Quick-Connect Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearings


  • Continuous 360° Manual Rotation with ±5° Fine Adjustment
  • Vernier Scale Provides 5 arcmin Resolution
  • Low Axial Wobble and High Load Capacity
  • Integrated 3" Dovetails for Quick-Connect Construction

Rotation
Locking Screw

Fine Adjuster
Engagement Screw

Fine Adjuster

Dovetail
Locking Screw

XRR1

Rotation Stage

Application Idea

The XRR1 Rotation Stage is directly compatible with our XR25 and XR50 Series Translation Stages. Here it is shown mounted on an XR25P stage with a dispersing prism and PM5 Clamping Arm.

Related Items


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Specifications
Item # XRR1(/M)
Coarse Rotation Range 360°, Continuous
Fine Adjustment Range ±5°
Fine Adjustment
Resolution (Nominal)
5.78 mrad/rev (0.331°/rev)
Axial Wobble <500 µrad (0.028°)
Horizontal
Load Capacity
Overall: 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
Fine Adjustment: 15 lbs (6.80 kg)
Vertical Torque Capacitya 9 lb-in (1.02 N·m)
Platform Size Ø3.19" (Ø81.0 mm)
Platform Mounting
Holes
1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) (13 Places)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) (4 Places)
6-32 (M4 x 0.7) (4 Places)
Mounted
Platform Height
On Breadboard: 0.91" (23.0 mm)b
Dovetail Stacked: 0.83" (21.1 mm)
Base Dimensions 4.33" x 3.58" (110.0 mm x 91.0 mm)
Base Mounting Features 3" Quick Connect Dovetails
Mounting Slot for 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0)
Cap Screws (4 Places)
  • The maximum torque about an axis orthogonal to the rotation axis, commonly encountered when the stage's base is mounted on a vertical surface. The center of mass should be as close as possible to the center of rotation.
  • The stage profile is higher when it is mounted using the screw slots rather than stacked on another stage or accessory with 3" dovetails.

Features

  • 360° of Continuous Coarse Rotation and ±5° Fine Adjustment
  • Vernier Scale Provides 5 arcmin Resolution
  • Radial Crossed-Roller Bearing for High Load Capacity and Low Axial Wobble
  • Circumference is Laser Engraved at 1° Increments
  • Tapped Holes for Standard Optomechanics and Clamping Arms
  • Quickly Connect Stages and Accessories Using 3" Dovetails
    • See the Quick-Connect Stages Tab for Complete Line of Components

Thorlabs' XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage provides 360° of continuous manual rotation and features a side-mounted screw for fine adjustment. It also incorporates a radial crossed-roller bearing for high load capacity and low axial wobble. This dedicated, zero-clearance bearing mechanism also provides an axial constraint for the rotating world, resulting in superior stiffness compared to other bearing types. The top and bottom plates are machined from cast tool and jig aluminum for minimal internal stress and improved stability. The rotating world features an array of mounting holes and 3" male dovetails for compatibility with our XR25 or XR50 translation stages or the accessories sold below. We also offer the XRNR1 Compact Rotation Stage with 2" male dovetails.

When the fine adjustment is disengaged, the stage can be smoothly and continuously rotated by hand through a full 360°, measured by the 1° graduation marks on the side of the mount. When the fine adjustment is engaged, the fine adjuster screw provides ±5° of fine adjustment, measured with 5 arcmin resolution by the vernier scale. The end of the adjuster screw incorporates a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex allowing it to be actuated in space-constrained environments. The adjuster knob can also be removed using a hex key, as illustrated in the video on our kinematic mirror mounts page. The rotating platform is lockable using the 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex screw on the end of the base. The top plate of each stage is tapped with an array of mounting holes. The base can be attached to an optical table or breadboard using the four 1/4" (M6) counterbored clearance slots.

Each stage features 3" mating female dovetails on the bottom plate and male dovetails on the top plate (as shown in the image below) that allow for quick construction of multi-axis systems using no additional hardware. Refer to the photos in the vertical assembly kits section below to see how multi-axis systems can be quickly constructed using this novel design. The 3" dovetails on our XRR1(/M) rotation stage are directly compatible with the dovetails on our XR25 or XR50 series translation stages. Additional functionality is provided by a complete line of accessories that include multi-axis assembly kits, rail carriers, baseplates, and stage positioners. An adapter plate for mounting compact 25 mm stages with integrated 2" dovetails is also available. For more information about a specific accessory, please see the Quick-Connect Stages tab.


