Products Home / Optical Tables, Breadboards, and Supports / Honeycomb Optical Breadboards / Optical Breadboards, Optimized Damping, 60 mm (2.4") ThickOptical Breadboards, Optimized Damping, 60 mm (2.4") Thick
- 60 mm (2.4") Thickness
- Superior Flatness, Compliance,
and Construction Quality - Machined Matte Finish with Holes
to Edge of Breadboard - Each Breadboard Individually Tested
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Nexus® Optical Tables and Breadboards
One High Quality Level
Nexus is a single high-quality grade of tables and breadboards manufactured in various sizes by Thorlabs. They are suitable for photonics, imaging, and microscopy applications and provide quality and vibration isolation performance that exceeds the highest level of our former product line. Each size is individually optimized, and each table ships with a unique test data certificate. See the Vibration Isolation and Construction tabs for more details.
More Options
See the Nexus Guide tab for a complete overview of our optical tables product line.
Features
- Thickness: 60 mm (2.4")
- Sizes from 12" x 12" (300 mm x 300 mm) to 36" x 48" (900 mm x 1200 mm) Available
- Every Breadboard Individually Optimized, Tested, and Shipped with Test Data Certificate
- 1/2" (12.5 mm) Hole Border for Maximum Usable Area
- Top Skin: ±0.1 mm (±0.004") Surface Flatness over any 600 mm x 600 mm Area
- 5 mm Stainless Steel Top and Bottom Skins with All-Steel Side Panels
- Steel-to-Steel Bonding Throughout Increases Thermal Stability
Thorlabs' 60 mm (2.4") thick Nexus® breadboards are offered in a variety of lengths and widths from 12" x 12" (300 mm x 300 mm) to 36" x 48" (900 mm x 1200 mm). They feature all-steel construction, excellent thermal stability, and broadband damping optimized for each breadboard size. The 5 mm thick stainless steel top and bottom skins have a matte finish and the top skin is precision-machined with a surface flatness of ±0.1 mm (±0.004") over any 600 mm x 600 mm area. The breadboard has 1/4"-20 (M6) mounting holes on 1" (25 mm) centers with a 0.5" (12.5 mm) border at the edge of the breadboard.
Popular imperial and metric breadboard sizes are stocked in our US and UK warehouses, respectively, for immediate shipment. Custom sizes and options are also available with a typical lead time of 6 - 8 weeks. See the Nexus Guide tab for a complete overview of the Nexus breadboards product line. For a comparison of all our breadboard options please see our BB Selection Guide Tab.
Support Options
We offer a number of support options for breadboards. Our standard Breadboard Frames are available with rigid supports, or with passive or self-leveling active vibration isolation. We also offer passive isolator feet for mounting a breadboard on top of a table.
ScienceDesk Frames
Our ScienceDesk™ line of breadboard frames are ergonomic supports optimized for microscopy applications. They are available with rigid, passive, or active vibration isolators, and feature a number of convenient accessories. ScienceDesk frames are available to fit many of our breadboards sized from 2' x 3' to 3' x 4'.
| Nexus Product Line Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| Breadboards, 60 mm (2.4") Thick | Breadboards, 110 mm (4.3") Thick |
| Breadboards, 60 mm (2.4") Thick, Sealed Holes | Breadboards, 110 mm (4.3") Thick, Sealed Holes |
| Breadboards, Nonmagnetic Steel | Breadboards with No Holes |
| Optical Tables | |
| Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Construction | ||
| Breadboard Thickness | 60 mm (2.4") | |
| Top Skin Flatness | ±0.1 mm (±0.004") Over Any 600 mm x 600 mm Area | |
| Construction | Symmetrical Isotropic Construction in All Axes | |
| Top and Bottom Plates | 5 mm (0.20") Thick Stainless Steel, 430 Grade Working Surface | |
