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Optical Posts: Ø1/2" and Ø12 mm![]()
TR4 TR3 TR2 TR2V Vacuum TRT2 0.25" (6.4 mm) TR2E Engraved Graduations TR3T TR3C Application Idea TRA3 Hard Coat Stainless Steel Posts TH075 Hex Top Post TR8M TR3M Post Spacers (Shims) Optical Construction Posts for Complex Optomechanical Assemblies Related Items ![]() Please Wait ![]() Click to Enlarge Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) Hole for Extra Leverage During Tightening
Features
Thorlabs’ Ø1/2" and Ø12 mm Optical Posts are a basic building block required in most rigid constructions and come in a wide range of post lengths ranging from 0.60" to 12" (15 mm to 300 mm for metric posts). Our precision-ground stainless steel posts are fabricated from 303 stainless steel (304L for vacuum-compatible posts) and are compatible with our Ø1/2" post holders and construction accessories. Additionally, we offer non-magnetic Ø1/2" aluminum posts that feature a black anodized hard coating to provide a lower reflectivity surface, suitable for applications sensitive to magnetic fields or reflections (see the Anodization Classes tab for more information). ![]() All of these posts, with the exception of the vacuum compatible posts, come with double-ended removable setscrews. Along with our standard posts, Thorlabs also manufactures specialty posts for a wide variety of applications. These options include our Ø1/2" posts with hex tops, Ø1/2" graduated posts, Ø1/2" translating optical posts that are ideal for quick, stable height adjustment of a mounted component, and Ø1/2" optical construction posts for mounting in custom configurations. All the posts on this page feature a bottom-located 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole and top-located 8-32 (M4) removable setscrew, providing compatibility with virtually all of our optic mounts. The 8-32 (M4) tapped hole provides additional flexibility by allowing 8-32 (M4) cap screws to be used with our universal mounts. All our posts, except the translating posts and the hex top posts, feature an Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole for using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner Wrench to provide extra leverage when tightening or loosening components. Thorlabs offers a line of adapters and accessories that increase the usability of these posts, including electrical isolation adapters and anti-rotation adapters. Also available are Ø12 mm pedestal posts with a bottom-located 4-40 (M3) or a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole and a top-located 4-40 (M3) or 8-32 (M4) removable setscrew. Please see our complete line of Ø1/2" Post Assemblies for other compatible accessories. ![]() Click to Enlarge Unanodized Aluminum Post Holder ![]() Click to Enlarge Type-II Anodized Aluminum Post Holder The anodizing of aluminum is a widely utilized conversion coating technique applied to a wide range of materials and employed in various decorative and engineering applications. In the simplest of terms, anodizing is an electrochemical process that modifies the parent material’s surface hardness, reflectivity, lubricity, adhesion, light suppression, and electrical /thermal insulating properties. While the anodizing process can be performed on a variety of electrically conductive materials, it is predominantly used to plate aluminum, thereby improving the component’s surface properties. Within the anodizing process, there are three alternative processes that, while similar, produce slightly different end properties: Type-I (Chromic Acid Anodize), Type-II (Sulfuric Acid Anodize), and Type-III (Hard Anodize). An explanation of each process is provided below. The main purpose of these three processes is to control the oxidation reaction that occurs naturally when raw aluminum is exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere. The anodizing process starts by mounting the substrate/parts to be anodized onto a conductive rack/jig (usually constructed from titanium or aluminum); these racks are then immersed into an electrolyte solution, which has a composition that is similar to battery acid. A DC power supply is then added to the entire cell/anodizing system; this promotes electrolysis of water within the electrolyte via electron transfer and separation of water molecules, which in turn promotes oxygen evolution at the anode (hence the term anodizing). This reaction forms a tightly packed hexagonal structured layer on the exposed surfaces of the aluminum components. Once hydrated/sealed (in most cases), the resulting item has improved corrosion resistance and is electrically insulated. The density, thickness, and sometimes color of the resultant anodic film can be precisely controlled through the use of various electrolyte solutions, concentrations, temperatures, and current densities. After this initial conversion coating has taken place, various different chemical species (i.e., PTFE, metallic species, or colored pigments) can be adsorbed / deposited into the oxidized film, which can further enhance the Anodic film’s performance or aesthetics. ![]() Click to Enlarge Type-III Anodized Aluminum Post Type-I Anodization Type-II Anodization Type-III Anodization Most Thorlabs components feature a Type-II matte-black anodized finish to promote light-absorption and provide improved wear resistance, while maintaining the ability to be machined with common tooling. In certain Thorlabs designs, Type-III or “Hard Coat Anodizing” has been chosen to offer maximum surface-hardness and wear resistance due to the requirements presented by the product’s intended application, such as our TRA series non-magnetic, low-reflectivity aluminum posts.
