Magnetic Bases


  • Rare Earth Magnets Hold Position of Components During Initial Setup
  • Permanent and On/Off Switchable Options Available

UPHA

BA2R

1/4"-20 (M6) Stud

ON/OFF
Hex Key Switch

PHM1

BA1SR

MBM0404

Two ON/OFF
Hex Key Switches

1/4"-20 (M6) Stud

MB175

PMB3

(Post Holder Sold Separately)

BE1R

Related Items


Please Wait

Features

  • Permanent Magnetic Bases Secure Components without Screws
  • Versions Available with On/Off Switchable Magnets
  • Temporary Magnetic Bases Prevent Accidental Repositioning During Setup

Thorlabs' permanent and temporary magnetic base provides an alternative way to secure optical components to magnetic optical tables and breadboards. Our permanent base provides sufficient magnetic force, 70 lbs (311 N), to support components without the use of screws.

Thorlabs’ selection of temporary magnetic bases allows components to be briefly secured to the table or breadboard during the setup process. The magnets in these bases are strong enough to help prevent accidental repositioning of components, while still allowing for easy adjustment. Once positioning is complete, these bases must be screwed down to be permanently secured to the table. The full functionality of these bases can only be achieved when using them on a magnetic table or breadboard; however, they can function as a standard base on non-magnetic surfaces as well.


Posted Comments:
平野 充幸  (posted 2022-05-31 10:49:39.483)
お手数をお掛けしますが、数量1個の場合と数量2個の場合のお見積りをお願い致します。
cwright  (posted 2022-06-01 10:17:12.0)
Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Thank you for your query. Quotations for catalogue items can be requested from the checkout page on the website or by contacting your local sales team. I will forward your request to your local sales team so they can provide you with the requested quote.
Simon Walker  (posted 2019-06-19 09:51:28.49)
MB175/M and MB175 have a threaded stud (M6 or 1/4"-20n respectively). Is the tapped hole for the stud in the base also different for each base or do they both have the same thread hole but one uses a conversion stud? Thanks.
llamb  (posted 2019-06-19 11:00:34.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The base units are indeed tapped differently for the metric/imperial counterparts.
yehonatan.gilead  (posted 2016-05-31 07:19:35.303)
we use the UPHA extensively in our lab - but some do not like the magnets in the bottom, and are only looking for the swivel feature. may i suggest producing a magnet-free version, which should also probably be cheaper?
besembeson  (posted 2016-06-02 01:24:43.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for your feedback. We will review this. In the meantime I will contact you if you need special version without the magnets.
user  (posted 2015-08-25 11:08:22.747)
The permanent magnetic base is far too strong for regular use. We had to glue a cardboard cutout to the bottom to make it usable.
besembeson  (posted 2015-09-29 08:43:15.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: This is deliberately designed to be sufficiently strong so that it can properly secure base and be stable with components mounted. If this is a concern, you may consider the switchable version of the magnetic base (MB175) if suitable for your mounting needs.
Hans.T.Kemp  (posted 2013-02-01 22:30:15.023)
The new magnetic base looks cool but is a little too expensive compared to the other products.
jlow  (posted 2013-02-08 11:35:00.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback regarding the PHM0. We are committed to providing the best value for our customer. With that being said, we will take another look at our pricing policy for this and also look into new ways on how we could reduce its cost of manufacturing.
jjurado  (posted 2011-04-05 16:17:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to Jose: Thank you very much for contacting us. The MB175/M magnetic base is designed to work with magnetic surfaces. The PBH series breadboards are manufactured with stainless steel plates, so the MB175/M will certainly work with these. The base will not work with the MB60120/M nor PBG series breadboards, however, since the manufacturing material is aluminum, and this metal is not ferromagnetic.
jmlu  (posted 2011-04-05 12:56:13.0)
Dear, I would like to know if the MB175/M can be used with the PBH51514, PBG51512 and MB60120/M breadboards. thank you Jose M. Lázaro Innovation & Technology Arteche Centro de Tecnología e-mail: jmlu@arteche.es www.arteche.com
Back to Top

Permanent Magnetic Base

  • Ø2.63" (66.8 mm) x 3/8" (9.5 mm)
  • Ceramic Magnet in Base Provides Excellent Holding Force: 70 lbs (311 N)
  • Precision-Machined for Flat, Stable Mounting
  • Counterbored Mounting Hole Accepts 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws

The PMB3 Base is a permanent magnetic version of our IB3 Instrumentation Base. The magnet is sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without clamping to an optical table. This base is only compatible with magnetic optical tables and breadboards. These are ideal for components which will temporarily be in a beam path, such as power meters.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PMB3 Support Documentation
PMB3Permanent Magnetic Base
$15.81
Today
Back to Top

Switchable, Heavy-Duty Magnetic Base

The MB175 heavy duty magnetic base has a switchable magnet, i.e. a magnet that can be turned on and off, for quick positioning of optical components. This base does not require additional hardware to secure it to the breadboard; however, it is only compatible with magnetic optical tables. The two bottom mounting surfaces have been precision ground for optical bench applications.

