Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearings and 3" Dovetail Mounting

Overview
Vernier Scales
Feedback
Rotation Mounts and Stages

Specifications
Item #	XRR1(/M)
Coarse Rotation Range	360°, Continuous
Fine Adjustment Range	±5°
Fine Adjustment Resolution (Nominal)	5.78 mrad/rev (0.331°/rev)
Axial Wobble	<500 µrad (0.028°)
Horizontal Load Capacity	Overall: 50 lbs (22.7 kg) Fine Adjustment: 15 lbs (6.80 kg)
Vertical Torque Capacity^a	9 lb-in (1.02 N·m)
Platform Size	Ø3.19" (Ø81.0 mm)
Platform Mounting Holes	1/4"-20 (M6) (13 Places) 8-32 (M4) (4 Places) 6-32 (M4) (4 Places)
Mounted Platform Height	On Breadboard: 0.91" (23.0 mm)^b Dovetail Stacked: 0.83" (21.1 mm)
Base Dimensions	4.33" x 3.58" (110.0 mm x 91.0 mm)
Base Mounting Features	3" Wide Quick Connect Dovetails
Base Mounting Features	Mounting Slot for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws (4 Places)

The maximum torque about an axis orthogonal to the rotation axis, commonly encountered when the stage's base is mounted on a vertical surface. The center of mass should be as close as possible to the center of rotation.
The stage profile is higher when it is mounted using the screw slots rather than stacked on another stage or accessory with 3" dovetails.

Click to Enlarge
The 3" wide female dovetails on the bottom of the stage mate with the male dovetails on another stage to form multi-axis configurations. The left female dovetail is on a retractable clamping arm, allowing stages to be dropped into place.

Features

360° of Continuous Coarse Rotation and ±5° Fine Adjustment
Vernier Scale Provides 5 arcmin Resolution
Radial Crossed-Roller Bearing for High Load Capacity and Low Axial Wobble
Perimeter is Laser Engraved at 1° Increments
Quickly Connect XR25 or XR50 Series Translation Stages and Accessories Using 3" Wide Dovetails
Tapped Holes for Standard Optomechanics and Clamping Arms
Optional Accessories Provide Additional Functionality:

Vertical Assembly Kits: Mount Stages Orthogonally to Breadboard
XRN Mounting Adapter Plate: Enables Compatibility with XRN25 Series Compact Stages
Rail Carriers: Removable Plates with Additional Mounting Options
Baseplates: Coarse Alignment of Stage with Table Hole Matrix
Clamping Arms: Provide Clamping Force for Prisms or Other Components

Thorlabs' XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage provides 360° of continuous manual rotation and features a side-mounted screw for fine adjustment. It also incorporates a radial crossed-roller bearing for high load capacity and low axial wobble. This dedicated, zero-clearance bearing mechanism also provides an axial constraint for the rotating world, resulting in superior stiffness compared to other bearing types. The rotating world features an array of mounting holes and 3" wide male dovetails for compatibility with our XR25 or XR50 translation stages or the accessories sold below.

When the fine adjustment is disengaged, the stage can be smoothly and continuously rotated by hand through a full 360°, measured by the 1° graduation marks on the side of the mount. When the fine adjustment is engaged, the fine adjuster screw provides ±5° of fine adjustment, measured with 5 arcmin resolution by the vernier scale. The end of the adjuster screw incorporates a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex allowing it to be actuated in space-constrained environments. The adjuster knob can also be removed using a hex key, as illustrated in the video on our kinematic mirror mounts page. The rotating platform is lockable using the 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex screw on the end of the base. The top plate of each stage is tapped with an array of mounting holes. The base can be attached to an optical table or breadboard using the four 1/4" (M6) counterbored clearance slots.