Click to Enlarge

The 3" female dovetails on the bottom of the stage mate with the male dovetails on another stage to form multi-axis configurations. The left female dovetail is on a retractable clamping arm, allowing stages to be dropped into place.

The XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage provides 360° of coarse rotation
and ±5° of fine rotation. Each stage features 3" dovetails on the top and bottom plate that allow for quick construction of multi-axis systems. The top stage can be locked at any location along the dovetail, allowing for coarse positioning. The base of the stage also has counterbores for mounting directly to optical breadboards.

Reading a Vernier Scale on a Linear Main Scale

Vernier scales are typically used to add precision to standard, evenly divided scales (such as the scales on Thorlabs' rotation, goniometric, or translation mounts). A vernier scale has found common use in many precision measurement instruments, the most common being calipers and micrometers. The vernier scale uses two scales side-by-side: the main scale and the vernier scale. The direct vernier scale has a slightly smaller spacing between its tick marks owing to the vernier scale having N ticks for every N - 1 ticks on the main scale. Hence, the lines on the main scale will not line up with all the lines on the vernier scale. Only one line from the vernier scale will match well with one line of the main scale, and that is the trick to reading a vernier scale.

Figures 1 through 3 show a linear vernier scale system for three different situations. In each case, the scale on the left is the main scale, while the small scale on the right is the vernier scale. When reading a vernier scale, the main scale is used for the gross number, and the vernier scale gives the precision value. In this manner, a standard ruler or micrometer can become a precision instrument.

The 0 on the vernier scale is the "pointer" (marked by a red arrow in Figures 1 - 5) and will indicate the main scale reading. In Figure 1 we see the pointer is lined up directly with the 75.6 line. Notice that the only other vernier scale tick mark that lines up well with the main scale is 10. Since the pointer lines up with the main scale’s 75.6, the reading from Figure 1 is 75.60 (in whatever units the instrument measures).

That is essentially all there is to reading a vernier scale. It's a very straightforward way of increasing the precision of a measurement instrument. To expound, let’s look at Figure 2. Here we see that the pointer is no longer aligned with a line on the main scale, but instead it is slightly above 75.6 and below 75.7; thus, the gross measurement is 75.6. The first vernier line that coincides with a main scale line is the 5, shown with a blue arrow. The vernier scale gives the final digit of precision; since the 5 is aligned to the main scale, the precision measurement for Figure 2 is 75.65.

Since this vernier scale is 10% smaller than the main scale, moving the vernier scale by 1/10 of the main scale will align the next vernier marking. This asks the obvious question: what if the measurement is within the 1/10 precision of the vernier scale? Figure 3 shows just this. Again, the pointer line is in between 75.6 and 75.7, yielding the gross measurement of 75.6. If we look closely, we see that the vernier scale 7 (marked with a blue arrow) is very closely aligned to the main scale, giving a precision measurement of 75.67. However, the vernier scale 7 is very slightly above the main scale mark, and we can see that the vernier scale 8 (directly above 7) is slightly below its corresponding main scale mark. Hence, the scale on Figure 3 could be read as 75.673 ± 0.002. A reading error of about 0.002 would be appropriate for
this instrument.

Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: An example of how to read a vernier scale. The red arrow indicates what is known as the pointer. Since the tick mark labeled 10 on the vernier scale aligns with one of the tick marks on the main scale, this vernier scale is reading 75.60 (in whatever units the instrument measures).
Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.65.
Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: The red arrow indicates the pointer, and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.67 but can be accurately read as
75.673 ± 0.002.

 

Reading a Vernier Scale on a Rotating Main Scale

The vernier scale may also be used on rotating scales where the main scale and vernier scale do not share units. Figures 4 and 5 show a vernier scale system for two different situations where the main scale is given in degrees and the vernier scale has ticks every 5 arcmin (60 arcmin = 1°). In each case, the scale on the top is the main scale, while the small scale on the bottom is the vernier scale.

In Figure 4 we see the pointer is lined up directly with the 341° line. Notice that the only other vernier scale tick marks that line up well with the main scale are ±60 arcmin. Since the pointer lines up with the main scale at 341°, the reading from Figure 4 is 341.00°.

