Platforms for 2" Rails and Compact Quick-Connect Stages


  • Contains Array of Tapped Holes, Counterbored Holes, and Slots
  • Quickly Build Subassemblies for XRN Components
  • Provides Coarse Translation Along Rail or Stage

XRN25-RC1

XRN25-RC2

XRN25-RC3

XRN25-RP1

XRN-R1

Application Idea

Rail carriers can quickly attach post assemblies to dovetailed components.

XRN25-RC4

Related Items


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PM4 Clamping Arm Securing a BS025 Beamsplitter

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PM3 Clamping Arm Securing a PBS125 Beamsplitter

Features

  • Inner Dovetail Compatible with 2" Dovetail Accessories
    • See the Quick-Connect Stages Tab for Complete Line of Components
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs
  • Mount Subassemblies to XRN Components Without Access to Ends
  • Slides Along Outer Male Dovetail Prior to Lockdown
  • Variety of Form Factors Available
    • Rail Carriers: Removable Plates with Additional Mounting Options
    • Rail Plate: Deck Height Matches XR25 and XR50 Series Stages
    • Rotation Adapter: Coarse Rotation Between Components

Thorlabs XRN Platforms are designed to mount components to our XRN Series 2" dovetails stages and rails. Once attached, these platforms enable optomechanical components to slide to any position along the length of a rail, or to attach to any other component with an XRN dovetail. The surfaces of these platforms are machined from cast tool and jig aluminum for minimal internal stress and improved stability. Their dovetail clamp screw makes them easy to place into any existing rail system without requiring access to the rail ends. These platforms are provided in three varieties: rail carriers, rail plates, and a rotation adapter.

Rail carriers feature a mating female dovetail on the bottom of the plate and a combination of mounting taps, counterbores, or slots on their exterior faces. The XRN25-RP1(/M) rail plate provides many of the same benefits as our rail carriers–a mating female dovetail on the bottom of the plate and mounting taps on the top–with a larger mounting surface and a deck height shared with all XRN linear and rotation stages. The XRN-R1(/M) rotation adapter is made up of a specialized rail carrier and a rotating platform that together share the deck height of the XRN stages and rail plate. The XRN-R1(/M) provides coarse rotational adjustment of its top plate. This top plate can be removed to reveal a Ø1/2" bore and flexure clamp, which can be purchased separately as the XRN-RB(/M). The XRN25-RC4(/M) rail carrier features a 3 mm 'crossed groove' design on the top plate that is ideal for use with our keyway accessories, which can be secured via AMA010(/M) cleats in 6-32 (M3) taps. Four 4-40 taps in 30 mm spacing also enable cage compatability.

Additional functionality is provided by a complete line of accessories that include multi-axis assembly kits, rail carriers, a rotation adapter, rails, and micrometer conversion kits. An adapter plate is also available for mounting these compact 25 mm stages with an integrated 2" dovetail onto 25 mm and 50 mm translation stages with a 3" dovetail. For more information about our dovetail rail construction components, please see the Quick-Connect Stages tab.


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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
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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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Rail Carriers

Compact 25 mm Translation Stage
Click to Enlarge

View of XRN25-RC3 Showing Steel Ball and Clamping Arm
An XRN25-RC3 carrier allows the user to exchange
XRN25-RC2 rail carriers mounted on an XRN25C stage.
  • Each Provides Additional Coarse Translation and Mounting Features
  • XRN25-RC1, XRN25-RC2, and XRN25-RC4 Include Integrated Steel Pads for use with the XRN25-RC3 Hard Stop
  • XRN25-RC4 Carrier Includes Two Perpendicular 3 mm Alignment Grooves for Keyway Accessories
  • XRN25-RC3 Carrier Includes Integrated Steel Balls for Use as a Hard Stop
  • Female Dovetail For Quick Installation on Stage's Top Plate
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs

Thorlabs offers three rail carriers that are directly compatible with our XRN series stages. Each rail carrier provides coarse translation in addition to the fine translation supplied by the stage's micrometer, as well as expanding the stages' threading options for optomechanical assemblies. The XRN25-RC4(/M) carrier contains two perpendicular 3 mm grooves for compatibility with our keyway accessories. These accessories can be secured via AMA010(/M) cleats in 6-32 (M3) taps. Four 4-40 Taps in 30 mm spacing also enable cage compatibility on the XRN25-RC4(/M) carrier. Additionally, eleven 6-32 (M4) taps on the plate can be used to secure our clamping arms. For more information on hole patterns, see the diagrams below. 