Each stage features 3" wide mating female dovetails on the bottom plate and male dovetails on the top plate (as shown in the image above) that allow for quick construction of multi-axis systems using no additional hardware. Refer to the photos in the Z-axis assembly kits section below to see how multi-axis systems can be quickly constructed using this novel design. The 3" dovetails on our XRR1 rotation stage are directly compatible with the dovetails on our XR25 or XR50 series translation stages. Additional functionality is provided by a complete line of accessories that include multi-axis assembly kits, rail carriers, baseplates, and stage positioners. An adapter plate for mounting compact 25 mm stages with an integrated 2" wide dovetail is also available. For more information about a specific accessory, please click on the link in the table below.

Rotation Stage and Accessory Quick Links
Rotation Stage	Vertical Assembly Kits	XRN Adapter Plate	Rail Carriers
Baseplate with Rotational Adjustment	Extended Baseplates		Clamping Arms

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The XRR1 Rotation Stage can be mounted vertically using a vertical assembly kit and a baseplate.

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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 tool measures).

Reading a Vernier Scale

Vernier scales are typically used to add precision to standard, evenly divided scales (such as the scale on Thorlabs’ rotation mounts). A vernier scale has found common use in many precision measurement tools, the most common being calipers and micrometers. The direct vernier scale uses two scales side-by-side: the main scale and the vernier scale. The vernier scale has a slightly smaller spacing between its tick marks (10% smaller than the main). 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 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 tool.

The 0 on the vernier scale is the “pointer” (marked by a red arrow in Figs. 1 – 3) 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 vernier 0 lines up with the main scale’s 75.6, the reading from Figure 1 is 75.60 (in whatever units the tool measures in).

That is essentially all there is to reading a vernier scale. It's a very straightforward way of increasing the precision of a measurement tool. To expound, let’s look at Figure 2. Here we see that the pointer is no longer aligned with a scale line, instead it is slightly above 75.6, but 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 the vernier scale is 10% smaller than the main scale, moving 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 7 (marked with a blue arrow) is very closely aligned to the main scale, giving a precision measurement of 75.67. However, the vernier 7 is very slightly above the main scale mark, and we can see that the vernier 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 tool.

As we've seen here, vernier sclaes 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. All vernier scales, direct or retrograde, are read in the same fashion.

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Figure 2: An Example of a vernier scale. The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.65.

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Figure 3: An Example of a vernier scale. 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.

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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, 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 CT1 Cage Translator Stage and 1/4" Translation Stages^b
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 CT1 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
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)	CRM1(/M)	CRM1L(/M)	CRM1P	KS1RS	K6XS
Click Photo to Enlarge
Features	Optic Carriage Rotates Within Mounting Ring	30 mm Cage-Compatible^a	30 mm Cage-Compatible for Thick Optics^a	30 mm Cage-Compatible with Micrometer^a	±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation	Six-Axis Kinematic Mount^a
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)	LCRM2(/M)	KS2RS
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
Additional Details

Manual Rotation Stages

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

Manual Rotation Stages
Item #	XRR1(/M)	PR01(/M)	CR1(/M)	XYR1(/M)	OCT-XYR1(/M)
Click Photo to Enlarge
Features	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 3" 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
Item #	DDR25(/M)	K10CR1(/M)	PRM1Z8(/M)^a	PRMTZ8(/M)^b	DDR100(/M)	HDR50(/M)	ELL18(/M)^c
Click Photo to Enlarge
Features	Compatible with SM05 Lens Tubes, 16 mm Cage System, 30 mm Cage System	Compatible with SM1 Lens Tubes and 30 mm Cage System		Tapped Mounting Platform for Mounting Prisms or Other Optics	Compatible with SM1 Lens Tubes, 16 mm Cage System, 30 mm Cage System	Compatible with SM2 Lens Tubes	Tapped Mounting Platform, Open Frame Design for OEM Applications
Additional Details

