Hex Adjusters, 6-80 Fine

Overview
Integration
Custom Orders
Feedback

Selection Guide for Adjustment Screws
Imperial
6-80
3/16"-100
3/16"-120
1/4"-80
1/4" - 80 with Differential Adjuster
1/4"-100
1/4"-100 Matched Adjuster/Bushing Pair
1/4"-170 Matched Adjuster/Bushing Pair
3/8"-100
Metric
M2.5 × 0.20
M3 × 0.20
M3 × 0.25
M4 x 0.25
M6 × 0.25

Features

80 TPI Fine Adjustment
Hex Adjusters Feature a 5/64" Hex Socket
Removable Adjustment Knobs Allow for Fine Adjustment without Hex Key
Threaded Bushings and Lock Nuts for Threading Integration

These Fine Hex Adjuster Screws are great for miniature mounts. Manufactured to exact tolerances to ensure a smooth feel and excellent long-term stability, Thorlabs has developed a set of specifications that meet industry class 3 standards. All of our fine hex adjuster screws are made to these extremely tight tolerances and come lubricated to ensure smooth mating into compatible components. Each screw is individually tested with a master gauge set that ensures the interchangeability of our adjuster screws and threaded sleeves.

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.

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.

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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 2.5 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.

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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:

Keith Kessler (posted 2019-12-04 14:06:50.86)

Hi, How do the knobs attach and get locked in place on the treaded adjuster?

llamb (posted 2019-12-05 08:05:16.0)

Thank you for your feedback. The #6-80 thread on the F6SSK1 knob is only 0.2" deep, and the knob has a smaller Ø0.104" hole thru the full length. When threading in a fine adjuster screw, it will bottom out on the knob's smaller internal diameter to lock into place. You can also use threadlocking adhesive on the knob's internal threads if you wish to create a more permanent lock.

franco brioschi (posted 2019-10-17 15:28:21.75)

Taking into account the thread of this screw, the only way to lock it is is by means of LN680 nut. Due their small diameter, these nuts are difficult to tighten. It would be really useful if hex locking nuts like those mounted on the POLARIS-K05T2 were available

llamb (posted 2019-10-22 10:34:36.0)

Thank you for your feedback! While the LN680 features a knurled outer diameter for better gripping, as well as blind holes to allow a hex key to help tighten the nut, a hex nut shape can certainly provide additional ease for locking. I have added this new product idea into our internal product forum for further review.

dharvey (posted 2014-08-26 14:59:38.157)

Hello, we are designing your adjustment screws into our products. Sometimes we cannot use the ball end tip. We need to replace it with an insulating plastic tip. Can you buy the adjustment screws without the stainless steel ball? How do you remove the stainless steel ball?

cdaly (posted 2014-08-27 09:49:11.0)

Response from Chris at Thorlabs: The ball is glued in place, so it'd likely be very difficult to remove once in place, but we can offer a custom version without the ball if you'd like. I will contact you directly to discuss this.

bdada (posted 2012-04-25 09:46:00.0)

Response from Buki at Thorlabs to hadmack: Thank you for using our feedback tool. The recommended bore diameter for our 6-80 bushings is 0.225" +0.001/-0.000.

hadmack (posted 2012-04-20 17:01:22.0)

What is the recommended bore diameter for the bushings?

jens (posted 2009-12-17 18:28:08.0)

A reply from Jens at Thorlabs: thank you for the notification. We are currently going through the complete page to make sure this is corrected.

user (posted 2009-12-17 16:25:51.0)

Misspelling of Exceeds

6-80 Fine Hex Adjusters

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Four Lengths Available from 0.45" to 1.13"
0.1380" (3.5052 mm) Outer Diameter
5/64" (2 mm) Hex Key Compatible
Max Load: 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)

Our high precision 6-80 Fine Hex Adjusters can be adjusted with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key, 6-80 removable adjustment knob (sold below), or HKTS-5/64 hex key adjuster knob (sold below). The F6SS series hex adjusters have a maximum load of 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) to maintain smooth adjustments. They have an outer diameter of 0.1380" (3.5052 mm) and are shipped lubricated to ensure smooth mating into 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.

These adjuster screws are designed to be used with 6-80 threaded bushings, available below. Alternatively, for more compact applications, a 6-80 plug tap can create 6-80 tapped holes in optomechanical components.

6-80 Removable Adjustment Knobs

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Use with 6-80 Hex Adjusters
Clearance Hole Allows Access to Adjuster's Hex Socket
Available in 2 Sizes
Knurled Knob Increases Adjustment Sensitivity

The F6SSK1 and F6SSK1L Removable Adjustment Knobs thread on to our 6-80 F6SS 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 (Ø0.28") and large (Ø0.58").

6-80 Threaded Bushings

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Ideal for Slip Fit Applications
Two Lengths Available
Made From 510 Phosphor Bronze (Vacuum Rated for 10^-6 Torr)
Recommended Bore Diameter: 0.2245" +0.0005"/-0.0000"

Our 6-80 Threaded Bushings are 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 6-80 bushings is 0.2245" +0.0005"/-0.0000". These bushings are made of phosphor bronze, which offers advantages over brass, including vacuum compatibility. 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.

6-80 Lock Nut

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Knurled Outside Diameter for Easy Tightening
Material: 510 Phosphor Bronze
Vacuum Compatible: 10^-6 Torr

The LN680 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.

5/64" Hex Key Adjusters

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Click for Details
POLARIS-K1-2AH with HKTS-5/64 Adjuster

For Convenient Adjustment of 5/64" and 2 mm Hex-Driven Actuators
Red Anodized Adjustment Knob with Engraved Hex Size
Replaceable Hex Tip
Sold in Packages of 4

These 5/64" Hex Key Adjuster Thumbscrews allow for quick adjustment of many 5/64" and 2 mm hex-driven actuators (or standard actuators with the knobs removed). These temporary knobs can be left in the screw's hex socket between adjustments for convenience (see photo to the right). An 8-32 setscrew (5/64" hex) secures the replaceable hex bit, which can be reversed if the tip is stripped. Contact Tech Support to order replacement hex key bits.

We offer hex key thumbscrews in sizes from 0.050" to 3/16" and 2 mm to 5 mm.

View All »Matching Part Numbers

Hex Adjusters, 6-80 Fine

Features

Integrating Fine Adjustment Screws Into Optomechanical Systems

OEM & Custom Precision Screws

Precision Screw Capabilities

Precision Screw Production

6-80 Fine Hex Adjusters

6-80 Removable Adjustment Knobs

6-80 Threaded Bushings

6-80 Lock Nut

5/64" Hex Key Adjusters