| Core Construction | High-Density Plated Steel Honeycomb, 0.26 mm Thick | |
| Damping | Proprietary Optimized Broadband Damping | |
| Side Panels | Rigid Steel Box Section | |
| Side Trim Finish | Matte Black Linoleum, 2 mm Inset from Table Surface | |
| Top Surface Finish | Machined Matte Finish | |
| Compatible Mounting Options | Breadboard Frames and Isolators, ScienceDesk Frames | |
| Mounting Holes | Imperial | Metric |
| Threads and Spacing | 1/4"-20 Tapped Holes on 1" Centers | M6 Tapped Holes on 25 mm Centers |
| Distance from Edge to First Holes | 0.5" from Table Edge on all Sides | 12.5 mm from Table Edge on all Sides |
| Maximum Screw Depth | 55 mm (2.1") [13.5 mm (0.53") for Outer Border Holes] | |
Imperial Breadboard Dimensions & Weight
| Item # | Dimensions (W x L x H) |
Unpacked Weight |
Packaged Shipping Weight |
Packed Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1212F | 12" x 12" x 2.4" | 22.44 lbs | 31.24 lbs | 14.9" x 14.9" x 5.5" |
| B1218F | 12" x 18" x 2.4" | 33.95 lbs | 44.97 lbs | 14.9" x 20.5" x 5.5" |
| B1224F | 12" x 24" x 2.4" | 43.56 lbs | 56.76 lbs | 14.9" x 26.7" x 5.5" |
| B1236F | 12" x 36" x 2.4" | 62.26 lbs | 79.86 lbs | 14.9" x 38.6" x 9.0" |
| B1818F | 18" x 18" x 2.4" | 48.06 lbs | 63.49 lbs | 20.5" x 20.5" x 5.5" |
| B1824F | 18" x 24" x 2.4" | 62.26 lbs | 79.86 lbs | 20.5" x 26.4" x 5.5" |
| B2424F | 24" x 24" x 2.4" | 80.96 lbs | 100.76 lbs | 26.4" x 26.4" x 5.5" |
| B2436F | 24" x 36" x 2.4" | 122.10 lbs | 150.70 lbs | 26.4" x 38.6" x 9.0" |
| B2448F | 24" x 48" x 2.4" | 162.14 lbs | 199.54 lbs | 26.4" x 50.4" x 9.0" |
| B3030F | 30" x 30" x 2.4" | 133.76 lbs | 164.56 lbs | 32.2" x 32.3" x 9.0" |
| B3036F | 30" x 36" x 2.4" | 156.86 lbs | 192.06 lbs | 32.3" x 38.6" x 9.0" |
| B3048F | 30" x 48" x 2.4" | 204.60 lbs | 248.60 lbs | 32.3" x 50.4" x 11.0" |
| B3636F | 36" x 36" x 2.4" | 184.58 lbs | 226.38 lbs | 38.6" x 38.6" x 9.0" |
| B3648F | 36" x 48" x 2.4" | 239.80 lbs | 288.20 lbs | 38.6" x 50.4" x 9.0" |
Metric Breadboard Dimensions & Mass
| Item # | Dimensions (W x L x H) |
Unpacked Mass |
Packaged Shipping Mass |
Packed Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B3030A | 300 mm x 300 mm x 60 mm | 9.90 kg | 13.90 kg | 360 mm x 360 mm x 140 mm |
| B3045A | 300 mm x 450 mm x 60 mm | 15.00 kg | 20.00 kg | 360 mm x 570 mm x 140 mm |
| B3060A | 300 mm x 600 mm x 60 mm | 19.30 kg | 25.30 kg | 360 mm x 670 mm x 140 mm |
| B3090A | 300 mm x 900 mm x 60 mm | 27.90 kg | 35.50 kg | 360 mm x 960 mm x 230 mm |
| B4545A | 450 mm x 450 mm x 60 mm | 21.30 kg | 28.30 kg | 570 mm x 570 mm x 140 mm |
| B4560A | 450 mm x 600 mm x 60 mm | 27.60 kg | 36.60 kg | 570 mm x 660 mm x 140 mm |
| B6060A | 600 mm x 600 mm x 60 mm | 35.80 kg | 46.80 kg | 680 mm x 680 mm x 140 mm |
| B6090A | 600 mm x 900 mm x 60 mm | 54.10 kg | 68.10 kg | 660 mm x 960 mm x 230 mm |
| B7575A | 750 mm x 750 mm x 60 mm | 59.20 kg | 73.20 kg | 810 mm x 810 mm x 230 mm |
| B7590A | 750 mm x 900 mm x 60 mm | 69.30 kg | 85.30 kg | 810 mm x 960 mm x 230 mm |
| B60120A | 600 mm x 1200 mm x 60 mm | 71.70 kg | 88.70 kg | 660 mm x1260 mm x 230 mm |
| B9090A | 900 mm x 900 mm x 60 mm | 81.70 kg | 99.70 kg | 960 mm x 960 mm x 230 mm |
| B75120A | 750 mm x 1200 mm x 60 mm | 89.30 kg | 109.30 kg | 810 mm x 1260 mm x 230 mm |
| B90120A | 900 mm x 1200 mm x 60 mm | 106.10 kg | 127.10 kg | 960 mm x 1260 mm x 230 mm |
Optimized Damping
Broadband Damping
The most important feature of an optical table or breadboard is its resonant frequency. Since resonant frequency and vibration amplitude are inversely related, the resonant frequency should be as high as possible to minimize vibration intensity. Nexus tables and breadboards are broadband damped over a specific range of frequencies. For improved performance, the damping is optimized for each size of table and breadboard offered.
