). A vernier scale has found common use in many precision measurement instruments, the most common being calipers and micrometers. The vernier scale uses two scales side-by-side: the main scale and the vernier scale. The direct vernier scale has a slightly smaller spacing between its tick marks owing to the vernier scale having N ticks for every N - 1 ticks on the main scale. Hence, the lines on the main scale will not line up with all the lines on the vernier scale. Only one line from the vernier scale will match well with one line of the main scale, and that is the trick to reading a vernier scale.

Figures 1 through 3 show a linear vernier scale system for three different situations. In each case, the scale on the left is the main scale, while the small scale on the right is the vernier scale. When reading a vernier scale, the main scale is used for the gross number, and the vernier scale gives the precision value. In this manner, a standard ruler or micrometer can become a precision instrument.

The 0 on the vernier scale is the "pointer" (marked by a red arrow in Figures 1 - 5) and will indicate the main scale reading. In Figure 1 we see the pointer is lined up directly with the 75.6 line. Notice that the only other vernier scale tick mark that lines up well with the main scale is 10. Since the pointer lines up with the main scale’s 75.6, the reading from Figure 1 is 75.60 (in whatever units the instrument measures).

That is essentially all there is to reading a vernier scale. It's a very straightforward way of increasing the precision of a measurement instrument. To expound, let’s look at Figure 2. Here we see that the pointer is no longer aligned with a line on the main scale, but instead it is slightly above 75.6 and below 75.7; thus, the gross measurement is 75.6. The first vernier line that coincides with a main scale line is the 5, shown with a blue arrow. The vernier scale gives the final digit of precision; since the 5 is aligned to the main scale, the precision measurement for Figure 2 is 75.65.

Since this vernier scale is 10% smaller than the main scale, moving the vernier scale by 1/10 of the main scale will align the next vernier marking. This asks the obvious question: what if the measurement is within the 1/10 precision of the vernier scale? Figure 3 shows just this. Again, the pointer line is in between 75.6 and 75.7, yielding the gross measurement of 75.6. If we look closely, we see that the vernier scale 7 (marked with a blue arrow) is very closely aligned to the main scale, giving a precision measurement of 75.67. However, the vernier scale 7 is very slightly above the main scale mark, and we can see that the vernier scale 8 (directly above 7) is slightly below its corresponding main scale mark. Hence, the scale on Figure 3 could be read as 75.673 ± 0.002. A reading error of about 0.002 would be appropriate for
this instrument.

Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: An example of how to read a vernier scale. The red arrow indicates what is known as the pointer. Since the tick mark labeled 10 on the vernier scale aligns with one of the tick marks on the main scale, this vernier scale is reading 75.60 (in whatever units the instrument measures).
Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.65.
Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: The red arrow indicates the pointer, and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.67 but can be accurately read as
75.673 ± 0.002.

 

Reading a Vernier Scale on a Rotating Main Scale

The vernier scale may also be used on rotating scales where the main scale and vernier scale do not share units. Figures 4 and 5 show a vernier scale system for two different situations where the main scale is given in degrees and the vernier scale has ticks every 5 arcmin (60 arcmin = 1°). In each case, the scale on the top is the main scale, while the small scale on the bottom is the vernier scale.

In Figure 4 we see the pointer is lined up directly with the 341° line. Notice that the only other vernier scale tick marks that line up well with the main scale are ±60 arcmin. Since the pointer lines up with the main scale at 341°, the reading from Figure 4 is 341.00°.

There are two ways to determine the reading if the zero on the vernier scale line is between two lines of the main scale. For the first method, take the line on the left side of the pointer on the vernier scale and subtract that value (in arcmin) from the value on the main scale that is to the right on the main scale. As an example, in Figure 5 the vernier pointer is between 342° and 343°; using the left blue arrow of the vernier scale results in 343° - 15 arcmin = 342.75°. The second method is to take the reading from the blue arrow on the right side of the vernier pointer and add that value to the lower value from the main scale; reading the right blue arrow in Figure 5 results in 342° + 45 arcmin = 342.75°.

As we've seen here, vernier scales add precision to a standard scale measurement. While it takes a bit of getting used to, with a little practice, reading these scales is fairly straightforward. Vernier scales, whether they are direct or retrograde*, are read in the same fashion.

*A retrograde vernier scale has a larger spacing between its tick marks with N ticks for every N + 1 ticks on the main scale.

Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 341.00°.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: An example of a vernier scale where the main scale and the vernier scale are in different units (degrees and arcmins, respectively). The red arrow indicates the pointer. This scale reads 341.00°.
Figure 2: Vernier scale measuring 342.75°.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 5: The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrows give the precision value from the vernier scale.
This scale reads 342.75°.

