Features

Zoom

These pedestal pillars, which are fabricated from nonmagnetic 303 stainless steel, are 1.0" (25 mm) in diameter, have 8-32 (M4) taps on both ends, and are available in a variety of lengths. The 8-32 (M4) taps are compatible with many optomechanical devices such as most of our kinematic mounts. A convenient side-located 3/16" (5 mm) balldriver hole has been provided for extra leverage during tightening. If desirable, these posts are also available with 1/4"-20 (M6) taps; please see below for details.

Zoom

These pedestal pillars, which are fabricated from nonmagnetic 303 stainless steel, are 1.0" (25 mm) in diameter, have 1/4"-20 (M6) taps on both ends, and are available in a variety of lengths. The 1/4"-20 (M6) thread allows for easy integration of Ø1" post extensions and spacers. If an 8-32 thread is preferred, each post ships with an adapter to switch from the 1/4"-20 thread on the post to an 8-32 thread (Item # AE8E25E). The metric versions have an M6 to M4 adapter included (Item # AE4M6M).

A convenient side-located 3/16" (5 mm) balldriver hole has been provided for extra leverage during tightening.

Zoom

Click to Enlarge

• Solid Stainless Steel Construction
• 1/4" (M6) Clearance Hole
• Large Diameter Relief Cut on Top and Bottom for Additional Mounting Stability

These spacers are designed for achieving "in between" heights of our RS-Series Pillar Posts without compromising structural rigidity. The center 1/4" (M6) clearance hole allows 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).

Included with each spacer are two hex-driven set screws. The 1 mm through 5 mm spacers include an M6 x 20 mm setscrew and a 1/4"-20 x 7/8" setscrew; alternatively, the 6 mm through the 10 mm spacers include an M6 x 25 mm setscrew and a 1/4"-20 x 1" setscrew.

Zoom

Hold the knife edge at a 45° angle to the shim.
Click to Enlarge

• Peel Away Individual Layers as Needed
• Stainless Steel
• Tabbed for Easy Peeling
• Sold in Packs of 5

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.

The RS1LM shown separating the RS2P Post and the PRM1 Rotation Mount
Click to Enlarge

To peel, take a sharp edge like an exacto knife or a box cutter and hold it at a 45° angle to the tab on the shim as shown in the photo to the left. 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.

Zoom

The BE1 Features a Hex Socket on the Bottom for Tightening
(Click to Enlarge)

The BE1 can be used to Convert a Post Holder into a Pedestal-Style Mount
(Click to Enlarge)

• Combine BE1 Adapter Converts Standard PH Series Post Holder into Pedestal-Style Mount
• Clamping Fork Secures Pedestal-Style Mount to a Breadboard or Table
• Two Sizes: CF125 (1.25" Counterbored Slot) and CF175 (1.75" Counterbored Slot)
• Swivel Fork ±360° to Pick Up Most Convenient Mounting Hole

Pedestal Base Adapter
The BE1 fastens to the base of our standard PH Series Post Holders (as shown to the right) and RS Series Ø1" Pillar Posts to convert them into Pedestal-Style mounts. This combination provides a high degree of mounting flexibility. Note: Together, the BE1 Base Adapter and PH Series Post Holder provide nearly the same design to that of the PHxE Series Pedestal-Style Post Holder without the magnets in the base and through hole design.

Clamping Forks
Our solid stainless steel clamping forks are designed to provide exceptional clamping force when used with our pedestal-style posts and post holders. Use a 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screw and washer combination to lock down the base/fork combination. Please note that significant overtightening of clamping forks can deform the surface of an optical table, which can cause misalignment of components.

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
CL8 Clamps Securing RS4P8E Ø1" Pedestal Post

Click to Enlarge
CL8 Cross-Sectional View

• Compatible with Ø1" and Ø1.5" Posts
• Two-Point Contact with Pedestal Post Perimeter
• Line Contact on Table for More Secure Clamping Force

Thorlabs' CL8 pedestal post clamp secures our Ø1" and Ø1.5" pedestal posts to an optical table or breadboard. Its V-shaped tip provides two-point contact with the post perimeter and its rounded edge increases the contact area along the table.

Zoom

• Re-Position Ø1" and Ø1.5" Posts within an Optical System
• Re-Alignment Based on Two Contact Points
• Third Contact Point for Realigning Square Components
• 1.73" (43.8 mm) Long and 0.13" (3.2 mm) Thick

Thorlabs' RSPC Post Position Retainer is used to realign posts that have been removed from an optical system. It acts as a marker on the breadboard or optical table in the event that you need to remove a post from your setup. The two white dots engraved on the top surface of the outer arms of the retainer mark the two points of post contact. The RSPC was specifically designed for use with the Ø1" Pedestal Posts. The third dot, located within the V-groove, is for retaining the position of a square base or other squared-off component. For more information on using the RSPC with a square component, click here.

Note: The RSPC Post Position Retainer can also be secured to an optical table or breadboard via the CL6 clamp. This clamp is useful in situations where the RSPC cannot be placed directly over a hole in the table. The photos below illustrate the RSPC being secured to an optical table both with an 8-32 cap screw and with the CL6 clamp.

RSPC Mounted Directly to Optical Table
Click to Enlarge

RSPC Secured by CL6 Clamp
Click to Enlarge