We have performed extensive testing to optimize the thickness/size ratio of our breadboards. Larger sized breadboards over 5' (1.2 m) long are offered with a standard 110 mm thickness. Smaller sizes are available in both 2.4" (60 mm) and 4.3" (110 mm) thicknesses.
Compliance
The most widely used transfer function for the vibrational response of an optical table is compliance. In the case of a constant (static) force, compliance is defined as the ratio of the linear or angular displacement to the magnitude of the applied force. In the case of a dynamically varying force (vibration), compliance is defined as the ratio of the excited vibrational amplitude (angular or linear displacement) to the amplitude of the force causing the vibration. Any deflection of the tabletop is evident by the change in relative position of the components mounted on the table surface. Therefore, by definition, the lower the compliance value is, the closer the optical table is to meeting the primary goal of optical table design: minimized deflection. Compliance is frequency dependant and is measured in units of displacement per unit force (meters per Newton).
Click to Enlarge
Compliance Test Schematic
See the Vibration Isolation Tutorial for more information on compliance.
Compliance Measurement Procedure
An impulse hammer is used to apply a measured force to the top surface of the table or breadboard, and transducers attached to the surface detect the resultant vibrations (see diagram to the right). The signals from the transducers are interpreted by the analyzer and used to produce a frequency response spectrum (i.e., a compliance curve). During the development phase of an optical table, compliance curves are recorded at many points on the tabletop; however, the compliance is always greatest at the corners. The compliance curves and data published by Thorlabs are taken with the sensor located approximately 6" (150 mm) from the corner of the tabletop (closer to the edge for small breadboards), with the point of impact just inboard of the sensor. This test location represents the worst case data.
Unique Test Data Certificate
Each individual Nexus product is tested and shipped with a unique test data certificate and compliance curve. This provides more accurate data compared to the industry standard of using a single size-specific compliance curve to represent the entire product line. The compliance curves and data published by Thorlabs are from sensors located on the corner of the table and therefore represent the worst case data.
Click to Enlarge
Nexus Table Compliance Testing
Test Results
60 mm Thick Breadboards
| Item # | Breadboard Size (W x L x H) |
Compliance Curve (Click to View)a |
|---|---|---|
| B1212F / B1212T | 12" x 12" x 60 mm |  |
| B1218F / B1218T | 12" x 18" x 60 mm |  |
| B1224F / B1224T | 12" x 24" x 60 mm |  |
| B1236F / B1236T | 12" x 36" x 60 mm |  |
| B1818F / B1818T | 18" x 18" x 60 mm |  |
| B1824F / B1824T | 18" x 24" x 60 mm |  |
| B2424F / B2424T | 24" x 24" x 60 mm |  |
| B2436F / B2436T / B2436FN | 24" x 36" x 60 mm |  |
| B2448F / B2448T | 24" x 48" x 60 mm |  |
| B3030F / B3030T | 30" x 30" x 60 mm |  |
| B3036F / B3036T / B3036FN | 30" x 36" x 60 mm |  |
| B3036Y | 30" x 36" x 60 mm (No Holes) |
 |
| B3048F / B3048T / B3048FN | 30" x 48" x 60 mm |  |
| B3048Y | 30" x 48" x 60 mm (No Holes) |
 |
| B3636F / B3636T | 36" x 36" x 60 mm |  |
| B3648F / B3648T / B3648FN | 36" x 48" x 60 mm |  |
| B3648Y | 36" x 48" x 60 mm (No Holes) |
 |
| B3030A / B3030L | 30 cm x 30 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B3045A / B3045L | 30 cm x 45 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B3060A / B3060L | 30 cm x 60 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B3090A / B3090L | 30 cm x 90 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B4545A / B4545L | 45 cm x 45 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B4560A / B4560L | 45 cm x 60 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B6060A / B6060L | 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B6090A / B6090L / B6090AN / B6090Z | 60 cm x 90 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B60120A / B60120L | 60 cm x 120 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B7575A / B7575L | 75 cm x 75 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B7590A / B7590L / B7590AN / B7590Z | 75 cm x 90 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B75120A / B75120L / B75120AN / B75120Z | 75 cm x 120 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B9090A / B9090L | 90 cm x 90 cm x 60 mm |  |
| B90120A / B90120L / B90120AN / B90120Z | 90 cm x 120 cm x 60 mm |  |
110 mm Thick Breadboards
| Item # | Breadboard Size (W x L x H) |
Compliance Curve (Click to View)a |
|---|---|---|
| B2436G / B2436U | 24" x 36" x 110 mm |  |
| B2448G / B2436U | 24" x 48" x 110 mm | |
| B2460G / B2460U | 24" x 60" x 110 mm | |
| B3036G / B3036U | 30" x 36" x 110 mm |  |
| B3048G / B3048U | 30" x 48" x 110 mm | |
| B3060G / B3060U | 30" x 60" x 110 mm | |
| B3636G / B3636U | 36" x 36" x 110 mm |  |