Hide Rotation Mounts and Stages 

ROTATION MOUNTS AND STAGES 

Rotation Mount and Stage Selection Guide

Thorlabs offers a wide variety of manual and motorized rotation mounts and stages. Rotation mounts are designed with an inner bore to mount a Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø2" optic, while rotation stages are designed with mounting taps to attach a variety of components or systems. Motorized options are powered by a DC Servo motor, 2 phase stepper motor, piezo inertia motor, or an Elliptec™ resonant piezo motor. Each offers 360° of continuous rotation.

Manual Rotation Mounts

Rotation Mounts for Ø1/2" Optics
Item # MRM05(/M) RSP05(/M) CRM05 PRM05(/M)a SRM05 KS05RS CT104
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Mini Series Standard External SM1
(1.035"-40) Threads
Micrometer 16 mm Cage-Compatible ±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation Compatible with 30 mm Cage Translation Stages and 1/4" Translation Stagesb
Additional Details
  • This mount is available in the PRM05GL5 bundle, which includes the PRM05 rotation mount with the SM05PM5 polarizing prism mount.
  • The CT104 is complatible with the 1/4" translation stages using our MS103(/M) adapter plate.
  • The CT104 is compatible with the CT1A(/M) cage translation stage, which is designed for use with 30 mm cage systems.

Rotation Mounts for Ø1" Optics
Item # RSP1(/M) LRM1 RSP1D(/M) DLM1(/M) CLR1(/M) RSP1X15(/M) RSP1X225(/M) PRM1(/M)a
Click Photo
to Enlarge
LRM1
Features Standard External SM1
(1.035"-40) Threads
Adjustable Zero Two Independently Rotating Carriages Rotates Optic Within
Fixed Lens Tube System
Continuous 360° Rotation
or 15° Increments
Continuous 360° Rotation
or 22.5° Increments
Micrometer
Additional Details
  • This mount is available in the PRM1GL10 bundle, which includes the PRM1 rotation mount with the SM1PM10 polarizing prism mount.

Rotation Mounts for Ø1" Optics
Item # LM1-A &
LM1-B(/M)
CRM1T(/M) CRM1LT(/M) CRM1PT(/M) KS1RS K6XS
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Optic Carriage Rotates Within Mounting Ring 30 mm Cage-Compatiblea 30 mm Cage-Compatible
for Thick Opticsa
30 mm Cage-Compatible
with Micrometera
±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation Six-Axis
Kinematic Mounta
Additional Details
  • This mount also features four 4-40 (M3) holes on the rotation dial for use with the K6A1(/M) prism platform.

Rotation Mounts for Ø2" Optics
Item # RSP2(/M) RSP2D(/M) PRM2(/M) LM2-A &
LM2-B(/M)
LCRM2A(/M) KS2RS K6X2
Click Photo to Enlarge
Features Standard Adjustable
Zero
Micrometer Optic Carriage Rotates Within Mounting Ring 60 mm Cage-Compatible ±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation Six-Axis Kinematic Mount
Additional Details
Rotation Drive Mechanism and Adjustment Range Manual, 360° Continuous Coarse: Manual, 360° Continuous;
Fine: ±7° Micrometer
Manual, 360° Continuous
Optic Mounting Internally SM2-Threaded Carriage Internal SM2 Threads
in LM2-A
Internally SM2-Threaded Carriage
Maximum Accepted Optic Thickness 0.51" (13 mm) 0.54" (13.7 mm) 0.48" (12.2 mm) 0.46" (11.7 mm) 0.52" (13.2 mm) 0.47" (12 mm) 0.53" (13.4 mm)
Post Mounting 8-32 (M4) Tap 8-32 (M4) Tap in LM2-B 8-32 (M4) Tap Four Counterbores for 8-32 (M4) Cap Screws Six Counterbores for 8-32 (M4) Cap Screws
Cage System Compatibility N/A Four 4-40 (M3) Taps on Rotation Dial
with 60 mm Spacing
N/A Four Bores for
Ø6 mm Cage Rods
with 60 mm Spacing
N/A N/A

Manual Rotation Stages

Manual Rotation Stages
Item # RP005(/M) PR005(/M) MSRP01(/M) RP01(/M) RP03(/M) QRP02(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Continuous Rotation Mount
Features Standard Two Hard Stops
Additional Details

Manual Rotation Stages
Item # XRNR1(/M) XRR1(/M) PR01(/M) CR1(/M) XYR1(/M) OCT-XYR1(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Fine Rotation Adjuster and
2" Wide Dovetail Quick Connect
Fine Rotation Adjuster and
3" Wide Dovetail Quick Connect
Fine Rotation Adjuster and
SM1-Threaded Central Aperture
Fine Pitch Worm Gear Rotation and 1/2" Linear XY Translation
Additional Details
  • The stage profile is higher when it is mounted using the screw slots rather than stacked on another stage or accessory with mating dovetails.
  • The OCT-XYR1(/M) stage includes the XYR1A solid sample plate. This plate can be detached from the stage to reveal the same mounting features present on the XYR1(/M) stage.