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These virtually non-magnetic 303 stainless steel (SS) posts are precision ground to Ø1/2". One end has a 1/4"-20 tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS8E50D double-ended 8-32 setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex]. A side-located Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. To reduce packaging waste, we offer our most popular sizes in packs of five. For shorter posts without a side-located bore, see our Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) optical posts with hex tops sold below. ![]()
These virtually non-magnetic 303 stainless steel (SS) posts are precision ground to Ø12.7 mm. One end has an M6 tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS4M12D double-ended M4 setscrew [2 mm (5/64") hex]. To easily distinguish these metric posts from their imperial counterparts featured above, the metric posts have a ring-shaped groove in the tapered section of the post. A side-located Ø3.2 mm (Ø1/8") hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. To reduce packaging waste, we offer our most popular sizes in packs of five. For shorter posts without a side-located bore, see our Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) optical posts with hex tops sold below. ![]()
These virtually non-magnetic 303 stainless steel (SS) posts are precision ground to Ø12 mm. One end has an M6 tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS4M12D double-ended M4 setscrew [2 mm (5/64") hex]. To easily distinguish these as metric posts, there is a ring-shaped groove in the tapered section of the post. A side-located Ø3.2 mm (Ø1/8") hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. To reduce packaging waste, we offer our most popular sizes in packs of five. These Ø12 mm posts are directly compatible with our standard Ø1/2" Post Holders and most of their compatible products. For components that require a post diameter of 1/2" (12.7 mm), such as our BA2E flexure post mount, we recommend using our AD12BA barrel adapter to bridge the 0.03" (0.7 mm) gap. ![]()
These virtually non-magnetic, vacuum-compatible 304L stainless steel posts are precision ground to Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm). One end has a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole, while the other end has a removable 8-32 (M4) threaded setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex]. A side-located Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. The 8-32 (M4) threaded hole is also vented into the side-located Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole. We recommend using a vented cap screw in the 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole. Vacuum Compatibility Our vacuum-compatible posts are packaged in double airtight bags for cleanroom and vacuum chamber applications. We also offer additional vacuum-compatible Ø1/2" post system components. ![]()
These non-magnetic Ø1/2" posts are made using precision-ground hardcoated aluminum. The anodized hard coat on each post provides an ultra-hardened surface (60 - 70 Rockwell C Scale) for increased wear, abrasion, and corrosion resistance, as well as a black surface for low reflectivity. Therefore, these posts are ideal for applications that are sensitive to magnetic fields or require lower reflection than our stainless steel posts (see the Anodization Classes tab for more information). One end has a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS8E50D 8-32 or SS4M12D M4 300 series stainless steel setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex on both ends]. A side-located Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge 7/16" (11 mm) Hex for Extra Leverage During Tightening ![]() Click to Enlarge TH075 in a Post Holder
These virtually non-magnetic 303 stainless steel posts are precision ground to Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm). One end has a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS8E50D 8-32 or SS4M12D M4 threaded setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex on both ends]. A common problem with shorter posts is that the thumbscrew of a post holder can get caught in the side-located bore of the post. To prevent this problem, these posts do not have this bore. Instead, the 8-32 (M4) tapped end of the post is a universal 7/16" (11 mm) hex to allow the user to provide extra leverage with a wrench when tightening mounted components. A slim profile wrench (less than 5 mm thick) is recommended for ease of use. To easily distinguish the metric posts from their imperial counterparts, the metric posts have a ring-shaped groove just below the hex. ![]()
