Products Home19" Rack Hardware
- 7' x 19" EIA Width Full Size Floor Standing Rack
- Side Holes Allow Multiple Racks to be Bolted Together
- Weight Capacity: 750 lbs (Load Must be Evenly Distributed)
Extensive Series of Quick Connect
Subpanels (Not to Scale)
RK3884
Easy Access to Your Optical Layout when Open
Fully Protected when Closed
RBX-APC
RBX-SMA
RBX-FAN
Please Wait
These heavy-duty 19" equipment racks are an ideal lab organizer, capable of holding up to 750 lbs of evenly distributed weight along their height. Thorlabs offers a wide variety of accessories to enhance the functionality of these racks ranging from fiber and BNC patch panels to modular prototyping enclosures and storage shelves. Each component that fits in the rack system has a height defined in rack units (U). This unit indicates how much space the component will take up in the equipment rack. A comprehensive list of rack products and related accessories are available below.
19" equipment racks that attach directly to our ScienceDesk™ Workstations or Nexus® Optical Table Workstations are also available.
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Figure 2.1 RBX-FAN Packaging
| Item # | % Weight Reduction |
CO2-Equivalent Reductiona |
|---|---|---|
| RBX-FAN | 12.21% | 0.60 kg |
| RBX-AC | 14.97% | 0.73 kg |
Smart Pack
- Reduce Weight of Packaging Materials
- Increase Usage of Recyclable Packing Materials
- Improve Packing Integrity
- Decrease Shipping Costs
Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at waste minimization while still maintaining adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing packaging design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials for our customers when possible, this initiative seeks to improve the environmental impact of our product packaging. Products listed here are now shipped in re-engineered packaging that minimizes the weight and the use of non-recyclable materials.b As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered packages with our Smart Pack logo.
| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2024-02-20 14:16:15.587) For the RBX panels, it would be very convenient, if the patch panel would also be available for LEMO and for your 3pin photodiode power cables, as well as providing associated .3/.5m cable extension for inside of optical enclosures. jdelia
(posted 2024-02-22 03:09:58.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs, and for providing this valuable suggestion. While this is not something we currently offer, we can certainly look into providing it in the future. Robin Laing
(posted 2024-02-13 22:43:40.83) I am working on a project for another organization. I downloaded the step files in an effort to save me time in the modelling for the project as I did in the past with Hammond step files.
I was surprised that the model is a single item, and not broken down into individual parts. It would be nice to be able to at least remove the top cover for planning purposes and lay out components in the case.
I do have the tools to edit the file but I shouldn't have to do that. cdolbashian
(posted 2024-02-19 11:27:54.0) Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry. After discussing this with you, it seems like you had an "auto-merge" setting enabled on your CAD software, which was creating a singular solid body, instead of component-level multi body assembly. I can confirm that our file is indeed functional, and that you also have it working as expected now. user
(posted 2024-01-24 12:09:01.993) What weight can the Fixed Rack Shelf (Plain 17" x 11" Surface RK4101) support? jpolaris
(posted 2024-01-30 05:50:53.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We have not done definitive testing of RK4101 load capacity at this point in time. However, the shelf material is 16 gauge cold-rolled steel, so the thickness of the shelf is approximately ~1.52 mm. The amount of shelf deformation will be dependent on how concentrated the load is in the center of the shelf. For reference, the RK3884 equipment rack that RK4101 is designed to attach to can support up to 340 kg as long as the load is evenly distributed amongst the shelves. If you were to the maximum number of RK4101 shelves on RK3884, then this would be ~17 kg of load per RK4101 shelf. To keep things safe, I would not place much more than 13 kg on each shelf. Dodd Gray
(posted 2023-08-25 06:24:32.48) Are the mating sleeves on the RBX-APC fiber optic connector sub-panel compatible with PM fiber? If not, please add an RBX subpanel with PM fiber mating sleeves! cdolbashian
(posted 2023-08-30 01:07:41.0) Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry Dodd. Indeed, this is not something which we have already as a stock component. It seems like the component bulkhead would be the ADAFCPM3 to have the highest tolerance and lowest losses when coupling PM fibers. I have submitted this request internally, as this seems like a good addition to our catalogue. daniel hickstein
(posted 2023-06-30 11:31:50.287) I wanted to seal the bottom of the RBX32 to prevent airflow through those holes. I found this adhesive plastic from McMaster to be useful: https://www.mcmaster.com/3697N37/ jdelia
(posted 2023-07-03 12:50:02.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We appreciate you sharing this development with us and leaving your feedback. Vladimir Schkolnik
(posted 2023-01-26 21:15:00.187) Hi, is it possible to get the RBX32/M without the optical breadboard? jgreschler
(posted 2023-01-27 10:29:22.0) Thank you for reaching out to Thorlabs. Customization service on rack mounted hardware can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. I have reached out to you directly to discuss this application. Ali Kaichouhi
(posted 2023-01-11 16:17:08.45) It seems that the base is very narrow, so the rack has a real chance of falling if there is no equilibrium, right?
