Passive Isolation Breadboard Support Frames


  • Load Capacity up to 700 kg (1,540 lbs)
  • Passive Isolation System
  • Four Independently Leveled Supports

Passive Isolation
Workstation

Casters Available
Separately

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Table Leg

Features

  • Support Frames Accommodate Breadboard Sizes as Large as 1200 mm x 1800 mm (48" x 72")
  • Available in 700 mm or 800 mm Frame Heights
  • Sturdy, All Steel Construction
  • Feet can be Manually Adjusted to Compensate for Uneven Floors
  • Set of Casters Available (Item # PWA061)
  • Compatible with ScienceDesk™ Accessories, Such as Monitor Arms and Shelves, Using the PWA120 Adapter
Split Clamp Design
Click to Enlarge
The PWA120 Accessory Adapter enables support for monitor and keyboard arms, as well as shelves and other accessories (not pictured).

These passive isolation frame presents an ideal, cost-effective, vibration isolation solution for optical breadboards up to 48" x 72" (1200 mm x 1800 mm) in size. The frames are available for either standard loads of 24 to 260 kg (50 to 570 lb) or heavy-duty loads of 135 to 700 kg (300 to 1540 lb) and are supplied with a frame height of 800 mm (31.5”) from stock. Frames with a height of 700 mm (27.6") are available as make to order items.

The passive system is based on four independent, air-mounted, passive vibration isolators. The isolators can be inflated by a simple foot pump. With a vertical resonance frequency of 3.5 Hz, these isolators are an ideal solution for general photonic applications in a typical lab environment. Passive isolation is particularly effective for instruments with a high center of gravity, providing the stability and stiffness required to result in rapid attenuation of vibrational disturbances. Please follow the instructions outlined in the user guide so that the isolators are neither overinflated nor underinflated.

Each isolator consists of a cylindrical reinforced rubber air mount in the top of a steel leg, as shown in the drawing to the right. The pressure of the isolator can be adjusted by admitting or releasing air through a standard Schrader valve on the side of each isolator.

The tables below list the frame suitable for each breadboard size. For breadboard sizes which do not have a stock or make to order passive frame, we offer two options. Thorlabs offers a larger size selection of rigid breadboard support frames, and a passive isolator upgrade kit to retrofit a rigid frame with passive isolators. Custom sizes may also be available upon request; please contact Tech Support with your requirements and for pricing.

Please see the Vibration Isolation Tutorial for more information the design of our products and the theory of vibration isolation and damping.

 Standard Passive Vibration WorkstationHeavy Duty Passive Vibration Workstation
Recommended Weight50 to 570 lb (24 to 260 kg)300 to 1540 lb (135 to 700 kg)
Vertical Resonant Frequency3.5 Hz
Vertical Transmissibility at Resonance24 dB
Vertical Transmissibility at 10 Hz-16 dB (85%) (0.15 Transmissibility Ratio)
Height700 mm (27.5") or 800 mm (31.5") Option
Height Adjustment Range±10 mm (0.4")
Air Pressure496 kPa (72 psi) Maximum
Air ConnectionSchrader Valve
FinishBlack Paint

Transmissibility Plot

A vibration isolation system is subjected to continuous vibrational impulses from the laboratory floor. These vibrations may be caused by large machinery within the building or even by wind- or traffic-excited building resonances (swaying). Transmissibility is a measure of the isolators efficiency at damping out these vibrations and is defined as the ratio of the amplitude of the transmitted vibration to that of the forcing vibration.

 

Selecting a Vibration System

Thorlabs offers three types of breadboard support systems: Active Isolation, Passive Isolation and a rigid support system.

The Active and the Passive isolation systems are both based on compressed air, providing vibration isolation in frequencies above 2Hz and 10Hz (respectively) making them ideal systems for demanding photonic experiments or for work in a noisy environment. In addition, Thorlabs also offers rigid support systems with no vibration isolation for less demanding applications which require only breadboard isolation. The table below compares the isolation performance of our different isolation systems.

 Active
Vibration Isolators
Standard Passive
Vibration Isolators
Heavy-Duty Passive
Vibration Isolators
Rigid,
Non-Isolating
Optics a la Cart
Rigid Lab Cart
Vertical Resonant Frequency<1.6 Hz3.5 Hz3.5 HzN/AN/A
Horizontal Resonant Frequency<1.2 HzN/AN/AN/AN/A
Vertical Transmissibility
at Resonance
<13 dB24 dB24 dBN/AN/A
Horizontal Transmissibility
at Resonance
<8 dBN/AN/AN/AN/A
Vertical Transmissibility at 10Hz-34 dB-16 dB-16 dBN/AN/A
Horizontal Transmissibility at 10Hz-34 dBN/AN/AN/AN/A
Isolation TypeActivePassivePassiveN/AN/A
Damping EfficiencyBestGoodGoodN/AN/A
Height700 mm (27.5”)
800 mm (31.5”)
700 mm (27.5”)
800 mm (31.5”)
700 mm (27.5”)
800 mm (31.5”)
700 mm (27.5”)
800 mm (31.5”)
870 mm (34.3”)
Load capacity700 kg (1540 lb)24 to 260 kg
(50 to 570 lb)
135 to 700 kg
(300 to 1540 lb)
700 kg (1540 lb)320 kg (705 lb)
MobilityCastors Available
Separately
Castors Available
Separately
Castors Available
Separately
Castors Available
Separately
Lockable Casters Included
StorageN/AN/AN/AN/ABottom Shelf
Optional Drawer