A female dovetail allows each rail carrier to slide onto an XRN25 series stage and connect to the stage's male dovetail. The position of the carrier can then be locked into place using a clamping arm (3/16" [5 mm] hex) located on one end of the carrier. This simple procedure allows the user to seamlessly swap and install different carriers on an XRN25 stage in a matter of seconds.

Item # XRN25-RC1(/M) XRN25-RC2(/M) XRN25-RC4(/M) XRN25-RC3(/M)
Click Image to Enlarge XRN25 Stage Rail Carrier XRN25 Stage Rail Carrier XRN25 Grooved Rail Carrier XRN25 Stage Rail Carrier
Mounting Features #8 (M4) Counterbores (x6)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Taps (x7)
1/4" (M6) Counterbore (x1)
1/4" (M6) Counterbored Slot (x1)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Taps (x8)
4-40 Taps (x4)
6-32 (M3) Taps (x17)
6-32 (M4) Taps) (x11)
8-32 (M4) Tap (x1)
3 mm Alignment Groove
1/4" (M6) Counterbored Slot (x1)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Taps (x4)
Hole Pattern
Additional Features Steel Contact Pads for Use with XRN25-RC3 Carrier Steel Contact Pads for Use with XRN25-RC3 Carrier
6-32 (M4) Taps for Clamping Arms
Steel Ball on Two Sides
for Use as Hard Stop
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XRN25-RC1 Support Documentation
XRN25-RC1Rail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 8-32 Taps and #8 Counterbores
$67.54
Today
XRN25-RC2 Support Documentation
XRN25-RC2Rail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 8-32 Taps and 1/4" Counterbores
$64.06
Today
XRN25-RC4 Support Documentation
XRN25-RC4Grooved Rail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails; 4-40, 6-32, and 8-32 Taps
$96.90
Today
XRN25-RC3 Support Documentation
XRN25-RC3Fixed Stop Rail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 8-32 Taps and 1/4" Counterbored Slot
$60.57
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XRN25-RC1/M Support Documentation
XRN25-RC1/MRail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails, M4 x 0.7 Taps and M4 Counterbores
$67.54
Today
XRN25-RC2/M Support Documentation
XRN25-RC2/MRail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails, M4 x 0.7 Taps and M6 Counterbores
$64.06
Today
XRN25-RC4/M Support Documentation
XRN25-RC4/MGrooved Rail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails; 4-40, M3 x 0.5, and M4 x 0.7 Taps
$96.90
Today
XRN25-RC3/M Support Documentation
XRN25-RC3/MFixed Stop Rail Carrier for Stages with 2" Dovetails, M4 x 0.7 Taps and M6 Counterbored Slot
$60.57
Today
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Rail Plates


Click to Enlarge
Height and Width of XRN25-RP1(/M) Matches XRN Series Stages
  • Same Height and Width Dimensions as XRN Series Stages
  • Fourteen 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Holes for Mounting, 0.30" (7.6 mm) Deep
  • Compatible with 2" Mating Dovetail
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs

The XRN25-RP1(/M) rail plate enables components to be mounted at the same deck height as the XRN series stages. The matching deck heights allow for transitioning between rail plates and stages without adjusting the Z-axis of the mounted components. The top of the XRN25-RP1(/M) features fourteen 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped blind holes that are 0.30" (7.6 mm) deep. This rail plate's included dovetail clamp screw secures the plate to a 2" dovetail rail and has a maximum torque of 15 in•lbs. Additionally, the 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) counterbore slots located on the sides of the plates allow direct mounting to an optical table or breadboard.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XRN25-RP1 Support Documentation
XRN25-RP1Rail Plate for 2" Dovetail Rails, 1/4"-20 Taps
$87.82
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XRN25-RP1/M Support Documentation
XRN25-RP1/MRail Plate for 2" Dovetail Rails, M6 x 1.0 Taps
$87.82
Today
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Rotation Adapters