And is it possible to put mobile wheels underneath it, such as the PSY140 castors? jdelia
(posted 2023-01-13 02:35:51.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. You are correct in that the load you apply on these racks must be evenly distributed. Unfortunately, we do not have a suggested method for installing wheels and the casters you mention are not directly compatible. user
(posted 2022-02-28 17:03:41.917) Hello, Are EC2U and EC3U able to be removed from the rack without unscrewing? E.g. a latch on the sliding rails allows the box to be removed from the rails? cdolbashian
(posted 2022-03-04 04:59:04.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. EC2U and EC3U are designed for mounting screws in through the mounting holes of the brackets. At current stage, they cannot be removed from the rack without unscrewing. I have posted your request on our internal engineering forum for further consideration as a future product. Thank you for the excellent feedback! ashish kumar
(posted 2021-07-20 14:55:07.297) I want to use an exhaust fan for a chassis to efficiently throw the air out of the system. I have made holes in the panel. I want to ensure that the fan is an exhaust fan and not a cooling one. Is it throwing the air out or pulling the air at the place where it is mounted. Clarifications are needed. cdolbashian
(posted 2021-08-27 11:02:48.0) Thank you for reaching out to us Ashish. The fan will pull air into the rack-mounted component by default. If you want it to blow air out of the unit, you are free to reverse the physical orientation of the fan. user
(posted 2021-05-06 11:01:35.553) The RBX/32M is great, and of excellent build quality. The only issue with this unit: it uses an imperial screw to lock, whereas the inner breadboard is metric - so I still need two sets of hex keys to use this! Please consider replacing this with a metric locking screw in the future. YLohia
(posted 2021-05-06 02:09:25.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback! We will consider implementing these design changes on a future revision of this product. user
(posted 2017-10-05 16:33:57.413) Is the rack free standing or does it need to be screwed into the floor somehow? It does not mention this need, but the base looks much shallower than my sr830 lock-in amplifier, so it might topple over! tfrisch
(posted 2017-10-05 02:26:17.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The base is 15"x20.25" and has 0.75" clearance holes that you could use to bolt it down. The full drawing is here: https://www.thorlabs.com/_sd.cfm?fileName=6529-E0W.pdf&partNumber=RK3884 sjobling
(posted 2015-04-28 18:40:26.76) It would be useful to have access to a basic drag chain for a cable guide on sliding drawers in a rack mount. This would allow me to slide the drawer in and out without putting tension on any fibers/cables/etc that are inside the drawer. cdaly
(posted 2015-04-29 03:19:36.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. At the moment, we do not offer drag chains, but do provide cable management that might be possible for you to use in the drawers here: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2685 neil.troy
(posted 2014-02-20 10:00:23.917) What is the maximum height of an internal component when the chassis is closed? jlow
(posted 2014-02-25 04:14:46.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The maximum height is about 4.7". jjurado
(posted 2011-07-11 16:29:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to avle: Thank you for contacting us. We will upload this model to the web in the next few days. In the meantime, I will send it to you directly. avle
(posted 2011-07-05 19:13:48.0) Do you have 3D solidworks models for RBX32 rack box, and associate panels/accessories?
