Quick-Connect Rail Platforms for 3" Rails and Stages


  • Contains Array of Tapped Holes, Counterbored Holes, or Slot
  • Quickly Build Subassemblies for XR Rails
  • Provides Coarse Translation Along Rail or Stage

XR25-RC1

XR25-RC2

XR25-RC3

XR25-RP1

XR25-R1

Application Idea

Rail carriers can quickly attach post assemblies to dovetailed components.

XR25-RC4

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PM4 Clamping Arm Securing a BS025 Beamsplitter

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PM3 Clamping Arm Securing a PBS125 Beamsplitter
XR25 Rail Carrier
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View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
XR25-RC41Grooved Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails; 4-40, 6-32, and 8-32 Taps
XR50P150 mm Travel Linear Translation Stage, Side-Mounted Micrometer, 1/4"-20 Taps
HCS0131RMS-Threaded Flexure Stage Mount
AMA0101Cleats with 6-32 Locking Screws, Qty. 15
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
XR25-RC4/M1Grooved Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails; 4-40, M3 x 0.5, and M4 x 0.7 Taps
XR50P/M150 mm Travel Linear Translation Stage, Side-Mounted Micrometer, M6 x 1.0 Taps
HCS0131RMS-Threaded Flexure Stage Mount
AMA010/M1Cleats with M3 Locking Screws, Qty. 15
An XR25-RC4 Rail Carrier being used to mount a HCS013 Keyway Accessory on a XR50P Stage.

Features

  • Inner Dovetail Compatible with 3" Mating Dovetail Stages
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs
  • Mount Subassemblies to Rails Without Access to Ends
  • Slides Along Rail Side 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
  • Quickly Connect Stages and Accessories Using 3" Dovetails
    • See the Quick-Connect Stages Tab for Complete Line of Components

Thorlabs XR Rail Platforms are designed to mount components to our XR Series 3" dovetail 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 XR 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 rail 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, keyway grooves, or slots on their exterior faces. The XR25-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 XR linear and rotation stages. The XR25-R1(/M) rotation adapter is made up of a specialized rail carrier and a rotating platform that together share the deck height of the XR stages and rail plate. The XR25-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 XR25-RB(/M).

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 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

XR25 Rail Carrier
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An XR25-RC1 being used to mount a scientific camera on a 3-axis stage.

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An XR25-RC3 carrier being used to affix and retain the position of an XR25-RC1 rail carrier mounted on an XR50P stage.
  • Each Provides Additional Coarse Translation and Mounting Features
  • XR25-RC1, XR25-RC2, and XR25-RC4 Include Integrated Steel Pads for use with the XR25-RC3 Hard Stop
  • XR25-RC3 Includes Integrated Steel Balls for use as a Hard Stop
  • XR25-RC4 Includes Two Perpendicular 3 mm Alignment Grooves for Keyway Accessories
  • Compatible with 3" Mating Dovetail Stages
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs

Thorlabs offers four rail carriers that are directly compatible with our XR25 and XR50 series stages, providing 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 XR25-RC4 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 and 60 mm spacing also enable cage compatibility on the XR25-RC4 carrier. Additionally, twelve 6-32 (M4) taps 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 XR25 or XR50 series stage and connect to the stage's male dovetail. The position of the carrier can then be locked into place using a clamping mechanism (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 a stage in a matter of seconds.

Item # XR25-RC1 XR25-RC2 XR25-RC4 XR25-RC3
Click Image to Enlarge
Mounting Features 1/4" (M6) Counterbores (x8)
1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Taps (x9)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Taps (x7)
#8 (M4) Counterbores (x8)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Taps (x16)
4-40 Taps in 30 mm Spacing (4x)
4-40 Taps in 60 mm Spacing (4x)
6-32 (M3) Taps (29x)
6-32 (M4) Taps (12x)
8-32 (M4) Taps (4x)
3 mm Alignment Groove (2x)
1/4" (M6) Counterbored Slot (1x)
8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Taps (2x)
Hole Pattern
Additional Features Steel Contact Pads for Use with XR25-RC3 Carrier Steel Contact Pads for Use with XR25-RC3 Carrier
6-32 (M4) Corner Taps for Clamping Arms
Hardened Steel Balls 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
XR25-RC1 Support Documentation
XR25-RC1Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 1/4"-20 Taps and 1/4" Counterbores
$67.54
Today
XR25-RC2 Support Documentation
XR25-RC2Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 8-32 Taps and 8-32 Counterbores
$64.06
Today
XR25-RC4 Support Documentation
XR25-RC4Grooved Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails; 4-40, 6-32, and 8-32 Taps
$96.90
Today
XR25-RC3 Support Documentation
XR25-RC3Fixed Stop Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails, Imperial
$60.57
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XR25-RC1/M Support Documentation
XR25-RC1/MRail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails, M6 x 1.0 Taps and M6 Counterbores
$67.54
Today
XR25-RC2/M Support Documentation
XR25-RC2/MRail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails, M4 x 0.7 Taps and M4 Counterbores
$64.06
Today
XR25-RC4/M Support Documentation
XR25-RC4/MGrooved Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails; 4-40, M3 x 0.5, and M4 x 0.7 Taps
$96.90
Today
XR25-RC3/M Support Documentation
XR25-RC3/MFixed Stop Rail Carrier for Stages with 3" Dovetails, Metric
$60.57
Today
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Rail Plate