There are two ways to determine the reading if the zero on the vernier scale line is between two lines of the main scale. For the first method, take the line on the left side of the pointer on the vernier scale and subtract that value (in arcmin) from the value on the main scale that is to the right on the main scale. As an example, in Figure 5 the vernier pointer is between 342° and 343°; using the left blue arrow of the vernier scale results in 343° - 15 arcmin = 342.75°. The second method is to take the reading from the blue arrow on the right side of the vernier pointer and add that value to the lower value from the main scale; reading the right blue arrow in Figure 5 results in 342° + 45 arcmin = 342.75°.

As we've seen here, vernier scales add precision to a standard scale measurement. While it takes a bit of getting used to, with a little practice, reading these scales is fairly straightforward. Vernier scales, whether they are direct or retrograde*, are read in the same fashion.

*A retrograde vernier scale has a larger spacing between its tick marks with N ticks for every N + 1 ticks on the main scale.

Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 341.00°.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: An example of a vernier scale where the main scale and the vernier scale are in different units (degrees and arcmins, respectively). The red arrow indicates the pointer. This scale reads 341.00°.
Figure 2: Vernier scale measuring 342.75°.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 5: The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrows give the precision value from the vernier scale.
This scale reads 342.75°.

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2020-09-26 13:23:29.417)
Dear Sir/Madam, Is Your rotation stage XRR1/M compatible with the XR25N/M (Translation Stage Positioner) and XR25N1/M (Translation Stage Return Positioner)? Best Regards
llamb  (posted 2020-09-29 08:10:04.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While these three products can certainly be mounted together onto our XR25DR- series dovetail rails for positioning, the XRR1/M stage's contact points for either the XR25N/M positioner or the XR25N1/M return positioner are not ideal. You'll either be contacting the curved side around the stage's fine adjuster screw, or otherwise contacting the bore on the other side of the stage for the fine adjustment clutch screw, so you would lose access to engaging/disengaging the fine adjustment screw.

Rotation Mount and Stage Selection Guide

Thorlabs offers a wide variety of manual and motorized rotation mounts and stages. Rotation mounts are designed with an inner bore to mount a Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø2" optic, while rotation stages are designed with mounting taps to attach a variety of components or systems. Motorized options are powered by a DC Servo motor, 2 phase stepper motor, piezo inertia motor, or an Elliptec™ resonant piezo motor. Each offers 360° of continuous rotation.

Manual Rotation Mounts

Rotation Mounts for Ø1/2" Optics
Item # MRM05(/M) RSP05(/M) CRM05 PRM05(/M)a SRM05 KS05RS CT104
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Mini Series Standard External SM1
(1.035"-40) Threads
Micrometer 16 mm Cage-Compatible ±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation Compatible with 30 mm Cage Translation Stages and 1/4" Translation Stagesb
Additional Details
  • This mount is available in the PRM05GL5 bundle, which includes the PRM05 rotation mount with the SM05PM5 polarizing prism mount.
  • The CT104 is complatible with the 1/4" translation stages using our MS103(/M) adapter plate.
  • The CT104 is compatible with the CT1A(/M) cage translation stage, which is designed for use with 30 mm cage systems.

Rotation Mounts for Ø1" Optics
Item # RSP1(/M) LRM1 RSP1D(/M) DLM1(/M) CLR1(/M) RSP1X15(/M) RSP1X225(/M) PRM1(/M)a
Click Photo
to Enlarge
LRM1
Features Standard External SM1
(1.035"-40) Threads
Adjustable Zero Two Independently Rotating Carriages Rotates Optic Within
Fixed Lens Tube System
Continuous 360° Rotation
or 15° Increments
Continuous 360° Rotation
or 22.5° Increments
Micrometer
Additional Details
  • This mount is available in the PRM1GL10 bundle, which includes the PRM1 rotation mount with the SM1PM10 polarizing prism mount.

Rotation Mounts for Ø1" Optics
Item # LM1-A &
LM1-B(/M)
CRM1T(/M) CRM1LT(/M) CRM1PT(/M) KS1RS K6XS
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Optic Carriage Rotates Within Mounting Ring 30 mm Cage-Compatiblea 30 mm Cage-Compatible
for Thick Opticsa
30 mm Cage-Compatible
with Micrometera
±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation Six-Axis
Kinematic Mounta
Additional Details
  • This mount also features four 4-40 (M3) holes on the rotation dial for use with the K6A1(/M) prism platform.