This would be highly useful.
Thanks! |
Zoom- Standard 19" EIA Equipment Rack
- 7.00' (2.1 m) Tall, Floor-Standing Rack (45U Mountable Space)
- Heavy-Duty, 3" Wide Vertical Channels
- Weight Capacity of 750 lbs (340 kg) (Load Must be Evenly Distributed)
- Mounting Holes: 12-24 Tapped Holes on a 5/8", 5/8", 1/2" Alternating Hole Pattern
- Side Holes Allow Multiple Racks to be Bolted Together
- Includes 50 12-24-Threaded Mounting Screws
This heavy-duty instrumentation rack is manufactured from industrial-grade aluminum, U-channels and angle extrusions. The rack is 7.00' (2.1 m) in height with 45U of space for mounting rack shelves and components. It can support up to 750 lbs (340 kg) when the weight is distributed evenly throughout the height of the rack. 50 mounting screws are included with the RK3884. Additional 12-24-threaded mounting screws are sold at the bottom of the page (Item # RK5000).
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Click to Enlarge
Figure 292A Equipment Rack with Optics stored in an RK4102 Shelf and Optomechanics Essentials Kits on RK4101 Shelves
Thorlabs' Rack Shelves are ideally suited for storing optomechanical components in a standard 19" rack. The RK4101 Rack Shelf provides a flat surface that is perfectly sized for holding our optomechanics essentials kits. The RK4102 Rack Shelf contains 77 Ø1/2" holes on 1.5" centers, allowing components mounted on Ø1/2" posts to be conveniently stored.
When used with our 19" equipment rack, these shelves take up 3.5" or 2U of space. These shelves attach to a standard 19" equipment rack using 12-24-threaded mounting screws, which are not included. Mounting screws are sold at the bottom of the page (Item # RK5000).
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Click to Enlarge
Figure G3.1 Open RAU400 Drawer Unit Showing Included RAU001 Divider Kit
- Available in 3 Heights: 2U (3.5"), 3U (5.25"), and 4U (7.00")
- Full Extension Ball-Bearing Drawer Sliders
- Black-Powder-Coated Finish
- Internal Rubber Mat
- Sold Complete with Divider Kit (Item # RAU001)
- Lockable for Added Security
This versatile drawer assembly is ideal for general storage. It fits 19" rack systems and is available in 3 heights: 2U (3.5"), 3U (5.25"), and 4U (7.00"). The drawer is made from 1.2 mm (0.05") thick steel with a black-powder-coated paint finish. It moves on smooth roller bearing runners and features a coupling on the drawer slide, allowing for removal of the drawer from the housing. Each drawer is lockable and comes with two keys, four 12-24 UNC screws with nuts for securing the drawer to the rack chassis, a rubber base mat, and an RAU001 divider kit. Further RAU001 divider kits are available separately.
The RAU001 drawer divider kit is provided to allow the user to build smaller storage bins. As shown in Figure G3.1, it is comprised of two plastic pieces that span the length of the drawer and two that span the width. The dividers can be moved and interlocked to build different arrangements; they can also be cut into smaller lengths to build custom bin sizes.