XRN-RB Adapter
Click to Enlarge
View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
XRN25C1Compact 25 mm Travel Linear Translation Stage, End Micrometer, 1/4"-20 Taps
XRN-RB1Rotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 1/2" Bore, Imperial
TR31Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 3"
PCM1Post Clamp Mount for Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Posts (Base Adapter Sold Separately)
PCMP1Flat Base Adapter for PCM(/M) Mount, 1/4"-20 Threaded Stud
PS9111N-BK7 Right-Angle Prism, Uncoated, L = 25 mm
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
XRN25C/M1Compact 25 mm Travel Linear Translation Stage, End Micrometer, M6 x 1.0 Taps
XRN-RB/M1Rotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 12.7 mm Bore, Metric
TR75/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 75 mm
PCM/M1Post Clamp Mount for Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Posts (Base Adapter Sold Separately)
PCMP/M1Flat Base Adapter for PCM(/M) Mount, M6 Threaded Stud
PS9111N-BK7 Right-Angle Prism, Uncoated, L = 25 mm
The XRN-RB used as a rail carrier for a Ø1/2" Post.
XRN-R1 Rotation AdapterClick to Enlarge
Two XRN25C Stages rotated at an arbitrary angle using the XRN-R1 Rotation Adapter.
XRN-R1 Screws
Click for Details
Side Located Locking Screws for Clamping Adapter (left) and Locking Rotation (right)
  • 360° Coarse Rotation Adjustment
  • Top Plate with 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tapped Holes
  • Base Plate with Ø1/2" Bore and Flexure Clamp
  • Purchase Complete Adapter or Separate Base Plate
  • Compatible with 2" Mating Dovetail Stages
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs

The XRN-R1(/M) Rotation Adapter allows users to mount any two 2" (50.8 mm) dovetail components together on a rotational axis perpendicular to their mounting surfaces. This allows a full 360° range of coarse rotation. The removable top plate features five 1/4"-20 (M6) and four 8-32 (M4) tapped holes in addition to the 2" male dovetails on all edges. Rotation is achieved by loosening the right-most locking screw on the base plate (also sold separately as the XRN-RB) using a 3/16" (5.0 mm) hex key. The adapter is clamped in place to a 2" dovetail with the left-most locking screw using a 3/16" (5.0 mm) hex key. These screws can be seen in the image above.

If the XRN-R1 is used to mount a stage vertically, that stage should not be rotated where the spring tension is working against gravity. Rotation in this configuration should be limited to 180°. In addition, note that the XRN-R1 is a two-piece solution where the top plate is not permanently retained in the base, and therefore care should be taken when loosening the rotation locking screw in a vertical orientation.

The XRN-RB(/M) Adapter Base Plate can be purchased separately. This flexure clamp allows the rotation adapter base plate to double as a rail carrier for components with a 1/2" (12.7 mm) diameter, as seen in the image above and to the right. Additionally, with the use of the AD12BA, components with a 12 mm diameter, such as our Ø12 mm optical posts, can also be used. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XRN-R1 Support Documentation
XRN-R1Rotation Adapter for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 1/4"-20 and 8-32 Taps
$133.93
Today
XRN-RB Support Documentation
XRN-RBRotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 1/2" Bore, Imperial
$76.87
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XRN-R1/M Support Documentation
XRN-R1/MRotation Adapter for Stages with 2" Dovetails, M6 x 1.0 and M4 x 0.7 Taps
$133.93
Today
XRN-RB/M Support Documentation
XRN-RB/MRotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 2" Dovetails, 12.7 mm Bore, Metric
$76.87
Today
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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
  • Adapters Add 0.275" (7.0 mm) to the Overall Stacked Height of Components

These adapters enable mounting of quick-connect, crossed-roller bearing stages or accessories with a female 2" dovetail to components with a male 3" dovetail, as illustrated in the photos below. The XRN-A1 adapter enables perpendicular mounting while the XRN-A2 enables parallel mounting. 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.

XRN25P Stage and XR25DR Baseplate
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Compact XRN25P Stage Mounted onto
XR25DR Rail Using XRN-A2 Adapter
XR25 and XRN25 Stages
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Compact XRN25C Stage Mounted onto XR25P Stage Using XRN-A1 Adapter
Mounting Adapter Compatibility
Item # Orientation Top Component Bottom Component
XRN-A1 Perpendicular XRN25 Series
XRNR1 Stages
XRNV1(/M) Stage
XR25 Series
XR50 Stages
XRR1 Stages
XRV1(/M) Stage
XRN-A2 Parallel
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
Today
XRN-A2 Support Documentation
XRN-A2Parallel Mounting Adapter with Male 2" Dovetail and Female 3" Dovetail
$115.27
Today