Vibration Isolation

Vibration isolation is needed to isolate between noises originating around the workstation and breadboard surface. Such vibrations may result from machinery in the building such as elevators or compressors, pedestrians, building vibrations and nearby street traffic. The role of the vibration system is to dampen, both horizontally and vertically, the noises generated by the surrounding environment. Such noises are typically in the range of 10-100 Hz. the table below depicts common vibration sources:

TypesFrequency (Hz)Amplitude (inches)
Air Compressors4 – 2010-2
Handling Equipment5 – 4010-3
Pumpsa5 – 2510-3
Building Services7 – 4010-4
Foot Traffic0.5 – 610-5
Acoustics100 – 10,00010-2 to 10-4
Punch PressesUp to 2010-2 to 10-5
Transformers50 – 40010-4 to 10-5
ElevatorsUp to 4010-3 to 10-5
Building Motion46/Height in meters10-1
Building Pressure Waves1 – 510-5
Railroad5 - 20±0.15 g
Highway Traffic5 - 100 Hz±0.001 g
  • Vacuum, Compressed or Non-Compressed Fluids

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2019-09-04 10:14:58.38)
Getting mixed messages from the instructions as to where the washer needs to be placed. Also a different rev of the instructions was shipped and shows the washer on top ;)
rmiron  (posted 2019-09-09 09:33:24.0)
Response from Radu at Thorlabs: Thank you for bringing this problem to our attention. Thanks to your feedback, we are currently checking the consistency of the instructions of all of our stocked PWA061 casters. We recommend that you place the washer on top considering that it is bolting to a relatively thin metallic plate and the washer helps with load distribution. Unfortunately, due to an internal admin error we shipped out casters with assembly instructions that state otherwise.
jjurado  (posted 2011-07-08 14:24:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to bunagan: Thank you very much for contacting us. Our next catalog release will feature upgradeable frames that will allow changing from rigid supports to passive ones. We are also working on the design of active, self leveling isolators which would have the same footprint as that of the passive ones to allow for upgrading; however, we do not have a finished product, yet. Moreover, our frames feature a welded design in order to increase rigidity, so disassembling them is not possible. I will contact you directly for further support.
bunagan  (posted 2011-07-07 15:35:13.0)
If a passive isolation workstation is purchased, can pneumatic isolators be added later to upgrade the frame to active isolation? Also, do the frames arrive assembled? Im looking at the 4x5, so some dis-assembly would be necessary to get it through the doorway to my space.
jjurado  (posted 2011-05-17 15:14:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to last poster: Thank you very much for contacting us. There is not really a marked advantage of using a frame over using four individual legs. The main criterion for choosing one over the other, however, is the size of the table that you are looking to place on the isolators. We generally recommend using frames with our 2.4" and 4.3" thick tables and the legs for our 8.3" and 12.2" thick tables, since their structure is specifically built to withstand higher loads. Please contact us at techsupport@thorlabs.com if you have any further questions.
user  (posted 2011-05-17 10:37:59.0)
Hi, is there any advantage to use the frame over using four individual legs (both being passive)? Eg., accessory mounting options?
Adam  (posted 2010-04-27 11:58:36.0)
A response from Adam at Thorlabs to mhancak: We do not offer such a solution as a stock item, but can provide a custom size for your project. I will contact you directly with a quotation.
mhancak  (posted 2010-04-27 10:20:38.0)
Do you sell a passive isolation steel frame system with the following dimensions: 3.5 x 2 x 700mm?
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Standard Passive 800 mm Support Frames

  • Sturdy, All-Steel Construction
  • 800 mm Frame Height
  • Load Capacity: 24 to 260 kg (50 to 570 lb)
  • Adjustable Feet with ±15 mm (±0.6") Travel Range
  • Compatible with ScienceDesk™ Accessories, Such as Monitor Arms and Shelves, Using the PWA120 Adapter

These standard passive vibration-isolation breadboard supports feature a frame height of 800 mm (31.5"). Our stock frames fit metric breadboards up to 900 mm x 1200 mm (or imperial breadboards up to 36" x 48"). These frames can support loads up to 260 kg (570 lb). The passive isolators are a static isolation system and do not require a constant air supply; therefore, our foot pump can be used to inflate the isolators.

Click on More [+] on the table below to see the frame suitable for each breadboard size. For breadboard sizes that do not have a stock passive frame, it is possible to purchase a rigid breadboard support frame and a passive isolator upgrade kit and retrofit the rigid frame with passive isolators. Custom sizes may also be available upon request; please contact Tech Support with your requirements and for pricing.