Rotation Mounts for Ø2" Optics
Item # RSP2(/M) RSP2D(/M) PRM2(/M) LM2-A &
LM2-B(/M)
LCRM2A(/M) KS2RS K6X2
Click Photo to Enlarge
Features Standard Adjustable
Zero
Micrometer Optic Carriage Rotates Within Mounting Ring 60 mm Cage-Compatible ±4° Kinematic Tip/Tilt Adjustment Plus Rotation Six-Axis Kinematic Mount
Additional Details
Rotation Drive Mechanism and Adjustment Range Manual, 360° Continuous Coarse: Manual, 360° Continuous;
Fine: ±7° Micrometer
Manual, 360° Continuous
Optic Mounting Internally SM2-Threaded Carriage Internal SM2 Threads
in LM2-A
Internally SM2-Threaded Carriage
Maximum Accepted Optic Thickness 0.51" (13 mm) 0.54" (13.7 mm) 0.48" (12.2 mm) 0.46" (11.7 mm) 0.52" (13.2 mm) 0.47" (12 mm) 0.53" (13.4 mm)
Post Mounting 8-32 (M4) Tap 8-32 (M4) Tap in LM2-B 8-32 (M4) Tap Four Counterbores for 8-32 (M4) Cap Screws Six Counterbores for 8-32 (M4) Cap Screws
Cage System Compatibility N/A Four 4-40 (M3) Taps on Rotation Dial
with 60 mm Spacing
N/A Four Bores for
Ø6 mm Cage Rods
with 60 mm Spacing
N/A N/A

Manual Rotation Stages

Manual Rotation Stages
Item # RP005(/M) PR005(/M) MSRP01(/M) RP01(/M) RP03(/M) QRP02(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Continuous Rotation Mount
Features Standard Two Hard Stops
Additional Details

Manual Rotation Stages
Item # XRNR1(/M) XRR1(/M) PR01(/M) CR1(/M) XYR1(/M) OCT-XYR1(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Fine Rotation Adjuster and
2" Wide Dovetail Quick Connect
Fine Rotation Adjuster and
3" Wide Dovetail Quick Connect
Fine Rotation Adjuster and
SM1-Threaded Central Aperture
Fine Pitch Worm Gear Rotation and 1/2" Linear XY Translation
Additional Details
  • The stage profile is higher when it is mounted using the screw slots rather than stacked on another stage or accessory with mating dovetails.
  • The OCT-XYR1(/M) stage includes the XYR1A solid sample plate. This plate can be detached from the stage to reveal the same mounting features present on the XYR1(/M) stage.

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages with Central Clear Apertures
Item # DDR25(/M) PDR1C(/M) PDR1(/M) PDR1V(/M) PDXR1(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
DDR25 PDR1C PDR1 PDR1V PDXR1
Features Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes,
16 mm Cage System, &
30 mm Cage System
Compatible with
16 mm Cage System
Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes &
30 mm Cage System
Vacuum-Compatible;
Also Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes &
30 mm Cage System
Compatible with
SM05 Lens Tubes &
30 mm Cage System
Additional Details

Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages with Central Clear Apertures
Item # K10CR1(/M) PRM1Z8(/M)a DDR100(/M) ELL14 HDR50(/M)
Click Photo
to Enlarge
ELL14
Features Compatible with SM1 Lens Tubes & 30 mm Cage System Compatible with
SM1 Lens Tubes,
16 mm Cage System,
30 mm Cage System
Compatible with
SM1 Lens Tubes,
Open Frame Design for
OEM Applications
Compatible with
SM2 Lens Tubes
Additional Details
  • This stage is available in the KPRMTE(/M), which includes the PRMTZ8(/M) Motorized Rotation Stage with the KDC101 K-Cube DC Servo Motor Controller.
Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages with Tapped Platforms
Item # PRMTZ8(/M)a ELL18(/M)b
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Features Tapped Mounting Platform for Mounting Prisms or Other Optics Tapped Mounting Platform, Open Frame Design for OEM Applications
Additional Details
  • This stage is available in the KPRM1E(/M), which includes the PRMT1Z8(/M) Motorized Rotation Stage with the KDC101 K-Cube DC Servo Motor Controller.
  • This stage is available in the ELL18K(/M), which includes an interface board, mounting brackets, and connectors for PC control.