| B3648G / B3648U | 36" x 48" x 110 mm |  |
| B3660G / B3660U | 36" x 60" x 110 mm |  |
| B3672G / B3672U | 36" x 72" x 110 mm |  |
| B4860G / B4860U | 48" x 60" x 110 mm | |
| B4872G / B4872U | 48" x 72" x 110 mm |  |
| B6090B / B6090N | 600 mm x 900 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B60120B / B60120N | 600 mm x 1200 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B60150B / B60150N | 600 mm x 1500 mm x 110 mm | |
| B7590B / B7590N | 750 mm x 900 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B75120B / B75120N | 750 mm x 1200 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B75150B / B75150N | 750 mm x 1500 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B9090B / B9090N | 900 mm x 900 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B90120B / B90120N | 900 mm x 1200 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B90150B / B90150N | 900 mm x 1500 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B90180BT / B90180N | 900 mm x 1800 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B120150B / B120150N | 1200 mm x 1500 mm x 110 mm |  |
| B120180B / B120180N | 1200 mm x 1800 mm x 110 mm |  |
Simplified Nexus Table Construction
Note: For Illustrative Purposes Only. Not a Representation of the Nexus Tables Construction Sequence
Nexus® Optical Tables and Breadboard Manufacturing
- Experienced In-House Design Engineers Create Models and Production Drawings
- Dedicated Tables Manufacturing Facilities for Repeatable and Consistent Production
- In-House Vibration Transmissibility and Compliance Testing
- In-House Welding and Fabrication
- Custom Design Capabilities for Unique Optical Table and Breadboard Solutions
- Lean Manufacturing:
- Cross-Training Allows Staff to Meet Production Demands
- Use of Current Technology Leads to Increased Quality
- Efficient Organization Leads to Time Savings for Customers
Our team has over 25 years of experience designing optical tables, breadboards, and related accessories. We leverage this experience to ensure that our Nexus® honeycomb optical tables and breadboards always meet two basic design goals: the natural resonances of the table should be as high as possible (well above the frequency of ambient environmental vibrations) and the table should be well damped (to quickly damp vibrations caused by equipment on the surface). To meet these goals, our engineers use a variety of tools to refine their designs, such as finite element analysis (FEA) and SolidWorks. FEA allows our engineers to evaluate various materials and to identify possible unwanted material stresses. SolidWorks is employed to build 3D models of every design.
Click to Enlarge
Nexus Table / Breadboard Cross Section, showing the (1) Top Skin, (2) Bottom Skin, (3) Side Panels, (4) Side Rails, and (5) Honeycomb Core
Click to Enlarge
Honeycomb Core of a Nexus Table During Manufacturing
Every Nexus optical table and breadboard is designed to be isotropic and symetrical in X, Y, and Z. For optimal thermal stability, only steel components are used in construction; no wood or plastic is used. Each table includes precision machined top and bottom mounting skins, an uninterrupted honeycomb core, and four side panels with finishing trim. See the animation to the right for a simplified illustration of how our tables are assembled. For more details on each step in the process, read below.
Precision Steel Construction for Thermal Stability
Thorlabs' Nexus tables and breadboards feature all-steel construction, including 5 mm thick top and bottom skins and a 0.26 mm thick precision formed and welded steel honeycomb core. The core is geometrically formed using accurate pressing tools, and geometric pitch is retained by using welded flat shims. The honeycomb core in our Nexus tables and breadboards extends from the top skin to the bottom skin without intermediate layers, leading to a stiffer, more thermally stable product.
The key aspect of the thermally stable Nexus design is symmetrical isotropic steel construction in all axes. Steel components expand and contract similarly, maintaining flatness during changes in temperature. The steel core extends from top to bottom skin without intermediate plastic or aluminum spill management structures that reduce the overall stiffness of the product and introduce a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. Steel side panels are used rather than wood, which can introduce environmental instability due to susceptibility to moisture.
Machined Finish with Minimized Contamination Packaging
Automated Finishing Process
Our Nexus tables and breadboards feature an automated orbital machined matte finish that is significantly smoother and flatter than our previous product line. The improved surface finish achieves ±0.1 mm (±0.004") flatness over any 600 mm x 600 mm area. Large radius corners are incorporated into the design, resulting in less pointed edges for lab safety.
Click to Enlarge
Diagram showing the location of the honeycomb core and side panels, which do not intersect with any screw holes.
