Build Your 2.5' x 3' (750 mm x 900 mm) Active-Air Anti-Vibration ScienceDesk Workstation using the components on this page.

Active-Air Anti-Vibration Table Frame
Stainless Steel Tabletop
Solid or Tapped Hole Work Surface, Non-Magnetic Option
Castors
Instrument Shelf
Overhead Shelf
Side Shelf
Computer Shelf
Under Shelf
Sample Preparation Shelf
Adjustable Wrist Rest
Monitor Mount
Simple Pivot or Articulated Arm
Keyboard Support

ScienceDesk Frames with Active Isolators		SDA7590
Vertical Resonant Frequency*		1.5 Hz
Horizontal Resonant Frequency*		1.4 Hz
Vertical Transmissibility at Resonance*		13 dB
Horizontal Transmissibility at Resonance		21 dB
Vertical Transmissibility @ 10 Hz		97% Damping of Vibrations (-29 dB)
Horizontal Transmissibility @ 10 Hz		97% Damping of Vibrations (-27 dB)
Load Capacity		1540 lbs (700 kg)
Self-Leveling Repeatability		±0.5 mm (0.02")
Maximum Isolator Air Pressure		551 kPa (80 psi)
Height		800 mm (31.5")
Leveling Feet Height Adjustment Range		±15 mm (0.59")
Optical Breadboard Working Surface Size		750 mm x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')
Outer Frame Dimensions (Depth x Width)		945 mm x 1095 mm (3.1' x 3.6')
Frame Weight (Mass)		159.5 lbs (72.5 kg)

*These specifications were measured at the maximum load capacity for the isolator type. See the compliance curve below.

Measured Compliance Curve for Active-Air ScienceDesk Frames

transmissibility curve for active isolation sciencedesks

Vibration Isolation Tutorial

ScienceDesk™ Isolators

Thorlabs' ScienceDesk frame has isolator mounting platforms in each of the interior four corners of the top-rail. These platforms are fitted with rigid, standard passive, heavy-duty passive, or active isolator supports for optical tabletops depending on the model chosen. A overview of the vibration isolator options can be found in the Selection Guide.

Active Supports

Set of Four Max Load Capacity: 1540 lbs (700 kg)
Pneumatic Dual-Chamber Air Spring Damps Vertical Vibrations
Trifilar Suspension System Damps Horizontal Vibrations
Self-Leveling Valves with High Repeatability

The ScienceDesks equipped with active isolators provided the highest degree of vibration isolation. Vertical damping is achieved by the use of a dual-chamber, damped pneumatic spring. The table is supported by the air pressure in these chambers. A piston, in contact with the bottom of the optical tabletop, is sealed to the upper chamber with a rolling rubber diaphragm, allowing virtually friction-free motion between piston and chamber. Floor or tabletop motion forces air to flow from one chamber to the other through a laminar flow damper. This restriction of airflow damps oscillatory motion between the floor and table, dramatically reducing settling time. The volume ratio of the chambers has been optimized to minimize the resonant frequency of the ScienceDesk frame while maximizing the damping performance for our complete range of ScienceDesk optical tabletops. Damping of horizontal vibrations is accomplished by supporting the pneumatic vertical isolator on a Trifilar suspension system. This innovative pendulum design uses gravity to provide the restoring force after horizontal disturbances. Horizontal oscillations at the system’s resonant frequency are damped by linking the base of the vertical isolator to the outer cylinder with an oil-free vibration-absorbing damper. To allow for changes in load distribution, the active vibration isolation optical tabletop supports have a self-leveling system based on a precision 3-Way valves that do not compromise vertical isolation when the system is at rest. Because these valves are actuated by tabletop movement, the system returns to its original level position within ±0.5 mm (0.02 in.) after disturbances. These isolators require a constant supply of air. When the air supply is removed, the optical tabletop rests securely on top of the legs with the isolation system disabled.

ScienceDesks with active isolators not only provide the highest level of isolation but because of the self-leveling valves are ideal for applications where the load placed on the optical tabletop is constantly changing. Typical applications for this level of ScienceDesk include holography, optical lithography, and high-power optical microscopy. In addition, the active ScienceDesk frame is often chosen when the surrounding environment is less than ideal since the active isolators provide a higher level of isolation from floor vibrations.

Product	PerformancePlus	Performance	Performance, Solid Surface
Finish & Construction
Breadboard thickness	60 mm (2.4")
Flatness, Ove Any 0.3 m²	±0.10 mm (±0.004")	±0.15 mm (±0.006")	±0.15 mm (±0.006")
Construction	Athermalized, Triple-Plate, Double Honeycomb-Core	Athermalized, Double-Plate, Single-Honeycomb Core
Top and Bottom Plates	5 mm (3/16") Thick, Magnetic Stainless Steel
Main Core	High-Density Plated Steel Honeycomb
Intermediate Core	13 mm (0.15")Thick Plated Steel Sealing Cup Cell Size: ~1.6 cm² (0.25 in²)	n/a
Damping	Enhanced Proprietary Damping	Proprietary Broadband Damping
Sides	Black, Laminated-Steel Sides, Slightly Inset
Finish	Top Plate is Brush Finished
Mounting Holes
Metric	M6 Tapped on 25 mm Centers		Solid Surface
Imperial	1/4"-20 Tapped Holes on 1" Centers		Solid Surface
Distance from Edge to First Hole
Metric	50 mm on All Sides		Solid Surface
Imperial	2.0" on All Sides		Solid Surface