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages with Central Clear Apertures
Item # DDR25(/M) PDR1C(/M) PDR1(/M) PDR1V(/M) PDXR1(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
DDR25 PDR1C PDR1 PDR1V PDXR1
Features Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes,
16 mm Cage System, &
30 mm Cage System
Compatible with
16 mm Cage System
Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes &
30 mm Cage System
Vacuum-Compatible;
Also Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes &
30 mm Cage System
Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes &
30 mm Cage System
Additional Details

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages with Central Clear Apertures
Item # K10CR1(/M) PRM1Z8(/M)a DDR100(/M) ELL14 HDR50(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
ELL14
Features Compatible with SM1 Lens Tubes & 30 mm Cage System Compatible with
SM1 Lens Tubes,
16 mm Cage System,
30 mm Cage System
Compatible with
SM1 Lens Tubes,
Open Frame Design for
OEM Applications
Compatible with
SM2 Lens Tubes
Additional Details
  • This stage is available in the KPRMTE(/M), which includes the PRMTZ8(/M) Motorized Rotation Stage with the KDC101 K-Cube DC Servo Motor Controller.
Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages with Tapped Platforms
Item # PRMTZ8(/M)a ELL18(/M)b
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Tapped Mounting Platform for Mounting Prisms or Other Optics Tapped Mounting Platform, Open Frame Design for OEM Applications
Additional Details
  • This stage is available in the KPRM1E(/M), which includes the PRMT1Z8(/M) Motorized Rotation Stage with the KDC101 K-Cube DC Servo Motor Controller.
  • This stage is available in the ELL18K(/M), which includes an interface board, mounting brackets, and connectors for PC control.

Hide Motorized Rotation Stage

Motorized Rotation Stage

Rotation Stage Platform Mounting Taps
Click to Enlarge

PRMTZ8/M Platform Taps
Rotation Stage Platform Threads
Click to Enlarge

PRMTZ8 Platform Taps

The rotating platform features five 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and sixteen 8-32 (M4) holes for general optomechanics, as well as eight 6-32 (M4) holes for compatibility with our PM3 and PM4 prism clamping arms (available below).

The PRMTZ8 is supplied with 16" (0.4 m) of cable. An 8 ft (2.5 m) extension cable (PAA632) is available separately.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
PRMTZ8/M
Motorized Precision Rotation Stage with Ø65 mm Platform (Metric)
$1,037.68
Lead Time
PRMTZ8
Motorized Precision Rotation Stage with Ø2.56" Platform (Imperial)
$1,037.68
In Stock

Hide Motorized Rotation Stage and Controller

Motorized Rotation Stage and Controller

The KPRMTE(/M) bundle includes a PRMTZ8(/M) Motorized Rotation Stage with a KDC101 K-Cube™ DC Servo Motor Controller. This controller provides smooth, continuous motion that can be automated via the software interface. Each bundle ships complete with a KPS101* power supply and a location-specific adapter.

The KPRMTE(/M) is supplied with 16" (0.4 m) of cable. An 8 ft (2.5 m) extension cable (PAA632) is available separately.

*This previous-generation item is not available for individual purchase. If a replacement is needed, the KPS201 Power Supply can be used.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
KPRMTE/M
Motorized Precision Rotation Stage with Ø65 mm Platform (Metric) Bundled with DC Servo Motor Driver and Power Supply
$1,662.79
3 Weeks
KPRMTE
Motorized Precision Rotation Stage with Ø2.56" Platform (Imperial) Bundled with DC Servo Motor Driver and Power Supply
$1,662.79
3 Weeks

Hide K-Cube™ DC Servo Motor Controller

K-Cube™ DC Servo Motor Controller

photo of power supply adaptersClick to Enlarge
KCH601 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube™ Modules
  • Front Panel Velocity Wheel and Digital Display for Controlling Motorized Stages or Actuators
  • Two Bidirectional Trigger Ports to Read or Control External Equipment
  • Interfaces with Computer Using Included USB Cable
  • Fully Compatible with Kinesis® Software Package
  • Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.42" x 2.42" x 1.94")
  • Power Supply Not Included (See Below)

Thorlabs' KDC101 K-Cube Brushed DC Motor Controller provides local and computerized control of a single motor axis. It features a top-mounted control panel with a velocity wheel that supports four-speed bidirectional control with forward and reverse jogging as well as position presets. A backlit digital display is also included that can have the backlit dimmed or turned off using the top-panel menu options. The front of the unit contains two bidirectional trigger ports that can be used to read a 5 V external logic signal or output a 5 V logic signal to control external equipment. Each port can be independently configured.