Sealed Edges with Anti-Static Packaging
All optical tables ship with a heat-shrink film that protects the table from most contaminants, such as dust, from entering the product during shipment. For additional protection, we offer an optional finishing and packaging service that is suitable for customers that want to minimize the presence of airborne contaminants on the interior and exterior surfaces of the table or breadboard. This includes anti-static packaging, which has a metallic foil inner layer protected by a heat shrink film outer cover, and gap-free edge panel construction to reduce static charge and prevent dust from entering the product.
Mounting Hole Options and Pattern
Individually Tapped, Countersunk Mounting Holes
Prior to bonding the components of the table, each mounting hole in the top surface is tapped and slightly countersunk to ensure that components mounted to the table sit flat. The mounting holes are then cleaned and sealed on the bottom with vinyl film discs (non-sealed models) or sealing cups (sealed hole models, see Sealed Mounting Holes below). The vinyl film is easily punctured when using a hole for the first time. Cap screws can be finger tightened into the mounting holes of all Nexus tables and breadboards.
Reduced Hole Pattern Border
Our top surface hole patterns extend to the edge of the table or breadboard with only a 12.5 mm (0.5”) border, equal to half of a hole-to-hole spacing. This increases the usable area of the table and improves mounting option flexibility.
Click to Enlarge
Nylon Sealing Cups Installation During Manufacturing
Increased Screw Depth and Optional Sealed Holes
Our custom-designed core maker produces precision formed and welded honeycomb core strips. The core is shaped and installed so that it does not intersect with any screw holes (see photo to the right), allowing screws to be inserted far into the table, all the way to the bottom skin (for non-sealed-hole models). See the Specs tab for specific screw depth specifications, including outer border holes.
Sealed Mounting Holes
Tables and breadboards can be manufactured with nylon sealing cups glued to the underside of the top skin (see photo to the left) for liquid spill management. Sealed hole tables are available in all sizes and thicknesses, and the maximum screw depth is 1" (25.4 mm).
Mounting Holes on the Bottom Skin
Our breadboards feature at least four mounting holes in the base skin, permitting the secure attachment of standard or vibration isolating feet and allowing more flexibility for integrating breadboards onto tables or into setups in addition to using breadboard stands.
Click to Enlarge
The surfaces of our tables and breadboards are sanded in our finishing machine.
Standard Nexus® Tables and Breadboards - Sizes Available
Thorlabs' Nexus line of optical tables and breadboards is the result of our vision to supply a single, high-end-grade line of optical tables for photonics, imaging, and microscopy applications. Our Nexus tables and breadboards incorporate enhanced damping, a precision-machined matte top and bottom finish, and holes to the edge of the tabletop. Each product is individually tested and includes a unique test data certificate.
Our tables and breadboards are available in many different sizes (see the tables below). Many of these sizes are stocked in our warehouses for same-day shipment, as indicated by green icons in the tables below. Other sizes are available as build-to-order products that can be shipped within 4 - 6 weeks of ordering and are indicated by blue icons below. We also provide a custom table and breadboard service. Common custom sizes are listed by yellow icons in the tables below. Use our Custom Tables and Breadboards Request Form to request a quote on these products.
Many table and breadboard sizes are available in two thicknesses, with or without sealed holes. Nonmagnetic steel tables and breadboards, plus table and leg kits, and breadboards with no holes are also available. Click on the green and blue icons below to see the stock and make-to-order tables available in each size.
Nexus Optical Tables
Metric
Width
| 1 m | 1.2 m | 1.5 m | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m |   |  |  |
| 2.5 m | | | |
| 3 m | | | |
| 4 m | | | |
Imperial
Width
| 3' | 4' | 4.8' | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6' | | | |
| 8' | | | |
| 10' | | | |
| 14' | | | |
Legend
| Icon | Availability | Typical Lead Timea |
|---|---|---|
| Stocked Item | Same Day |
| Build to Order | 4 - 6 Weeks |
| Custom Build | 6 - 8 Weeks |
Nexus Breadboards
Metric
Width
| 300 mm | 450 mm | 600 mm | 750 mm | 900 mm | 1200 mm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 mm | | - | - | - | - | - |
| 450 mm | | | - | - | - | - |
| 600 mm | | | | - | - | - |
| 750 mm | | | | | - | - |
| 900 mm | | | | | | - |
| 1200 mm | | | | | | |
| 1500 mm | | | | | | |
| 1800 mm | | | | | | |
Imperial
Width
| 12" | 18" | 24" | 30" | 36" | 48" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | | - | - | - | - | - |
| 18" | | | - | - | - | - |
| 24" | | | | - | - | - |
| 30" | | | | | - | - |
| 36" | | | | | | - |
| 48" | | | | | | |
| 60" | | | | | | |
| 72" | | | | | | |
| Posted Comments: | |
Mark Colden
(posted 2021-08-10 17:20:04.723) This model (.stp file) did not load to my Creo properly. It appeared as a thin sheet with a rail down one side and a strip of honeycomb perpendicular to the rail. Not useable! cwright
(posted 2021-08-16 10:12:19.0) Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. This file is loading well in my installation of Solidworks Premium 2019 SP2.0. This may be resolved by re-downloading the file but I will reach out to see if another format could help you. JASON GU
(posted 2021-06-21 09:37:52.7) Hello，
I can't find the load information in the specification, how much load it can support ?