Build Multi-Axis Configurations

Vertical Rotation Translation Stage
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Z-axis assembly kits allow stages to be mounted in vertical orientations.

Quick-Connect Dovetails

Quick Connect Translation Stages
Click to Enlarge
The female dovetails on the bottom of one stage mate with the male dovetails on another.

XR & XRN Dovetail Stages and Accessories

Our XR series manual stages feature quick-connect dovetails that allow for the construction of multi-axis systems without the need for additional hardware. The common dovetail feature with a single locking clamp makes it quick and simple to swap parts in and out while preserving excellent orthogonality.

Our selection of products with a quick-connect dovetail includes:

  • Linear Translation Stages:
    • Stackable 1-Axis Stages
    • Pre-Assembled 2- and 3-Axis Configurations
  • Rotational Stages:
    • 360° Flat Rotation
    • Tip/Tilt Goniometers
  • Adapters:
    • Z-Axis Assembly Kits
    • Parallel and Perpendicular Mounting between 2" and 3" Dovetails
  • Rail Accessories:
    • Stationary Mounting Platforms
    • Rail Component Positioners
  • Base Plates and Rails

Most items are available in compact (2" dovetail) and full-size (3" dovetail) varieties. Adapters are available to interface between the two sizes. See the tables below for all available options.

Linear Translation Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge XRN Stages XR Stages XRN Stages
Items Compact 25 mm Stages Compact 9 mm Vertical Stage Full-Size 25 mm Stages Full-Size 50 mm Stages 14 mm Vertical Stage
Motion X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ Z (Vertical) X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ X, Y, Z, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ Z (Vertical)
Quick-Connect Dovetail 2" Dovetail 3" Dovetail
Additional Features info info info info info

 

Rotation and Goniometric Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Items Compact Rotation Stage Compact Goniometric Stages Full-Size Rotation Stage
Motion 360° Rotation ±8° Tip/Tilt About Fixed Point Above Stage 360° Rotation
Quick-Connect Dovetail 2" Dovetail 3" Dovetail
Additional Features info info info

 

Dovetail Accessories
Mounting Platforms XRN Platforms XR Platforms
2" Mounting Platforms 3" Mounting Platforms
Rail Positioners Rail Positioner
2" Rail Positioners 3" Rail Positioners
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Rotation Stage with Crossed-Roller Bearing and 3" Dovetail Mounting


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XRR1/M Rotating World Features

Click for Details

XRR1 Rotating World Features
  • Coarse Manual Rotation and ±5° Fine Adjustment
  • Rotation Locking Screw with 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex
  • Four Holes for Breadboard Mounting with 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Screws
  • Directly Compatible with XR25 and XR50 Series Translation Stages Using 3" Mating Dovetail
    • Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs
  • XRN-A1 Adapter (Sold Separately) Enables Compatibility with XRN25 Series Compact Translation Stages

The XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage provides 360° of continuous manual rotation and features a side-mounted fine adjuster screw which rotates the platform 5.78 mrad (0.331°) per revolution. The top plate of each stage is tapped with an array of mounting holes as illustrated in the diagrams on the right.

This stage and our other stages with integrated 3" mating dovetails can be easily stacked and secured to one another. The stages are secured by a single dovetail locking mechanism with a 3/16" (5 mm) hex. The mating dovetail also allows this stage to be used with the variety of accessories below.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XRR1 Support Documentation
XRR1Ø3.19" Rotation Stage with 3" Dovetail Mounting, Imperial
$480.54
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XRR1/M Support Documentation
XRR1/MØ81.0 mm Rotation Stage with 3" Dovetail Mounting, Metric
$480.54
3 Weeks
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Vertical Stage Assembly Kits

Vertical Rotation Translation Stage
Click for Details

XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted on XR25P Translation Stage Using XR25-YZ Kit
Vertical Rotation Translation Stage
Click for Details

XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted on XR25P Translation Stage Using XR25-XZ Kit
Vertical Rotation Stage
Click for Details

XRR1 Rotation Stage Mounted Vertically Using XR25-XZ Kit
and XR25-B1 Baseplate
  • Kits Consist of Angle Bracket and Mounting Plate
  • Support Vertical Mounting Configurations
  • Compatible with 3" Mating Dovetail Stages
    • Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Max Torque of 15 in•lbs

The XR25-XZ(/M) and XR25-YZ(/M) Assembly Kits enable vertical mounting of an XRR1(/M) Rotation Stage. These assembly kits can be directly mounted onto a baseplate or onto our XR25 or XR50 Series Translation Stages. When used to mount the rotation stage vertically on a linear translation stage, the XR25-XZ kit positions the surface of the rotation stage parallel to the direction of linear motion, while the XR25-YZ kit would orient the rotation stage platform perpendicular to the direction of motion, as illustrated in the photos to the right.