The unit is fully compatible with our Kinesis software package. Please see the Kinesis Software tab for more information.

Please note that this controller does not ship with a power supply. Compatible power supplies are listed below. Additional information can be found on the main KDC101 DC Servo Motor Controller page.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
KDC101
K-Cube Brushed DC Servo Motor Controller (Power Supply Not Included)
$772.66
3 Weeks

Hide Compatible Power Supplies

Compatible Power Supplies

photo of power supply adapters
Click for Details

Each KPS201 power supply includes one region-specific adapter, which can be selected upon checkout.
photo of power supply options
Click to Enlarge

The KPS201 Power Supply Unit
  • Individual Power Supply
    • KPS201: For K-Cubes™ or T-Cubes™ with 3.5 mm Jacks
  • USB Controller Hubs Provide Power and Communications
    • KCH301: For up to Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
    • KCH601: For up to Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes

The KPS201 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.66 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The hub draws a maximum current of 10 A; please verify that the cubes being used do not require a total current of more than 10 A. In addition, the hub provides USB connectivity to any docked K-Cube or T-Cube through a single USB connection.

For more information on the USB Controller Hubs, see the full web presentation.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
KPS201
15 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$40.33
In Stock
KCH301
USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$598.63
3 Weeks
KCH601
USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$724.52
3 Weeks

Hide Clamping Arms

Clamping Arms


Click for Details

Mechanical Drawings
  • Provide Clamping Force for Our Platform Mounts
  • Threaded Hole on Top and Threaded Stud on Bottom of Post
    • 6-32 Threads on PM3 and PM4
    • 8-32 Threads on PM5
    • M4 x 0.7 Threads on All Metric Versions
  • Maximum Optic Heights from 0.97" to 1.65" (24.6 mm to 41.8 mm)
  • Extension Posts Available to Increase Max Optic Height
    • PM3SP(/M) with PM3(/M): Hold Optics up to 2.21" (56.1 mm) Tall
    • PM4SP(/M) with PM4(/M): Hold Optics up to 3.61" (91.7 mm) Tall

Click to Enlarge

Clamping Arm Extension Posts with Metric Indicator Groove

Thorlabs' Clamping Arms provide clamping force to secure optics to our kinematic platform mounts, stages, and V-clamps. The PM3(/M) accommodates optics up to 0.97" tall and features a 0.69" center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew that holds the optic. The PM4(/M) accommodates optics up to 1.61" and features a 1.16" center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew. The maximum optic height of the PM3(/M) or PM4(/M) Clamping Arms can be extended using our PM3SP(/M) or PM4SP(/M) Extension Posts, respectively. These extension posts are identical to the posts included in each complete clamping arm. Each clamping arm features 6-32 (M4 x 0.7) threads. The PM3 and PM4 can be mounted in 8-32 tapped holes by using the AS6E8E thread adapter, which features internal 6-32 threads and external 8-32 threads. This thread adapter has an outer diameter of 0.24", which is the same as the PM4SP extension post and the post included with the PM4 clamping arm. This allows the clamping arm to be adjusted across the seam between either post and the adapter. The smaller diameters of the included post for the PM3 clamping arm and the PM3SP extension post cause the thread adapter to act as a stop for the clamping arm.

The PM5(/M) clamping arm is made entirely from heat-treated stainless steel, which helps maintain stability in fluctuating temperatures and provides vacuum compatibility. This clamping arm is recommended for use with the POLARIS-K1M4(/M), but it can be used with any platform mount or stage that has one or more 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped holes. The PM5(/M) can hold optics up to 1.65" tall, and the distance from the post center to the contact point that holds the optic is 0.90".

Each clamping arm is attached to its post using a flexure mechanism that locks with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) balldriver or hex key. The setscrew on top of the clamping arm also accepts a 5/64" (2.0 mm) balldriver or hex key in order to clamp down on the optic. The post includes a through hole which can be leveraged for added torque when tightening down the post. Please see the diagram above for additional information.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
PM3/M
Small Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded Post
$21.86
In Stock
PM3SP/M
Customer Inspired! Extension Post for PM3/M Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded
$6.06
In Stock
PM4/M
Large Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded Post
$26.73
In Stock
PM4SP/M
Customer Inspired! Extension Post for PM4/M Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded
$6.06
In Stock
PM5/M
Stainless Steel Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 Threaded Post
$66.38
In Stock
PM3
Small Adjustable Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded Post
$21.86
In Stock
PM3SP
Customer Inspired! Extension Post for PM3 Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded
$6.06
In Stock
PM4
Large Adjustable Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded Post
$26.73
In Stock
PM4SP
Customer Inspired! Extension Post for PM4 Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded
$6.06
In Stock
PM5
Stainless Steel Adjustable Clamping Arm, 8-32 Threaded Post
$66.38
In Stock