Thanks cdolbashian
(posted 2021-06-25 10:34:06.0) These tables themselves can support a very large load breaking, and as that is the case, it is quite dangerous for us to test this for an absolute load spec. When considering the consequences of a large load on your table, the correct positioning of the supports is of the utmost importance. I have contacted you directly to further discuss your application and queries. Miklos Kedves
(posted 2020-06-24 10:12:54.25) Dear Thorlabs,
We need breadboards in order to extend the surface of the optical table next to a vacuum chamber. That is, these breadboards will be fixed to an optical table and about half of the surface will lie on the table and the other half will stretch out in the air. We are considering the model B3060A but I would like to ask which type of breadboard is more suitable for this purpose, the honeycomb structure or the aluminum plate? And what kind of fixing elements do you recommend to mount the breadboard on the optical table?
Thanks cwright
(posted 2020-06-25 04:59:33.0) Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello Miklos and thank you for your query. I will reach out to you directly to discuss your application and how we can help. Fabian Suttner
(posted 2020-02-05 12:06:38.447) Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
ich habe ein Frage zu Ihren Breadboards im Vergleich zu Aluminiumplatten mit den M6 Bohrungen.
Gibt es einen deutlichen Unterschied der Breadboards hinsichtlich der Temperaturausdehnung im Vergleich zu Aluminium Vollmaterial?
Wir benötigen ein Breadboard für Driftmessungen, wobei die Platte unempfindlich gegenüber Temperaturänderungen sein muss.
Viele Dank und freundliche Grüße
Fabian Suttner cwright
(posted 2020-03-06 08:04:15.0) Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Thank you for your query. I understand you need a breadboard for drift measurements and that the board has to be insensitive to temperature changes. Subsequently you are looking to compare the thermal expansion properties of our honeycomb breadboards and our solid aluminium breadboards. Unfortunately we do not have such data for our honeycomb breadboard assemblies but I can tell you that the aluminium we use for our MB breadboards has a thermal expansion of 23.3 µm per Kelvin. While our passivated stainless steel breadboards will likely have the least thermal expansion out of those products in our catalogue, we would suggest that if your application requires extremely little to no thermal expansion that you look for an Invar breadboard. A member of our European tech support team will reach out to you for further discussion. user
(posted 2017-01-09 16:20:22.083) Would placing one of these breadboards directly on a active vibration-isolated tabletop compromise its damping performance? tfrisch
(posted 2017-01-25 04:11:02.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. These breadboards are commonly used with rigid, passive, or active isolating supports, so I would not foresee any problems. user
(posted 2017-01-09 16:18:09.977) Hi, What is the frequency range of the damping on the various Nexus breadboards? tfrisch
(posted 2017-01-25 04:04:36.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Typical compliance curves can be found at the link below. You can reach us at TechSupport@Thorlabs.com for more details. https://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=7154&tabname=Vibration%20Isolation polly
(posted 2016-08-17 16:18:12.327) Is there any compliance data on vibration frequencies below 10 Hz, specifically down to 0.1 Hz? tthang48
(posted 2016-01-25 20:10:44.453) How repeatable are the tables? Can I reliably duplicate mechanical setups within .5mm maybe even tighter tolerance? Edge, hole spread, any deviation? bhallewell
(posted 2016-01-26 07:43:39.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your question. The top surface of our Nexus breadboard range have hole location tolerances of +/- 0.2mm, i.e from the edge of the top surface, the hole centre will be located between 12.3mm & 12.7mm. Apart from our rigid rail systems, the majority of our post-mounted solutions do not precisely align to the hole matrix, as flexibility to fine-tune component position is required by many when locating parts on the table. Perhaps if you are seeking tighter tolerances, a custom platform solution would be an option to consider. user
(posted 2015-05-07 18:22:40.67) Hi,
Can you give any more information on the density of the different types of breadboard (Nexus vs Intrinsically damped vs aluminium honeycomb).
i.e. I would like to compare the mass of the different breadboards but I think the mass is only stated for the aluminium honeycomb breadboards.
Thanks! jlow
(posted 2015-05-07 01:54:31.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The weight of each breadboard (packed and unpacked weight) can be found under the "Specs" tab. w.knoll
(posted 2014-04-24 09:52:24.343) Hi,
I was wondering is the breadboard B4560A is magnetic? Thanks!