Each kit includes an angle bracket and a mounting plate. The female dovetails on the rotation stage attach to one side of the mounting plate. The mounting plate's other side is then mated to an arm of the angle bracket. The other arm of the angle bracket is attached to the baseplate or translation stage.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XR25-XZ Support Documentation
XR25-XZXZ Stage Assembly Kit for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 1/4"-20 Taps
$165.88
3-5 Days
XR25-YZ Support Documentation
XR25-YZYZ Stage Assembly Kit for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 1/4"-20 Taps
$147.19
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XR25-XZ/M Support Documentation
XR25-XZ/MXZ Stage Assembly Kit for Stages with 3" Dovetails, M6 x 1.0 Taps
$165.88
3-5 Days
XR25-YZ/M Support Documentation
XR25-YZ/MYZ Stage Assembly Kit for Stages with 3" Dovetails, M6 x 1.0 Taps
$147.19
3-5 Days
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Mounting Adapters

  • XRN-A1 Adapter Enables Perpendicular Mounting of 2" Dovetail Components onto 3" Dovetail Components
  • XRN-A2 Adapter Enables Parallel Mounting of 2" Dovetail Components onto 3" Dovetail Components
  • XR25-A2 Adapter Enables Parallel Mounting of 3" Dovetail Components
  • Adapters Add 0.275" (7.0 mm) to the Overall Stacked Height of Components

These adapters provide additional mounting options for our quick-connect, crossed-roller bearing stages, as illustrated in the photos below. The XRN-A1 adapter enables perpendicular mounting of components with a female 2" dovetail to components with a male 3" dovetail while the XRN-A2 adapter enables parallel mounting of the same. The XR25-A2 adapter enables parallel mounting of two components with 3" dovetails. The mounting configuration in the second photo below allows translation along a rail to be parallel to the direction of translation of a mounted stage.

To assemble, first loosen the dovetail locking screw on the end of the top stage or accessory. Position the adapter on the bottom stage or rail, as illustrated in the photos below, then align the top component on the adapter. Lastly, tighten the dovetail locking screw (maximum torque: 15 in•lbs) on the end of the top component until the entire assembly is secure. Please note that the deep-set screws in the sides of the adapter are not user adjustable.

XRR1 Stage and Extended Baseplate
Click to Enlarge

XRR1 Stage Mounted onto XR25DR Baseplate Using XR25-A2 Adapter
XRR1 and XRN25P Stages
Click to Enlarge

XRN25P Translation Stage Mounted onto
XRR1 Rotation Stage Using XRN-A1 Adapter
Mounting Adapter Compatibility
Item # Orientation Top Component Bottom Component
XRN-A1 Perpendicular XRN25 Series
XRNV1 Series
XRNR1 Series
XRNG1 Series
XR25 Series
XR50 Series
XRV1 Series
XRR1 Series
XRN-A2 Parallel
XR25-A2 Parallel XR25 Series
XR50 Series
XRV1 Series
XRR1 Series
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XRN-A1 Support Documentation
XRN-A1Perpendicular Mounting Adapter with Male 2" Dovetail and Female 3" Dovetail
$58.24
3-5 Days
XRN-A2 Support Documentation
XRN-A2Parallel Mounting Adapter with Male 2" Dovetail and Female 3" Dovetail
$115.27
3-5 Days
XR25-A2 Support Documentation
XR25-A2Parallel Mounting Adapter with Male 3" Dovetail and Female 3" Dovetail
$121.03
3-5 Days
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Baseplate with Rotational Adjustment


Click to Enlarge

Stages can mounted vertically using a vertical assembly kit and the XR25-B1 baseplate.
Translation Stage Swivel Baseplate
Click for Details