Click for Details
Height and Dovetail of XR25-RP1(/M) Matches XR25 Series Stages
  • Same Height and Width Dimensions as XR25 and XR50 Series Stages
  • Nineteen 1/4"-20 (M6) Holes for Mounting, 0.30" (7.6 mm) Deep
  • Compatible with 3" Mating Dovetail

The XR25-RP1(/M) rail plate enables components to be mounted at the same deck height as the XR25 series, XR50 series, and XRR1 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 XR25-RP1(/M) plate features nineteen 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped blind holes that are 0.30" (7.6 mm) deep. This rail plate's included dovetail clamp screw secures the plate to a 3" dovetail rail and has a maximum torque of 15 in•lbs. Additionally, the 1/4"-20 (M6) 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
XR25-RP1 Support Documentation
XR25-RP1Rail Plate for 3" Dovetail Rails, 1/4"-20 Taps
$98.80
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XR25-RP1/M Support Documentation
XR25-RP1/MRail Plate for 3" Dovetail Rails, M6 x 1.0 Taps
$98.80
Today
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Rotation Adapter

Two XR25 Stages Stacked Using Rotation Adapter
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Two XR25P Stages rotated at an arbitrary angle using the XR25-R1 Rotation Adapter.
Two XR25 Stages Stacked Using Rotation Adapter
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The XR25-RB used as a rail carrier for a PH2 Post Holder.
View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
KS11Ø1" Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount, 3 Adjusters
TR21Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 2"
PH21Ø1/2" Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L = 2"
XR25-RB1Rotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 1" Bore, Imperial
XR25P125 mm Travel Linear Translation Stage, Side-Mounted Micrometer, 1/4"-20 Taps
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
KS11Ø1" Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount, 3 Adjusters
TR50/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 50 mm
PH50/M1Ø12.7 mm Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L=50 mm
XR25-RB/M1Rotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 25.0 mm Bore, Metric
XR25C/M125 mm Travel Linear Translation Stage, End-Mounted Micrometer, M6 x 1.0 Taps
Setscrews on the XR25-R1
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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 Provides Ø1" Flexure Clamp
  • Purchase Complete Adapter or Separate Base Plate
  • Compatible with 3" Mating Dovetail Stages
  • Included Dovetail Clamp Screw has a Maximum Torque of 15 in•lbs

The XR25-R1(/M) Rotation Adapter allows users to mount any two 3" 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 thirteen 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and twelve 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped holes in addition to the 3" male dovetails on all edges. Rotation is achieved by loosening the right-most locking screw on the base plate (also sold separately as the XR25-RB) using a 3/16"(5 mm) hex key. The adapter is clamped in place to a 3" dovetail with the left-most locking screw using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key. These screws can be seen in the image above. 

If the XR25-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 XR25-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 XR25-RB(/M) Adapter Base Plate can be purchased separately. Utilizing its flexure clamp for 1" (25.0 mm) outer diameter components, like our Ø1" Optical Posts or our Ø1/2" Post Holders, allows the rotation adapter base plate to double as a rail carrier, as seen in the image to above. Here, the coarse height of the KS1 mirror mount can be adjusted with the PH2 post holder, while the coarse rotation can be independently adjusted in the rail carrier. This base plate also includes three 8-32 mounting holes on the face opposite the adjustment screws and integrated steel pads on its sides for use with the XR25-RC3 hard stop.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XR25-R1 Support Documentation
XR25-R1Rotation Adapter for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 1/4"-20 and 8-32 Taps
$133.93
Today
XR25-RB Support Documentation
XR25-RBRotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 1" Bore, Imperial
$76.87
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XR25-R1/M Support Documentation
XR25-R1/MRotation Adapter for Stages with 3" Dovetails, M6 x 1.0 and M4 x 0.7 Taps
$133.93
Today
XR25-RB/M Support Documentation
XR25-RB/MRotation Adapter Base Plate for Stages with 3" Dovetails, 25.0 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
  • 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. The XR25-A2 adapter enables parallel mounting of two components with 3" dovetails. The mounting configuration in the second photo below allows translation along the 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.

XR25P Stage and XR25DR Baseplate
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XR25P Stage Mounted onto XR25DR Rail Using XR25-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
XR25-A2 Support Documentation
XR25-A2Parallel Mounting Adapter with Male 3" Dovetail and Female 3" Dovetail
$121.03
Today