Note: The MB175(/M) magnetic base is not intended for overhead use. The holding force is specified for removal of the base perpendicular to a magnetic stainless steel surface with a surface flatness of less than 0.0005" (12.7 µm).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
MB175 Support Documentation
MB175Heavy-Duty Switchable Magnetic Base, 1/4"-20 Mounting Stud
$55.13
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
MB175/M Support Documentation
MB175/MHeavy-Duty Switchable Magnetic Base, M6 Mounting Stud
$55.13
Today
Back to Top

Switchable, Compact Magnetic Base: 3" x 1" (76.2 mm x 25.4 mm)

PHM0 Typical Application
Click to Enlarge

PHM1 magnetic base used to mount a series of optics in close proximity to each other.
  • Compact Design Ideal for High-Density Optical Setups
  • ON/OFF Hex Key Switch for Easy Assembly
  • Vertical Holding Force: 56 lbs (250 N)
  • Horizontal Holding Force: 22 lbs (100 N)
  • 1/4"-20 (M6) Post-Mounting Stud
  • Typically Used with our Standard Ø1/2" Posts, Ø1" Posts, or Ø1/2" Post Holders

Thorlabs' PHM1(/M) Post Base is a compact, switchable (i.e., the magnet can be turned on and off) magnetic base that allows the user to mount optics and instruments rigidly in a setup. This switchable magnetic design provides placement flexibility within the experiment. The magnet is aligned centrally along the length of the base and recessed to avoid damaging the work surface. Sufficient holding force is provided by the magnet to secure the base in place without clamping to an optical table and the magnet can be switched on by turning the switching screw counterclockwise 90° using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key.

These bases are ideal for applications where semi-permanent hardware placement and close positioning with other components are required. Additionally, the black anodized finish allows for reduced scatter in optical applications.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
PHM1 Support Documentation
PHM1Switchable Magnetic Post Base, Imperial
$76.61
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
PHM1/M Support Documentation
PHM1/MSwitchable Magnetic Post Base, Metric
$76.61
Today
Back to Top

Switchable Magnetic Base: 4.4" x 4.4" (112 mm x 112 mm)

MBM Typical Application
Click to Enlarge

MBM0404 magnetic base used to mount a series of optics in an interferometer set up.
  • ON/OFF Hex Key Switches for Easy Assembly
  • Vertical Holding Force: 33.7 or 67.4 lbs (150 or 300 N)
  • Horizontal/Sideways Holding Force: 11.2 or 22.5 lbs (50 or 100 N)
  • Array of 25 1/4"-20 (M6) Mounting Holes
  • Ideal for Use with No-Holes Breadboards

The MBM series Magnetic Base is a compact, switchable (i.e., the magnet can be turned on and off) magnetic breadboard that allows the user to mount optics and instruments rigidly in a setup. The switchable magnetic design provides placement flexibility within the experiment, and the twin magnets are sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without needing to clamp it to an optical table. The full magnetic force of 67.4 lbs (300 N) can be switched on by turning both of the switching screws counterclockwise 90° using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key. A reduced force of 33.7 lbs (150 N) can be applied by turning on just one of the switches.

These bases are ideal for applications where semi-permanent hardware placement and close positioning with other components are required. Each base has an array of 25 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and provides the same mounting functionality as an optical breadboard. The footprint measures 112 mm x 112 mm (4.4" x 4.4"), for compatibility with our NanoMax 3-axis stages and is large enough to allow a complete subassembly to be removed from the setup. They are also ideal for providing a fixed mounting surface to a breadboard without holes and for use with our range of kinematic bases. Additionally, the black anodized finish reduces scatter in optical applications.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
MBM0404 Support Documentation
MBM0404Customer Inspired! Switchable Magnet Breadboard, 4.4" x 4.4"
$296.97
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
MBM1010/M Support Documentation
MBM1010/MCustomer Inspired! Switchable Magnet Breadboard, 112 mm x 112 mm
$296.97
Today
Back to Top

Magnetic Bases

  • Magnetic Versions of Our Most Popular Bases
  • Holds Position of Components During Initial Setup Process
  • Relief Cuts in Base Provide Excellent Stability

These anodized aluminum magnetic bases are modeled after our popular standard bases but are enhanced by bottom-mounted rare earth magnets, which provide the ability to temporarily secure components during the setup process. The force from these magnets is strong enough to help prevent accidental movement of components, while still allowing for easy repositioning. The full functionality of these bases can only be achieved when using them on a magnetic table or breadboard; however, they can function as a standard base on non-magnetic surfaces as well.