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Click to Enlarge
Figure 226A Rack Box Chassis Lock when Opened; Press Green Button to Unlock and Close
| Available Subpanels |
|---|
| Fiber Connector Panels |
| Electrical Connector Panels |
| Cooling Fan Panel |
| AC Power Entry Panel |
| Blank Panels |
- 1/4" (6.35 mm) Thick Optical Breadboard in an Easy Slide Chassis Box
- 1/4"-20 (M6) Mounting Holes on 1" (25 mm) Centers
- Large Working Surface [15.5" x 16" (39.4 cm x 40.6 cm)] is Accessible when Rack Box is Extended
- Chassis Sold without Subpanels to Enable Configuration of Application-Specific Systems
- Roller Bearing Slides; Rated for 175 lbs (79 kg)
- Easy Access to Optical Layout
- Fully Protected when Closed
These versatile prototyping Rack Box Systems are ideal for building custom fiber-based assemblies. Fourteen subpanel slots allow for an extensive series of quick-connect subpanels that provide support for fiber optic and electrical systems. Subpanels designed for fiber connections, electrical connections, cooling fans, and AC power entry are available below, as are blank panels. The chassis is offered without subpanels for customers wishing to build application-specific systems.
These systems lock the chassis in place when open. To close the chassis, press the green button located on its side (see Figure 226A). When the chassis is closed, the maximum height of a mounted assembly is 4.7" (119.4 mm).
These rack boxes attach to a standard 19" equipment rack using 12-24-threaded mounting screws, which are not included. When used in a rack system, the height of the rack box is 5.20" or nearly 3U. Mounting screws are sold at the bottom of the page (Item # RK5000).
Zoom| Table 693B Housing Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure Item # |
Height in Rack Units | Enclosure Dimensionsa (W x D x H) |
| EC2U | 2U | 482.6 mm x 377.2 mm x 88.4 mm (19.00" x 14.85" x 3.48") |
| EC3U | 3U | 482.6 mm x 377.2 mm x 132.9 mm (19.00" x 14.85" x 5.23") |
| EC4U | 4U | 482.6 mm x 377.2 mm x 177.4 mm (19.00" x 14.85" x 6.98") |
| EC5U | 5U | 482.6 mm x 377.2 mm x 222.3 mm (19.00" x 14.85" x 8.75") |
| EC6U | 6U | 482.6 mm x 477.2 mm x 266.3 mm (19.00" x 18.79" x 10.48") |
- These dimensions measure the outside of the enclosure, including the mounting brackets. Detailed dimensions of each enclosure are available by clicking on the red Docs icons (
) below.
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Figure 693A Opened EC2U Rack Enclosure for Electronics
- Empty Housings for Electronic Assemblies
- Designed for 19" Racks
- 2U, 3U, 4U, 5U, and 6U Sizes Available
- Click Here for Full Presentation
These rack enclosures for electronics are designed for customers interested in assembling their own 19" rack-mounted electronic devices. Five sizes of housing are available (see Table 693B for details). The aluminum enclosures sold here come with blank front and rear panels, as well as two mounting brackets.
Four M3 button head cap screws are included with the enclosure for securing the ECUMB mounting board or MSBU3038(/M) breadboard inside (each sold separately). The ECUMB mounting board provides a surface with 18 mm x 5 mm slots for holding electronic components, such as PCBs, development boards, and power supplies. Alternatively, the MBSU3038(/M) breadboard features a high-density hole pattern of 8-32 (M4) and 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes to allow optomechanical components to be mounted inside the enclosure. The ECCP platform has four 38 mm swivel casters and two foldable handles for easily transporting the 19" rack enclosures. The enclosures can also be converted for benchtop use using additional accessories. For more information on these enclosures and their accessories, see their full web presentation.
To open the enclosure, remove the countersunk screws on both the rear and bottom panels using the included 2 mm hex key, and then slide off the top of the enclosure. Detailed instructions on opening the enclosure are available in the spec sheet via the red Docs icons () below.