Best wishes
Wiebke Knoll msoulby
(posted 2014-04-24 10:19:41.0) Response from Mike at Thorlabs: The B4560A breadboard contains ferromagnetic steel in most of its construction. We do have a range of breadboards made from non-magnetic 304L steel http://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1084 or our ultra-light aluminium breadboards http://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1877 if you are looking for a non-magnetic option. |
| Breadboards |  Nexus, Optimized Damping |
 Intrinsically Damped |
 Aluminum Honeycomb |
 Stainless Steel |
 Solid Aluminum |
 Optically Clear Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | ||||||
| Breadboard Thickness | 60 mm (2.4") 110 mm (4.3") |
58 mm (2.28") | 25 mm (0.98") 55 mm (2.2") |
12.7 mm (0.5") | 7.0 mm (0.28") 9.5 mm (0.375") 12.7 mm (0.5") 19.05 mm (0.75") |
12.7 mm (0.5") |
| Working Surface | 430 Grade Stainless Steel or 304L Grade Nonmagnetic Steel Top Plate | 430 Grade Stainless Steel Top Plate | Aluminum | 416 Grade Stainless Steel | Solid Aluminum Anodized or Unanodized |
Acrylic |
| Top Skin | 5 mm (0.20") | 5 mm (0.20") | 6 mm (0.24") | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bottom Skin | 5 mm (0.20") | 3 mm (0.12") | 3 mm (0.12") | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Core Design | High-Density Plated Steel Honeycomb, 0.26 mm Thick | High-Density Plated Aluminum Honeycomb | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Side Panels | Rigid Steel Box Section | Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) | Black Laminated Aluminum Sides |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ferromagnetism | Magnetic or Non-Magnetic Options | Magnetic | Non-Magnetic | Magnetic | Non-Magnetic | |
| Sealed Holes | Sealed (25 mm Depth) or Non-Sealed Options | Non-Sealed | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Thread Options | 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes | 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes | 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes | 1/4"-20 (M6), 4-40 (M3), or 8-32 (M3) and 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes |
1/4-20" Tapped Holes | |
| Spacing | 1" (25 mm) Centers | 1" (25 mm) Centers | 1" (25 mm) Centers | 1" (25 mm) Centers or 0.5" (12.7 mm) Centers |
0.5" (12.7 mm) Centers | |
| Distance from Edge to First Holes |
0.5" (12.5 mm) on all Sides | 0.5" (12.5 mm) or 1.0" (25 mm) on all Sides |
0.5" (12.5 mm) on all Sides | 0.5" (12.5 mm) on all Sides | 1.0" (25.4 mm) on all Sides | |
| Performancea | ||||||
| Damping |  |
 |
 |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stiffness |  60 mm (2.4") Thick |
 58 mm (2.28") Thick |
 25 mm (0.98") Thick |
 12.7 mm (0.5") Thick |
 7.0 mm (0.28") Thick |
 12.7 mm (0.5") Thick |
 110 mm (4.3") Thick |
55 mm (2.2") Thick |
19.05 mm (0.75") Thick |
||||
Optical Breadboard Selection Guides
The selection guides below list every size offered for our honeycomb, solid aluminum, and acrylic breadboards. Simply locate the specific width and length needed and then select the type of breadboard. Expand each table by clicking the More [+] button within the header.
Thorlabs also offers several unique breadboard solutions. For applications requiring temperature control, we offer anodized aluminum water cooled breadboards in several sizes, in addition to a temperature-controlled mini-series breadboard for small-scale operations. Our anodized aluminum large-area translation stages and rotating breadboards offer hand-operated positioning control, while our manual and motorized translating mounting platforms are ideal for use in microscopy applications.