Each base attaches to a post holder via cap screws that fit within a bottom-located 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole. For final attachment to an optical breadboard, each base features at least one slot for a 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screw. Once positioning is complete, these bases must be screwed down to be permanently secured to the table. The BA1SR provides one 1.10" (27.9 mm) slot and allows for the smallest footprint. For increased stability while maintaining a small footprint, the BA1R provides two 0.81" (20.1 mm) slots. Finally, for the most support, the BA2R features two 1.25" (31.8 mm) slots. In addition, the BA2R comes with four bottom-located M3 counterbored holes for 34 mm rail mounting.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
BA1SR Support Documentation
BA1SRMagnetic Mounting Base, 1" x 2.3" x 3/8"
$13.02
Today
BA1R Support Documentation
BA1RMagentic Mounting Base, 1" x 3" x 3/8"
$13.58
Today
BA2R Support Documentation
BA2RMagnetic Mounting Base, 2" x 3" x 3/8"
$21.86
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
BA1SR/M Support Documentation
BA1SR/MCustomer Inspired! Magnetic Mounting Base, 25 mm x 58 mm x 10 mm
$13.02
Today
BA1R/M Support Documentation
BA1R/MCustomer Inspired! Magnetic Mounting Base, 25 mm x 75 mm x 10 mm
$13.58
Today
BA2R/M Support Documentation
BA2R/MMagnetic Mounting Base, 50 mm x 75 mm x 10 mm
$21.86
Today
Back to Top

Magnetic Pedestal Base Adapter


Click to Enlarge

The BE1R has a magnet in the base for stability in temporary setups.
  • BE1R(/M) Adapters Convert Standard Ø1/2" Post Holders and Ø1" Posts into Pedestal-Style Mounts
  • Strong Magnet in Base Provides Stability for Temporary Setups
  • Clamping Forks or CL8 Table Clamp Secures Base to a Breadboard or Table
  • Machined Bottom Relief Cut for Added Stability

The BE1R(/M) is a magnetic version of our BE1(/M) pedestal base adapters. These bases feature a 1/4"-20 (M6)-threaded stud which fit into the bottom of our standard Ø1/2" post holders or Ø1" posts to convert them into pedestal-style mounts. The magnet is sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without clamping to an optical table. A clamping fork or the CL8 Table Clamp can be used with these base adapters for additional stability or for making a permanent setup.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
BE1R Support Documentation
BE1RCustomer Inspired! Ø1.25" Magnetic Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, 1/4"-20 Thread
$19.10
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
BE1R/M Support Documentation
BE1R/MCustomer Inspired! Ø31.8 mm Magnetic Studded Pedestal Base Adapter, M6 Thread
$19.10
Today
Back to Top

Swivel Base Adapter

  • Convert Your Existing Post Holders into Universal Post Holder Style Mounts
  • 360° Swiveling Base Fastens to Existing Ø1/2" Post Holders via a 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screw
  • Magnets in Base Hold Position of Components on Breadboard During Initial Setup
  • Also Available in Packs of Five

Our 360° swivel base adapter fits standard Ø1/2" post holders with 1/4"-20 (M6) mounting holes and minimizes the amount of time it takes to assemble an optical system. In addition, the swivel design is ideal for applications that require a large number of components to be packed into a small area. When our Ø1/2" post holders are used with this adapter, the combination is nearly that of our very popular Universal Post Holders. This anodized aluminum adapter has the benefit of compatibility with any of our existing Ø1/2" post holders but does not offer the same height flexibility of the swiveling post holders, which allow the post to be lowered all the way to the table. For ease of ordering, these base adapters are also available in packs of five.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
UPHA Support Documentation
UPHASwivel Base Adapter
$24.12
Today
UPHA-P5 Support Documentation
UPHA-P5Swivel Base Adapter, 5 Pack
$118.20
Today