Hex Adjusters, M3 x 0.20 Fine
![](https://www.thorlabs.com/Images/GuideImages/1202_HexAdjM320_7.jpg)
- Fine Adjustment
- 200 µm Travel per Revolution
F3ESN1P
LN3M20
1.5 mm
Hex Socket
F3ES8
F3ES12
F3ES25
F3ESK1
F3ESK1L
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Selection Guide for Adjustment Screws |
---|
Imperial |
6-80 |
3/16"-100 |
3/16"-120 |
1/4"-80 |
1/4"-100 |
1/4"-100 Matched Adjuster/Bushing Pair |
1/4"-170 Matched Adjuster/Bushing Pair |
3/8"-100 |
Metric |
M2 x 0.20 |
M2.5 × 0.20 |
M3 × 0.20 |
M3 × 0.25 |
M4 x 0.25 |
M6 × 0.25 |
Differential Adjuster Screws |
Features
- Hex Adjusters Feature a 1.5 mm Hex Socket
- Removable Adjustment Knobs Available for Hex Adjusters
- Threaded Bushings and Lock Nuts for Threading Integration
These M3 x 0.20 hex adjustment screws come lubricated for smooth mating with compatible components. The adjuster body is constructed of 303 stainless steel and the ball tip is constructed using 440 stainless steel that is fixed onto the adjuster using epoxy. The F3ESK1 removable adjustment knob threads on to an M3 x 0.20 threaded adjuster and provides a means to make fine adjustment without a hex key. Threaded bushings and lock nuts are available to further aid the incorporation of fine adjustment in your application.
![Threaded Bushing Application](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Bushing_Drawing_D1-355.jpg)
Integrating Fine Adjustment Screws Into Optomechanical Systems
The assembly process begins by producing the appropriately sized mating hole for the threaded bushing. Given the close fit between the threaded bushing and the mating adjuster screw, we caution against using a press fit to assemble these products. For our own production needs, we use a permanent anaerobic adhesive that provides excellent long-term performance.
We recommend using Loctite Anaerobic Adhesive product number 680 or equivalent. In order to ensure maximum strength between the bonded parts, we strongly urge the user to follow carefully the instructions provided by Loctite, which specify the amount of clearance between the threaded bushing and the mounting plate. The most common source of failure is not allowing for the proper clearance between the parts being bonded since this clearance provides for the proper volume of adhesive.
When assembling, apply a small amount of the Loctite adhesive to the threaded bushing only. Rotate the bushing as it is installed to ensure a uniform distribution of the adhesive. After insertion, remove any excess adhesive from around the part.
As shown in the figure to the right, the flange on the mating bushing is designed to support the axial load of the screw and bushing assembly.
Drilling and Tapping
While we recommend using our fine adjusters with the appropriately matched threaded bushing (sold below), it is also possible to incorporate them directly into a part or material by creating a threaded hole. For the adjusters on this page, the diameter of the pilot bore should be 2.813 mm ± 0.030 mm. The corresponding metric drill bit size is 2.8 mm (0.1102") and the corresponding imperial drill bit is size #34 (0.1110"). The hole can then be tapped with TAPM302. For fine pitch threads, it is especially important to tightly tolerance the pilot bore because of the shallow thread depth. For more information, see our taps and drill bit kit page.
OEM & Custom Precision Screws
Thorlabs manufactures custom and high volume OEM precision screws and bushings with various diameters, lengths, and threads. To inquire about custom or OEM precision screws, please contact Technical Support or use the "Contact Us" form to the right. A specialist will contact you within 24 hours or the next business day.
Precision Screw Capabilities
Thorlabs' in-house machine shop, located in Newton, NJ, gives us the ability to quickly produce large quantities of precision screws and bushings. We are equipped to manufacture screw diameters ranging from 2 mm to 20 mm with lengths up to 165 mm and a maximum thread pitch of 200 TPI. Our standard adjuster screw design has a hardened steel ball tip to provide a single point of contact; for other applications we are able to provide adjusters without the steel ball. Custom orders can be achieved on a case-by-case basis. For large orders of an item, Thorlabs passes on to the customer the cost savings associated with planned production of high volumes of that item. For more information on Thorlabs' discount pricing policy, click the "V" link to the right. We also offer a large variety of stock precision screws, which are available here.