These are identical to our Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) stainless steel (SS) TR posts above, but feature an engraved scale along their side. This scale provides a means to quickly and accurately align optics to your optical axis. A removable SS8E50D 8-32 or SS4M12D M4 threaded setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex on both ends] at the top of each post is compatible with many components such as fixed optic mounts, while a 1/4"-20 (M6) tap is on the other end of the post for mounting larger components. A side-located Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. ![]()
The TRT2 translating post has been designed to provide quick, stable height adjustment of a mounted component within an optical setup. One end has a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS8E50D 8-32 or SS4M12D M4 threaded setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex on both ends]. The TRT2 features an adjustment collar that translates the post up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) from its nominal position at 0.04" (1.0 mm) per revolution. When fully compressed, the post is 2.00" (50.8 mm) and a maximum length of 2.25" (57.2 mm). Once the desired height is achieved, the TRT2 can be locked into place with the built-in lock ring. Only the adjustment collar and lock ring rotate on the TRT2 to provide translation; neither the top nor the bottom of the post rotate when translated. Both the adjustment collar and lock ring have diameters slightly smaller than the post diameter, allowing the entire post to pass through all of our Ø1/2" construction accessories without interference. A side-located Ø1/8" (Ø3.2 mm) hole is bored straight through the post; using a balldriver or the SPW501 Spanner wrench on the hole provides extra leverage when tightening mounted components. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge TR3T and TR3C for Mounting at Arbitrary Angles
These posts are designed for mounting optomechanical components in custom configurations. One end has a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole, while the other end has a removable SS8E50D 8-32 or SS4M12D M4 threaded setscrew [5/64" (2 mm) hex on both ends]. By using a combination of a tapped construction post along with a counterbored construction post, components can be mounted at an arbitrary angle to keep your beam path unobstructed (see image to the right). The TR3C (TR75C/M) offers five #8 (M4) counterbores and a mounting flat while the TR3T (TR75T/M) offers three 8-32 (M4) tapped holes and a mounting flat. The posts can be combined by using an 8-32 (M4) cap screw. Additionally, a single post may be used to mount an optomechanical component on its side using the mounting flat on each post (see image to the right). ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The SPW501 wrench tightens Ø1" posts that have torque slots or holes. The SPW501 Spanner Wrench is designed to tighten or loosen Ø1" posts that have torque slots, as illustrated in the photo to the right. The SPW501 can also be used with Ø1/2" posts and Ø1" posts that have through holes. The wrench is designed to fit into the slot or through hole and provide leverage for tightening or loosening the post when mounting the post directly to a tapped hole. Please use minimal force when tightening to prevent binding due to overtightening. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge TR4M Post Spacer Underneath a TR3 Post with a KM100 Mirror Mount. The 1/4"-20 setscrew is threaded directly into the optical table.
These stainless steel post spacers, also known as shims, are designed for achieving intermediate heights of our TR series Ø1/2" posts without compromising structural rigidity. They have a diameter of 0.50" (12.7 mm) to fit underneath the Ø1/2" posts sold above. The center clearance hole allows 1/4"-20 (M6) setscrews to pass through to the mating tap of the components on either side of the spacer. By adding a Ø1/2" post spacer to a TR series post, it is easy to adjust the height of the center of optical components. An optic mounted in our LMR1(/M) or FMP1(/M) mount has its center at a height of 0.87" (22.1 mm) above the top of the post. Placing a TR3M post spacer under the post brings the optical axis height to 0.99" (25.1 mm). Setscrews are not included with these post spacers. 1/4"-20 and M6 setscrews are available here. | |||||||||||||||||
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