The radial slots and counterbored center hole allow the base plate to be rotated with respect to the table's hole matrix. The two slots and orthogonal mounting dovetails provide 360° adjustment.
  • Allows for Coarse Rotational or Translational Alignment of Stages with Table Hole Matrix
  • Orthogonal Male Dovetails for Two Stage Mounting Orientations
  • Compatible with 3" Mating Dovetail Stages

The XR25-B1(/M) Baseplate provides an additional table mounting option for our XRR1(/M) rotation stage. The baseplate features two orthogonal male dovetails that allow for two mounting orientations of the stage. A center Ø1/4" (M6) counterbored hole and two radial counterbored slots allow for coarse angular adjustment with respect to the table's 1/4"-20 (M6) hole matrix. For situations where the stage is oriented with the table's hole matrix, two 2.2" (55.9 mm) long 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots on the edge of the baseplate allow for coarse translation adjustment along the hole matrix before the base is secured to the table.

Vertical Stage Configuration
For situations where a vertically mounted rotation stage is needed, either the XR25-XZ or the XR25-YZ angle bracket (sold above) can be secured directly to the baseplate. This configuration is illustrated in the photo to the right and described in more detail in the Vertical Stage Assembly Kits section above.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XR25-B1 Support Documentation
XR25-B1Base Plate for Stages with 3" Dovetails, Imperial Slot Spacing
$38.36
3-5 Days
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XR25-B1/M Support Documentation
XR25-B1/MBase Plate for Stages with 3" Dovetails, Metric Slot Spacing
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Clamping Arms


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Mechanical Drawings
  • Provide Clamping Force for Our Platform Mounts
  • Threaded Hole on Top and Threaded Stud on Bottom of Post
    • 6-32 Threads on PM3 and PM4
    • 8-32 Threads on PM5
    • M4 x 0.7 Threads on All Metric Versions
  • Maximum Optic Heights from 0.97" to 1.65" (24.6 mm to 41.8 mm)
  • Extension Posts Available to Increase Max Optic Height
    • PM3SP(/M) with PM3(/M): Hold Optics up to 2.21" (56.1 mm) Tall
    • PM4SP(/M) with PM4(/M): Hold Optics up to 3.61" (91.7 mm) Tall

Click to Enlarge

Clamping Arm Extension Posts with Metric Indicator Groove

Thorlabs' Clamping Arms provide clamping force to secure optics to our kinematic platform mounts, stages, and V-clamps. The PM3(/M) accommodates optics up to 0.97" tall and features a 0.69" center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew that holds the optic. The PM4(/M) accommodates optics up to 1.61" and features a 1.16" 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. Each clamping arm features 6-32 (M4 x 0.7) threads. The PM3 and PM4 can be mounted in 8-32 tapped holes by using the AS6E8E thread adapter, which features internal 6-32 threads and external 8-32 threads. This thread adapter has an outer diameter of 0.24", which is the same as the PM4SP extension post and the post included with the PM4 clamping arm. This allows the clamping arm to be adjusted across the seam between either post and the adapter. The smaller diameters of the included post for the PM3 clamping arm and the PM3SP extension post cause the thread adapter to act as a stop for the clamping arm.

The PM5(/M) clamping arm is made entirely from heat-treated stainless steel, which helps maintain stability in fluctuating temperatures and provides vacuum compatibility. This clamping arm is recommended for use with the POLARIS-K1M4(/M), but it can be used with any platform mount or stage that has one or more 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped holes. The PM5(/M) can hold optics up to 1.65" tall, and the distance from the post center to the contact point that holds the optic is 0.90".

Each clamping arm is attached to its post using a flexure mechanism that locks with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) balldriver or hex key. The setscrew on top of the clamping arm also accepts a 5/64" (2.0 mm) balldriver or hex key in order to clamp down on the optic. The post includes a through hole which can be leveraged for added torque when tightening down the post. Please see the diagram above for additional information.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
PM3 Support Documentation
PM3Small Adjustable Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded Post
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PM4 Support Documentation
PM4Large Adjustable Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded Post
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PM5 Support Documentation
PM5Stainless Steel Adjustable Clamping Arm, 8-32 Threaded Post
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+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
PM3/M Support Documentation
PM3/MSmall Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded Post
$21.86
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PM3SP/M Support Documentation
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PM4/M Support Documentation
PM4/MLarge Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded Post
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PM4SP/M Support Documentation
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PM5/M Support Documentation
PM5/MStainless Steel Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 Threaded Post
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