Fast Turn-Around Times
Our experienced, highly skilled machinists are running our on-site Citizen Swiss Screw Machines 24 hours a day, allowing us to produce high-volume custom and OEM orders. Each machine is capable of running unattended, producing one screw every 30 to 120 seconds. This flexibility allows us to fulfill multiple orders at once without sacrificing quality.
High Quality
Thorlabs inspects all of our fabricated precision screws and bushings after the initial fabrication process and right before packaging. All inspections adhere to the ANSI AQL1.5 acceptable quality level, which states that if a certain percentage, based upon the amount of product in a certain lot, does not meet specification, then the entire lot is not sold. This ensures that all customers receive the highest quality product every time and that all items will be of equal performance.
Precision Screw Production
Posted Comments: | |
dhaarhoff
 (posted 2008-07-15 18:16:18.0) I would like to inquire about the maximum axial load that the M3x0.2 adjusters can withstand. In my aplication I will be using the adjuster in connection with the threaded bush - F3ESN1.
If posible, I would like to know what a save working load is and also what the maximum load is.
Thanks |
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![](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Adjuster_Screw_Drawing_A3-250.jpg)
- Six Lengths Available
- 1.5 mm Hex Key Compatible
- Max Load: 8.5 kg (18.75 lbs)
- Material: DFARS-Certified Stainless Steel
- Traceable Material Certification Available (Must be Requested at Time of Purchase)
Our high precision M3 x 0.20 Fine Hex Adjusters can be adjusted with a 1.5 mm hex key or M3 x 0.20 removable adjustment knob (sold below). The F3ES series hex adjusters has a maximum load of 18.75 lbs (8.5 kg) to maintain smooth adjustment.
Drilling and Tapping
While we recommend using our fine adjusters with the appropriately matched threaded bushing (sold below), it is also possible to incorporate them directly into a part or material by creating a threaded hole. For the adjusters on this page, the diameter of the pilot bore should be 2.813 mm ± 0.030 mm. The corresponding metric drill bit size is 2.8 mm (0.1102") and the corresponding imperial drill bit is size #34 (0.1110"). The hole can then be tapped with TAPM302. For fine pitch threads, it is especially important to tightly tolerance the pilot bore because of the shallow thread depth. For more information, see our taps and drill bit kit page.
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- Use with M3 x 0.20 Hex Adjusters
- Clearance Hole Allows Access to Adjuster's Hex Socket
- Available in 2 Sizes
- Knurled Knob Increases Adjustment Sensitivity
The F3ESK1 and F3ESK1L Removable Adjustment Knobs thread onto our M3 x 0.20 F3ES series hex adjusters to allow adjustment without the use of a hex key. This provides quick and easy adjustments for a broad range of applications. The adjuster knobs are available in two sizes: standard (Ø7.1 mm) and large (Ø14.7 mm).
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- Ideal for Slip Fit Integration
- Material: 510 Phosphor Bronze (Vacuum Rated for 10-6 Torr)
- Recommended Bore Diameter: 5.0013 mm +0.0127/-0.0000 mm
Our M3 x 0.20 Threaded Bushing is commonly used in slip fit applications where fine adjusters are needed. Due to the tolerances of our fine adjusters, we discourage press fitting these bushings. The recommended bore diameter for our M3 x 0.20 bushings is 5.0013 mm +0.0127/-0.0000 mm (0.1970" +0.0005"/-0.0000"). For vacuum applications, we recommend a thorough ultrasonic cleaning to remove any grease or particulates prior to use. To learn more about the use of fine adjustment screws and bushings in optomechanical systems, please see the Integration tab above.
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- Knurled Outside Diameter for Easy Tightening
- Material: 510 Phosphor Bronze
- Vacuum Compatible: 10-6 Torr
The LN3M20 lock nut features a knurled outside diameter to make gripping the nut easier when loosening or tightening. The lock nut is made from 510 Phosphor Bronze, which is vacuum rated for 10-6 Torr. Each nut features blind holes that allow a hex key to be used to help tighten the lock nut.