Motor Type	Brushless DC Servo	2 Phase Stepper Motor with Worm Gear	DC Servo	DC Servo	Brushless DC Servo	2 Phase Stepper Motor with Worm Gear	Piezo Resonant Motor
Rotation Adjustment Range	360° Continuous
Mounting Platform
Diameter	Ø1.14" (Ø29.0 mm)	Ø1.81" (Ø46.0 mm)	Ø1.97" (Ø50.0 mm)	Ø2.61" (Ø66.2 mm)	Ø4.37" (111.0 mm)	Ø3.86" (Ø98.0 mm)	Ø1.97" (Ø50.0 mm)
Height	1.12" (28.5 mm)	0.84" (21.5 mm)	0.91" (23.0 mm)	0.98" (25.0 mm)	1.57" (39.9 mm)	1.73" (44.0 mm)	0.80" (20.3 mm)
Taps	-	Six 4-40 (M3)	Four 6-32 (M4) Four 8-32 (M4)	Eight 6-32 (M4) Sixteen 8-32 (M4) Five 1/4"-20 (M6)	Eight 8-32 (M4) Four 1/4"-20 (M6)	Four 8-32 (M4)	37 8-32 (M4)
Additional Holes	Clear Aperture with SM05 Threading	Clear Aperture with SM1 Threading	Clear Aperture with SM1 Threading	-	Clear Aperture with SM1 Threading	Clear Aperture with SM2 Threading	-
Speed (Max)	1800 °/s	10 °/s	25 °/s	25 °/s	1080 °/s	50 °/s	430 °/s
Platform Adapter Plate(s)	-	K10CR1A2(/M)	PRM1SP1(/M)	-	NR360SP9(/M) NR360SP4(/M)	NR360SP9(/M) NR360SP8 NR360SP4(/M)	-
Base
Dimensions	2.19" x 2.19" (55.6 mm x 55.6 mm)	4.21" x 2.60" (107.0 mm x 66.0 mm)	5.18" x 3.26" (131.5 mm x 82.8 mm)	5.41" x 2.88" (137.4 mm x 73.3 mm)	4.53" x 4.53" (115 mm x 115 mm)	7.46" x 4.55" (189.4 mm x 115.5 mm)	3.19" x 2.36" (81.0 mm x 60.0 mm)
Stage Adapter Plates	-	K10CR1A1 K10CR1A3	PRM1SP2 PRM1SP3	-	-	NR360SP2(/M) NR360SP5(/M)	Two Mounting Brackets in ELL18K(/M) Bundle
Mounting Holes	-	-	Two Counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws	One Counterbore for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screw; Two Clearance Holes for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws	Four Clearance Holes for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws	Four Counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws	Mounting Bracket in ELL18K(/M) Bundle has Two Slots for 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screw
Side Taps for Vertical Mounting	Four 8-32 (M4) Eight 4-40	Three 8-32 (M4)	Four 8-32 (M4)	-	Eight 1/4"-20 (M6)	Six 1/4"-20 (M6)	N/A
Cage System Compatibility	Four 4-40 Taps on Rotation Dial with 16 mm Spacing, Four 4-40 Taps on Back Side with 16 mm Spacing, Four 4-40 Taps on Front Side with 30 mm Spacing	Four 4-40 Taps On Each Side with 30 mm Spacing	Four 4-40 Taps on Rotation Dial with 30 mm Spacing	N/A	Four 4-40 Taps on Rotation Dial with 16 mm Spacing, Four 4-40 Taps on Rotation Dial with 30 mm Spacing, Four 4-40 Taps on Back Side with 30 mm Spacing	N/A	N/A

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.
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.

Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearings and 3" Dovetail Mounting

Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearings and 3in Dovetail Mounting

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XRR1/M Rotating World Features

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XRR1 Rotating World Features

Coarse Manual Rotation and ±5° Fine Adjustment
Rotation Locking Screw with 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex
Four Holes for Breadboard Mounting with 1/4"-20 (M6) Screws
Directly Compatible with XR25 and XR50 Series Translation Stages Using 3" Wide Mating Dovetail
- Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs
XRN-A1 Adapter (Sold Separately) Enables Compatibility with XRN25 Series Compact Translation Stages

The XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage provides 360° of continuous manual rotation and features a side-mounted fine adjuster screw which rotates the platform 5.78 mrad (0.331°) per revolution. The top plate of each stage is tapped with an array of mounting holes as illustrated in the diagrams on the right.