| Imperial Optical Breadboard Size Options | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Length | Honeycomb | Stainless Steel | Solid Aluminuma | Acrylic, Transparent | ||||||
| Nexus (60 mm Thick)b |
Nexus (110 mm Thick)b |
Intrinsically Damped (58 mm Thick) |
Aluminum (25 mm Thick) |
Aluminum (55 mm Thick) |
Standard | Double Density | High Density | ||||
| Metric Optical Breadboard Size Options | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Length | Honeycomb | Stainless Steel | Solid Aluminuma | ||||||
| Nexus (60 mm Thick)b |
Nexus (110 mm Thick)b |
Intrinsically Damped (58 mm Thick) |
Aluminum (25 mm Thick) |
Aluminum (55 mm Thick) |
Standard | Double Density | High Density | |||
| 50 mm | 75 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MSB5075/M |
| 75 mm | 100 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MSB7510/M |
| 75 mm | 150 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MSB7515/M |
| 100 mm | 100 mm | - | - | - | - | - | MB10S/M | - | - | - |
| 100 mm | 150 mm | - | - | - | - | - | MB1015S/M | MB1015/M MB1015U/M |
M45B1015/Mc | MSB1015/M |
| 100 mm | 300 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1030/M | - | - |
| 100 mm | 600 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1060/M | - |
| 100 mm | 900 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1090/M | - |
| Ø149 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MBR150U/M | - | |
| Ø150 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MBR150/M | - | |
| 150 mm | 150 mm | - | - | - | - | - | MB15S/M | MB1515/M MB1515U/M |
M45B1515/Mc | MSB15/M |
| 150 mm | 300 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1530F/M | MB1530/M M45B1530/Mc |
- |
| 150 mm | 450 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1545/M | - | - |
| 150 mm | 600 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1560/M | - | - |
| 150 mm | 900 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB1590/M | - | - |
| 150 mm | 1200 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB15120/M | - | - |
| 180 mm | 230 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MSB1823/M MSBU1823/M |
| 200 mm | 200 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB2020/M MB2020U/M |
- | - |
| 200 mm | 250 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB2025/M | - | - |
| 200 mm | 600 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB2060/M | - |
| 200 mm | 900 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB2090/M | - |
| 250 mm | 300 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB2530/M MB2530U/M |
- | - |
| Ø300 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | MBR300/M MBR300U/M |
- | |
| 300 mm | 300 mm | B3030Ad B3030Ld |
- | - | PBG3030Ae | - | - | MB3030/M MB3030U/M |
MB3030D/M | MS12B/M MSB30/M |
| 300 mm | 450 mm | B3045Ad B3045Ld |
- | B3045AX | PBG3045Ae | - | - | MB3045/M MB3045A/Mf MB3045U/M |
- | MSB3045/M |
| 300 mm | 600 mm | B3060Ad B3060L |
- | B3060AXd | PBG3060A | PBG52502d | - | MB3060/M MB3060U/M |
- | - |
| 300 mm | 900 mm | B3090Ad B3090Ld |
- | - | PBG3090Ae | PBG52503d | - | MB3090/M | - | - |
| 300 mm | 1200 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB30120/M | - | - |
| 350 mm | 1150 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB35115/M | - | - |
| 350 mm | 1425 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB35142/M | - | - |
| 450 mm | 450 mm | B4545Ad B4545Ld |
- | - | PBG4545A | - | - | MB4545/M | - | - |
| 450 mm | 600 mm | B4560Ad B4560Ld |
- | B4560AXd | PBG4560Ae | PBG52522d | - | MB4560/M MB4560A/Mf MB4560U/M |
- | - |
| 450 mm | 750 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB4575/M | - | - |
| 450 mm | 900 mm | - | - | - | - | - | - | MB4590/M | - | - |
| 600 mm | 600 mm | B6060Ad B6060L |
- | B6060AXd | PBG6060Ae | PBG52505d | - | MB6060/M | - | |
| 600 mm | 900 mm | B6090A B6090L B6090ANd B6090Z |
B6090Bd B6090Nd |
B6090AX | PBG6090Ae | PBG52506d | - | MB6090/M | - | - |
| 600 mm | 1200 mm | B60120A B60120L |
B60120Bd B60120Nd |
B60120AX | PBG60120Ae | - | - | MB60120/M | - | - |
| 600 mm | 1500 mm | - | B60150Bd B60150Nd |
- | - | PBG52508d | - | - | - | - |
| 750 mm | 750 mm | B7575A B7575L |
- | - | - | - | - | MB7575/M | - | - |
| 750 mm | 900 mm | B7590A B7590L B7590ANd B7590Z |
B7590Bd B7590Nd |
B7590AX | PBG7590Ae | PBG52510d | - | - | - | - |
| 750 mm | 1200 mm | B75120A B75120L B75120ANd B75120Z |
B75120B B75120Nd |
B75120AX | PBG75120Ae | PBG52511 | - | - | - | - |
| 750 mm | 1500 mm | - | B75150B B75150N |
B75150AX | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 900 mm | 900 mm | B9090A B9090L |
B9090Bd B9090Nd |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 900 mm | 1200 mm | B90120A B90120L B90120AN B90120Z |
B90120B B90120N |
B90120AX | PBG90120Ae | PBG52513 | - | - | - | - |
| 900 mm | 1500 mm | - | B90150B B90150N |
B90150AX | - | PBG52514 | - | - | - | - |
| 900 mm | 1800 mm | - | B90180B B90180N |
B90180AX | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1200 mm | 1500 mm | - | B120150Bd B120150Nd |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1200 mm | 1800 mm | - | B120180B B120180Nd |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1250 mm | 1800 mm | - | - | - | - | PBG52521 | - | - | - | - |
Breadboards, Damped, 60 mm Thick