Custom Breadboards

Features

• Standard Imperial and Metric Breadboard Hole Patterns
• Low Reflection Anodized Surface
• Metric Boards Stocked in Europe for Quick Delivery
• Offset Mounting Holes Allow a Full, Uninterrupted, Threaded Hole Matrix
• Double-Hole Density Versions and Custom Sizes Available

These solid aluminum, nonmagnetic baseplates provide a convenient and cost-effective platform for assembling prototype optical assemblies, conducting experiments, and mounting small subsystems. They are finished with a black, minimally reflective anodized coating and are through-drilled with a standard 1" (imperial) or 25 mm (metric) hole pattern offset 1/2" or 12.5 mm respectively, from the edges of the board.

Each breadboard features four or five (large boards, see below) mounting holes, which are counterbored to create an uninterrupted surface for your application. The mounting holes may be used to attach the breadboards to optical tables, other breadboards, mounting posts, brackets, or a variety of other surfaces or mounts. Please see the Mounting Options tab for more details.

The four standard mounting holes are located at each corner of the breadboard, inset 1" (metric - 25 mm) from each edge. The larger boards have a fifth counterbored mounting hole in the center for added mounting options and stability of heavy loads (imperial: MB1218 through MB2448; metric: MB1560/M through MB15120/M, and MB3045/M through MB60120/M). Utilizing the center mounting hole reduces stress at the corner mounting holes and increases rigidity when heavy loads are placed on the boards. Counterbored mounting holes are offset from the threaded holes creating an uninterrupted threaded hole matrix.

Because the holes are threaded completely through these breadboards, components can be mounted on both sides at once. Standoff Posts allow the breadboards to be mounted above the surface of an optical tabletop (or breadboard) for access to components on both sides. The breadboards can also be mounted vertically using 90 deg or Vertical Mounting Brackets.

Vacuum Compatibility
For vacuum applications, we recommend that you contact us to request an unanodized breadboard which can be used in vacuum down to 10^-6 Torr. Additional tolerance may be obtained by having the board autoclaved (Thorlabs does not offer autoclaving services at this time). Under these conditions, the breadboard can be used in vacuum down to 10^-9 Torr.

Other Breadboard Options
Optical Breadboard Enclosures are available to protect sensitive equipment from dust, stray light, acoustic noise, and thermal variations. Enclosures are offered completely sealed or with sliding door access.

Thorlabs also offers SlimLine Double Hole Density Aluminum Breadboards with 1/2" offset hole spacing, doubling the density of mounting holes. These are offered in sizes ranging from 4" x 24" to 8" x 36" (100 mm x 600 mm to 200 mm x 900 mm) with thicknesses of 0.5" (12.7 mm), making their slim profile ideal for compact work areas.

For limited space applications, Thorlabs offers the MS12B and MS12B/M Mini-Series Breadboards. These breadboards feature increased tapped hole density and thinner breadboard thickness.

Mounting Options

Vertical Arrangement

Thorlabs' aluminum breadboards can be mounted vertically (or perpendicular to a mounting surface) using a wide variety of 90 degree mounting plates. For tall arrangements, we recommend the setup shown to the left. Here, the MB12 breadboard is vertically oriented using two VB01 Vertical Brackets. For smaller arrangements, the AB90, AP90, or AP90L Right-Angle Brackets may be used.

Vibration Isolating Feet

Thorlabs' aluminum breadboards may be mounted on a set of AV2 Vibration Isolating Feet, rated for 32 kg. These sorbothane bumpers may be used to isolate a small breadboard from its mounting surface.

Not shown: Standard RDF1 Rubber Damping Feet may also be used where high vibrational damping is not necessary.

Elevated Arrangement with Adjustable Mounting Feet

A set of Ø1.5" Post Mounts can be used to elevate an aluminum breadboard off of the work surface. At left, an MB1824 breadboard is shown with four P6 Mounting Posts. An adjustable, self-leveling BMF4 Mounting Foot is attached to each mounting post. The self-leveling mounting feet feature rubberized feet and screw thread height adjustment.

Not shown: DP14 Damped Posts are available in 14" lengths for vibration sensitive elevated mounting applications.

Fixed Elevated Arrangement with Pedestal-Style Feet

A more permanent Aluminum Breadboard mounting option, shown to the left, features pedestal-style Ø1.5" Post Mounts clamped to an optic bench. The MB1824 Aluminum Breadboard to the left is elevated off the optic bench surface using a set of four P6 Mounting Posts, each with a PB4 Pedestal Base Adapter and PF175 Clamping Fork.

Not shown: Ø1.5" Translating Posts or Ø1.5" Damped Posts may also be used in lieu of the P6 Mounting Posts for applications requiring further height adjustment or sensitivity to vibrations.

Breadboard Enclosure Systems

Enclosures may be added to Thorlabs' aluminum breadboards to house light and dust-sensitive equipment. Thorlabs offers a variety of plexiglass and standard darkening enclosures. The XE25C5 enclosure shown to the left has the front panel removed for access. Enclosures with sliding doors fabricated from plexiglass or black hardboard are also available.