This stage and our other stages with integrated 3" wide mating dovetails can be easily stacked and secured to one another. The stages are secured by a single dovetail locking mechanism with a 3/16" (5 mm) hex. The mating dovetail also allows this stage to be used with the variety of accessories below.

Vertical Stage Assembly Kits

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XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted on XR25P Translation Stage Using XR25-YZ Kit

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XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted on XR25P Translation Stage Using XR25-XZ Kit

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XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted Vertically Using XR25-XZ Kit
and XR25-B1 Baseplate

Kits Consist of Angle Bracket and Mounting Plate
Support Vertical Mounting Configurations
Compatible with 3" Wide Mating Dovetail Stages
- Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Max Torque of 15 in•lbs

The XR25-XZ(/M) and XR25-YZ(/M) Assembly Kits enable vertical mounting of an XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage. These assembly kits can be directly mounted onto a baseplate or onto our XR25 or XR50 Series Translation Stages. When used to mount the rotation stage vertically on a linear translation stage, the XR25-XZ kit positions the surface of the rotation stage parallel to the direction of linear motion, while the XR25-YZ kit would orient the rotation stage platform perpendicular to the direction of motion, as illustrated in the photos to the right.

Each kit includes an angle bracket and a mounting plate. The female dovetails on the rotation stage attach to one side of the mounting plate. The mounting plate's other side is then mated to an arm of the angle bracket. The other arm of the angle bracket is attached to the baseplate or translation stage.

Adapter Plate for Compact XRN Series Stages

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XRN25P Compact Translation Stage Mounted onto XRR1 Rotation Stage Using XRN-A1 Adapter Plate

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Mount an XRN25 Series Stage (Top) on an XRR1 Rotation Stage (Bottom)

Mount a Compact XRN25 Series Stage onto an XRR1 Rotation Stage

The XRN-A1 Stage Adapter enables users to mount the female 2" dovetail of our compact XRN25 Series Stages and accessories to the male 3" dovetail of our XRR1 Rotation Stage. It is similarly compatible with our XR25 and XR50 Series Stages and accessories with male 3" dovetails.

To assemble, first loosen the dovetail locking screw on the end of the XRN25 stage. Position the XRN-A1 adapter on the XRR1 stage, as illustrated in the photo to the right, then align the compact XRN25 stage on the adapter plate. Lastly, tighten the dovetail locking screw on the end of the XRN25 stage until the entire assembly is secure. Please note that the deep-set screws in the sides of the adapter plate are not user adjustable.

Rail Carriers

Carriers Are Removable and Provide Alternative Mounting Features
Compatible with 3" Wide Mating Dovetail Stages
- Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs

These three rail carriers expand the XRR1(/M) stage's threading options for optomechanical assemblies. A female dovetail allows each rail carrier to slide onto and connect to the stage's male dovetail. The position of the carrier can then be locked into place using a clamping mechanism [3/16" (5 mm) hex] located on one end of the carrier. This simple procedure allows the user to seamlessly swap and install different carriers on a stage in a matter of seconds.

Click to Enlarge
Scientific Camera Mounted on
XRR1 Rotation Stage Using
XR25-RC3 Rail Carrier

Note that the contact pads and steel balls embedded on the sides of the carriers do not provide additional functionality when used with the XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage since the male dovetails on the rotation stage are only 1" long. This prohibits multiple rail carriers from being installed on a single rotating platform. These extra features are designed for use with our XR25 and XR50 series translation stages.

