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Ø1.5" Post V-Clamp Mounts![]()
PM4 Clamping Arm C1513 Kinematic with ±2.2° Pitch & ±2.7° Yaw C1512 ±10° Manual Application Idea C15QR Quick-Release Handle An extra PM4 clamping arm can be added for increased stability. ![]() Please Wait
Thorlabs' Post V-Clamp Mounts are designed to fasten HeNe Lasers to our Ø1.5" Posts using a clamping mechanism that is actuated with the attached handle. The V-clamp mount provides two lines of contact along the bottom, and the included PM4(/M) Clamping Arm provides a third point of contact at the top. They are compatible with cylinders ranging in size from Ø0.28" to Ø2.04" (Ø6.5 mm to Ø51.9 mm), and are fabricated from black-anodized aluminum. The C1512(/M) Post V-Clamp Mount provides coarse pitch adjustment of ±10°. In contrast, the C1513(/M) Kinematic V-Clamp Mount includes two knobs that provide ±2.2° of pitch and ±2.7° yaw control. Three 6-32 (M4) taps along the outer edge of each the V-clamp provide flexible mounting locations for the included clamping arm. For additional stability, extra clamping arms may be purchased below. These clamps feature a quick-release handle for securing the clamp to a post. The handle contains a 1/4"-20 (M6) threaded stud that engages the part by simply rotating the handle. An internal mechanism allows the handle's rotational position to be adjusted without actuating the mounting stud. For users of the previous generation of post mounting clamps, the same quick-release handle is also sold separately (Item # C15QR). Insights into HeNe LasersScroll down to read about:
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HeNe Lasers: Handling and Mounting Guidelines![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 1: The external housing of HeNe lasers is mechanically coupled to the components of the lasing cavity. Stress applied to the external housing can misalign and potentially fracture lasing cavity components, which can negatively impact the quality and power of the output laser beam (red arrow) or lead to laser failure
HeNe lasers should be handled and mounted with care to protect them from damage. Never apply a bending force to the laser housing. Stress applied to the laser's external housing can misalign or damage components in the laser cavity. This can:
Factory packaging protects the HeNe lasers from shocks and vibrations during shipping, but end users directly handle the bare laser housing. Due to this, HeNe lasers are in greater danger of experiencing dangerous stress during handling by the end user. A result is that the primary cause of damage to HeNe lasers is rough handling after receipt of the laser. In extreme cases, shock and vibrations can shatter or fracture glass components internal to the laser. To maintain the optimum performance of your HeNe laser, do not drop it, never use force when inserting it into fixture, and use care when installing it into mounts, securing it using cage components or ring accessories that grip the housing, transporting it, and storing it. HeNe lasers will provide optimum performance over a long lifetime when they are handled gently. Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019
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The C1512(/M) Post V-Clamp Mount accepts cylindrical objects ranging in diameter from 0.33" to 2.04" (6.5 mm to 51.9 mm), such as HeNe Lasers, High-Magnification Zoom Lenses, and Laser Diode Modules. The angle of the V-clamp may be adjusted within a ±10° range by loosening two 8-32 (M4) cap screws that are located behind the V-clamp's inner edge. This clamp features a quick-release handle for securing the clamp to a post. The handle contains a 1/4"-20 (M6) threaded stud that engages the part by simply rotating the handle. An internal mechanism allows the handle's rotational position to be adjusted without actuating the mounting stud. This mount includes one PM4(/M) Clamping Arm, which may be fastened at any of three positions along the outer edge of the V-clamp. Additional PM4(/M) clamping arms are sold below. ![]()
The C1513(/M) Post Kinematic V-Clamp Mount accepts cylindrical objects ranging in diameter from 0.28" to 2.04" (6.7 mm to 51.9 mm), such as HeNe Lasers, High-Magnification Zoom Lenses, and Laser Diode Modules. The two kinematic knobs provide fine control of tip and tilt with ±2.2° of pitch and ±2.7° yaw and an adjustment per revolution of 6 mrad/rev. This clamp features a quick-release handle for securing the clamp to a post. The 2.03" (51.4 mm) long handle contains a 1/4"-20 (M6) threaded stud that engages the part by simply rotating the handle. An internal ratchet-type mechanism allows for the handle's rotational position to be adjusted without actuating the mounting stud. This mount includes one PM4(/M) Clamping Arm, which may be fastened at any of three positions along the edge of the clamp. Additional clamping arms are sold below. The kinematic mechanism consists of a series of hardened chromium steel balls and ball seats that are coupled to heavy-duty springs. This mechanism works with gravity and provides long-term stability. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Clamping Arm Extension Posts with Metric Indicator Groove ![]() Click for Details Mechanical Drawings
Thorlabs' PM3(/M) and PM4(/M) Clamping Arms use a nylon-tipped setscrew with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex to secure optics to our kinematic platform mounts and V-clamps. The PM3(/M) accommodates optics up to 0.97" (24.6 mm) tall and features a 0.69" (17.5 mm) center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew. In contrast, the PM4(/M) accommodates optics up to 1.61" (40.9 mm) and features a 1.16" (29.3 mm) center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew. The maximum optic height of the PM3(/M) or PM4(/M) Clamping Arms can be extended using our PM3SP(/M) or PM4SP(/M) Extension Posts, respectively. These extension posts are identical to the posts included in each complete clamping arm. The clamping arm for all items is held to the post using a flexure mechanism that locks with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) balldriver or hex key. The post also offers a through hole for added torque when tightening down the post. Please see the diagram above for additional information. ![]() ![]() Click for Details Left: C15QR Quick-Release Handle Being Attached to the C1511 Post Mounting Clamp Right: Pull Back to Rotate the Position of the Handle
The C15QR(/M) Quick-Release Handle provides a simple and reliable way of securing a flexure-based Ø1" (Ø25.0 mm) or Ø1.5" post clamp. In many cases a cap screw is used to lock a flexure-based clamp in place on a post, which requires a balldriver for adjustments. Depending on the mounted load, using a balldriver can be difficult, or even unsafe. This quick-release handle mitigates this problem by allowing the clamp to be hand-tightened, ensuring better control over the amount of torque applied to tighten or loosen the clamp. This also decreases the amount of time needed for basic setup and alignment by eliminating the need for additional balldrivers and allowing for a quick way to secure a clamp. Easily installed by replacing the 1/4"-20 (M6) locking screw in a post clamp, the 2.03" (51.4 mm) long handle contains a 1/4"-20 (M6) threaded stud that engages a part by rotating the handle. Once the handle is tightened to secure a clamp to a post, the internal ratchet-type mechanism allows for the handle's rotational position to be adjusted without actuating the mounting stud. Simply pull the handle outwards to disengage it from the mounting stud, as shown in the image to the right, then rotate it to a more convenient position. This feature ensures that the handle will always be accessible to the user. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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