Zoom- Optical Fiber Subpanels for Our RBX32(/M) Rack Box Chassis
- Each Panel Contains Four Fiber Mating Sleeves
- "Snap-On" Modular Design
Thorlabs' selection of fiber connection panels allows setups or instruments inside a rack box chassis, such as our RBX32(/M) available above, to be connected to fiber components outside of the rack box. Each panel contains four mating sleeves that can be removed, allowing for panels to be customized according to the requirements of the system. The "snap-on" panel design allows for quick attachment to or removal from a rack box chassis.
Electrical connection panels and blank panels with the same profile are also available below.
RBX-FC
Our RBX-FC panel contains four ADAFC1 FC/PC to FC/PC Mating Sleeves designed for 2.2 mm wide key fiber optic cables. Flat FC/PC connectors are significantly less alignment sensitive than their angled FC/APC counterparts, making these wide-key-slot mating sleeves acceptable for narrow and wide key FC/PC connectors. Although these mating sleeves are mechanically compatible with narrow key FC/APC connectors, the wide-key slot makes it difficult to properly align the angled, narrow key FC/APC connector. For FC/APC applications, we therefore recommend the RBX-APC panel.
RBX-APC
Our RBX-APC panel contains four ADAFC4 FC/APC to FC/APC Mating Sleeves designed for 2.0 mm narrow key fiber optic patch cables. These narrow-key-slot mating sleeves allow for proper alignment of angled, narrow key FC/APC connectors. These sleeves are also mechanically compatible with narrow key FC/PC connectors, but the flat FC/PC connector is significantly less alignment sensitive, which makes the RBX-FC wide-key-slot mating sleeves shown immediately above an acceptable alternative.
RBX-SMAF
Our RBX-SMAF panel conatins four ADASMA SMA to SMA Mating Sleeves. It is directly compatible with SMA905-style connectors and is not intended for mating an SMA906-style connector to another SMA906-style connector.
Zoom- Electrical Connection Subpanels for Our RBX32(/M) Rack Box Chassis
- RBX-BNC: Four BNC Connectors, Each with Rear Solder Terminals
- RBX-DB9: Two Female DB9 Connectors, Each with Rear Solder Terminals
- RBX-SMA: Four T4285 SMA Female-to-Female Connectors
- "Snap-On" Modular Design
These panels provide common electrical connections for standard 19" racks. Thorlabs also offers a complete selection of BNC, SMA, SMC, and banana plug electrical adapters and cables.
Zoom- 115 V/230 VAC-Powered Cooling Fan
- Operates at 3000 RPM
- Maximum CFM Rating: 25
- Four 8-32 Button Head Screws Included
This cooling fan attaches to a wide slot on the back of our RBX32(/M) Rack Box Systems (detailed above). Up to two fans may be attached per chassis. The metal panel contains four through holes that accept the four included 8-32 button head screws.
Zoom- 125/250 VAC Compatible
- Current Rating: 0.1 to 15 A
- Four 8-32 Button Head Screws Included
- C14 Three-Pin Inlet Connector Compliant with IEC/EN 60320-1
This power module attaches to a wide slot on the back of our RBX32(/M) Rack Box Systems (detailed above). The metal panel contains four through holes that accept the four included 8-32 button head screws.
Zoom- RBX-BLK1F: Blank Panel for 1 Standard-Width Slot
- RBX-BLK5F: Blank Panel for 5 Standard-Width Slots
- RBX-BLK1B: Blank Panel for 1 Wide Back Slot
- "Snap-On" Modular Design
These blank panels are ideal for customers who wish to design their own connector layouts or use connectors that are not offered from our stock. They can also be used to prevent dust from entering through unused slots.
Zoom- Rack Screws with Large Pan Heads
- 12-24 Threading
- Pilot Point Reduces Cross-Threading
- Includes Hard Plastic Washers to Eliminate Marring of Instrumentation
These rack screws are designed to mount our Rack Box Chassis, Fixed Rack Shelves, and other rack-mountable equipment into standard 19" equipment racks. Sold in packs of 50, they feature a combination head compatible with both Phillips and flat head screwdrivers. Hard plastic washers are also included.
Racks