Item #	XR25-RC1	XR25-RC2	XR25-RC3
Click Image to Enlarge
Mounting Features	1/4" (M6) Counterbores (x8) 1/4"-20 (M6) Taps (x9) 8-32 (M4) Taps (x7)	#8 (M4) Counterbores (x8) 8-32 (M4) Taps (x16)	1/4" (M6) Counterbored Slot (1x) 8-32 (M4) Taps (2x)

Baseplate with Rotational Adjustment

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Stages can mounted vertically using a vertical assembly kit and the XR25-B1 baseplate.

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The radial slots and counterbored center hole allow the base plate to be rotated with respect to the table's hole matrix. The two slots and orthogonal mounting dovetails provide 360° adjustment.

Allows for Coarse Rotational or Translational Alignment of Stages with Table Hole Matrix
Orthogonal Male Dovetails for Two Stage Mounting Orientations
Compatible with 3" Wide Mating Dovetail Stages

The XR25-B1(/M) Baseplate provides an additional table mounting option for our XRR1(/M) rotation stage. The baseplate features two orthogonal male dovetails that allow for two mounting orientations of the stage. A center Ø1/4" (M6) counterbored hole and two radial counterbored slots allow for coarse angular adjustment with respect to the table's 1/4"-20 (M6) hole matrix. For situations where the stage is oriented with the table's hole matrix, two 2.2" (55.9 mm) long 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots on the edge of the baseplate allow for coarse translation adjustment along the hole matrix before the base is secured to the table.

Vertical Stage Configuration
For situations where a vertically mounted rotation stage is needed, either the XR25-XZ or the XR25-YZ angle bracket (sold above) can be secured directly to the baseplate. This configuration is illustrated in the photo to the right and described in more detail in the Vertical Stage Assembly Kits section above.

Baseplates with Extended Linear Positioning

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XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted on XR25DR Baseplate for Coarse Linear Positioning

Allows for Coarse Adjustment of the Stage Along the Length of the Baseplate
150 mm, 250 mm, and 500 mm Lengths Available
Counterbored Mounting Slots Compatible with Imperial and Metric Breadboards
Outer Dovetail Compatible with 3" Wide Mating Dovetail Stages
Additional Dovetail Compatible with 34 mm Rail Accessories

These extended baseplates provide a convenient way to mount and resposition our XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage on a breadboard or optical table. Each baseplate features an outer male dovetail for mounting the stage, as shown in the image to the right, and an inner 34 mm male dovetail for mounting other clamps and platforms.

A mounted component can be coarsely translated across the entire length of the baseplate. The XR25DR2, XR25DR, and the XR25DR3 come in lengths of 150 mm, 250 mm, and 500 mm, respectively. The graduated scale engraved along one edge of each baseplate makes it easy to repeat adjustments between multiple locations on the baseplate; the XR25-RC3 rail carriers sold above can be used to mark a specific location on the baseplate before moving the stage.

The baseplates feature 1" long 1/4" (M6) counterbored mounting slots and a central 1/4" (M6) counterbored mounting hole that allow the rail to be used with both imperial and metric breadboard hole patterns. Standard cap screws can be used with this baseplate without interrupting the translation of mounted components.

Clamping Arms

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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 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

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Clamping Arm Extension Posts with Metric Indicator Groove

Thorlabs' Clamping Arms provide clamping force to secure optics to our kinematic platform mounts 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) 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 that has one or more 8-32 (M4) 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.

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PM3	Small Adjustable Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded Post

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PM3SP Customer Inspired! Extension Post for PM3 Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded

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PM5	Stainless Steel Adjustable Clamping Arm, 8-32 Threaded Post

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PM5/M Stainless Steel Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 Threaded Post

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View All »Matching Part Numbers

Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearings and 3" Dovetail Mounting

Features

Reading a Vernier Scale

Rotation Mount and Stage Selection Guide

Manual Rotation Mounts

Manual Rotation Stages

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages

Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearings and 3" Dovetail Mounting

Vertical Stage Assembly Kits

Adapter Plate for Compact XRN Series Stages

Rail Carriers

Baseplate with Rotational Adjustment

Baseplates with Extended Linear Positioning

Clamping Arms