Rail Platform Positioners for 95 mm Rails

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Figure 1.2  XT95NR(/M) Mechanical Drawing

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Figure 1.1  XT95N(/M) Mechanical Drawing

XT95 95 mm Optical Rail Accessories
Rails	Rail Platform Positioners	Angle Adapters	Leveling Feet
Breadboard Mounting	Mounting Platforms	T-Nuts and Screws	Size Adapters

Features

• XT95N(/M) Positioner:
• 1/4" -80 Adjuster Translates Rail-Mounted Platform
• 0.013" (320 µm) of Translation per Revolution
• Max Translation Range of 1.48" (37.7 mm)
• Adjuster Screw Accepts 5/64" (2 mm) Balldriver
• XT95NR(/M) Return Positioner:
• Two Spring-Loaded Plungers
• Clamps onto 95 mm Rails
• Use with XT95N(/M) Positioner for Bidirectional Adjustment

Thorlabs' XT95N(/M) Rail Platform Positioner and XT95NR(/M) Rail Platform Return Positioner are designed to aid in fine alignment of optics mounted on a 95 mm rail platform. The XT95N(/M) positioner consists of an F25SS200 1/4"-80 adjuster screw incorporated into a 95 mm rail clamp. The screw provides smaller, smoother movement than coarse translation by hand. The maximum recommended translation is 1.48" (37.7 mm); however, longer adjuster screws can be installed if desired. 

The XT95NR(/M) return positioner is comprised of two spring-loaded plungers integrated into a 95 mm rail clamp. The plunger can travel a maximum range of 0.29" (7.2 mm), and the compression spring tension can also be adjusted with a 5/32" (4.0 mm) hex key. 

The XT95N(/M) positioner and XT95NR(/M) return positioner can both clamp to the side of a 95 mm rail with spring-assisted clamping mechanisms. When the locking screw is loosened, the assisted opening mechanism pushes the hinged clamping arm out and provides ample clearance for the dovetail of a 95 mm rail.

When used in conjunction, the XT95N(/M) positioner and XT95NR(/M) return positioner provide precision alignment in either direction on a rail's axis. To use the XT95N(/M) platform positioner, slide the positioner along the rail until the ball of the adjuster screw comes into contact with the clamping platform or rail carriage to be positioned, noting that this platform will move in the direction away from the positioner. Then tighten down the XT95N(/M) positioner using a 3/16" (5 mm) balldriver. Add the XT95NR(/M) return positioner to the rail using the same process, except place it on the opposite side of the platform. Loosen the clamp holding the platform or carriage to the rail, then turn the adjuster screw with a 5/64" (2 mm) balldriver to push the platform until the desired amount of translation is achieved. Retracting the adjustment screw on the XT95N(/M) positioner causes the spring-loaded plungers on the XT95NR(/M) return positioner to expand, which keeps the carrier in contact with the actuating screw of the XT95N(/M) positioner.

We do not recommend using the XT95NR(/M) return positioner in a vertical orientation.

Thorlabs' product family for 95 mm rails includes angle adapters, leveling feet, and breadboard mounting adapters. In addition, we manufacture mounting platforms and T-Nuts that provide compatibility with standard optomechanics. Together with size adapters that incorporate 66 mm rails into an XT95 setup, these tools provide a complete family of rigid, versatile building blocks suited for virtually any optomechanical setup.