Compatible Breadboards
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PFP6090-8 Support Documentation
PFP6090-8800 mm (31.5") Passive Frame, 600 x 900 mm (2' x 3')
$1,830.86
Today
PFP7590-8 Support Documentation
PFP7590-8800 mm (31.5") Passive Frame, 750 x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')
$1,858.59
Today
PFP75120-8 Support Documentation
PFP75120-8800 mm (31.5") Passive Frame, 750 x 1200 mm (2.5' x 4')
$1,905.58
Today
PFP90120-8 Support Documentation
PFP90120-8800 mm (31.5") Passive Frame, 900 x 1200 mm (3' x 4')
$1,941.75
Today
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Heavy-Duty Passive 800 mm Support Frames

  • Sturdy, All Steel Construction
  • 800 mm Frame Height
  • Load Capacity: 135 to 700 kg (300 to 1,540 lb)
  • Adjustible Feet with ±15 mm (±0.6") Adjustment Range
  • Compatible with ScienceDesk™ Accessories, Such as Monitor Arms and Shelves, Using the PWA120 Adapter

These heavy-duty passive vibration-isolation breadboard supports feature a frame height of 800 mm (31.5"). Our stock frames fit metric breadboards up to 1200 mm x 1800 mm (or imperial breadboards up to 48" x 72"). These heavy-duty frames can support loads up to 700 kg (1,540 lb). The passive isolators are a static isolation system and do not require a constant air supply; therefore, our foot pump can be used to inflate the isolators.

Click on More [+] on the table below to see the frame suitable for each breadboard size. For breadboard sizes that do not have a stock passive frame, it is possible to purchase a rigid breadboard support frame and a passive isolator upgrade kit and retrofit the rigid frame with passive isolators. Custom sizes may also be available upon request; please contact Tech Support with your requirements and for pricing.

Compatible Breadboards
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PFH90150-8 Support Documentation
PFH90150-8800 mm (31.5") Heavy-Duty Passive Frame, 900 x 1500 mm (3' x 5')
$2,311.78
Today
PFH120150-8 Support Documentation
PFH120150-8800 mm (31.5") Heavy-Duty Passive Frame, 1200 x 1500 mm (4' x 5')
$2,403.39
Today
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Standard Passive 700 mm Support Frames (Make to Order)

  • Sturdy, All Steel Construction
  • 700 mm Frame Height
  • Load Capacity: 24 to 260 kg (50 to 570 lb)
  • Adjustable Feet with ±15 mm (±0.6") Travel Range
  • Compatible with ScienceDesk™ Accessories through use of PWA120 adapter

These standard passive vibration-isolation breadboard supports feature a frame height of 700 mm (27.6"). Our frames fit metric breadboards up to 900 mm x 1200 mm (or imperial breadboards up to 36" x 48"). These standard frames can support loads up to 260 kg (570 lb). The passive isolators are a static isolation system and do not require a constant air supply; therefore, our foot pump can be used to inflate the isolators.

Click on More [+] on the table below to see the frame suitable for each breadboard size. For breadboard sizes which do not have a make to order passive frame, we offer two options. Thorlabs offers a larger size selection of rigid breadboard support frames, and a passive isolator upgrade kit to retrofit a rigid frame with passive isolators. Custom sizes may also be available upon request; please contact Tech Support with your requirements and for pricing.

Compatible Breadboards
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PFP6090-7 Support Documentation
PFP6090-7700 mm (27.6") Passive Frame, 600 x 900 mm (2' x 3')
$1,822.43
Lead Time
PFP7590-7 Support Documentation
PFP7590-7700 mm (27.6") Passive Frame, 750 x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')
$1,850.14
Lead Time
PFP75120-7 Support Documentation
PFP75120-7700 mm (27.6") Passive Frame, 750 x 1200 mm (2.5' x 4')
$1,897.15
Lead Time
PFP90120-7 Support Documentation
PFP90120-7700 mm (27.6") Passive Frame, 900 x 1200 mm (3' x 4')
$1,933.31
Today
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Heavy-Duty Passive 700 mm Support Frames (Make to Order)

  • Sturdy, All-Steel Construction
  • 700 mm Frame Height
  • Load Capacity: 135 to 700 kg (300 to 1,540 lb)
  • Adjustable Feet with ±15 mm (±0.6") Travel Range
  • Compatible with ScienceDesk™ Accessories through use of PWA120 adapter

These heavy-duty passive vibration-isolation breadboard supports feature a frame height of 700 mm (27.6"). Our frames fit metric breadboards up to 1200 mm x 1800 mm (or imperial breadboards up to 48" x 72"). These heavy-duty frames can support loads up to 700 kg (1,540 lb). The passive isolators are a static isolation system and do not require a constant air supply; therefore, our foot pump can be used to inflate the isolators.

Click on More [+] on the table below to see the frame suitable for each breadboard size. For breadboard sizes that do not have a stock passive frame, it is possible to purchase a rigid breadboard support frame and a passive isolator upgrade kit and retrofit the rigid frame with passive isolators. Custom sizes may also be available upon request; please contact Tech Support with your requirements and for pricing.

Compatible Breadboards
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PFH90150-7 Support Documentation
PFH90150-7700 mm (27.6") Heavy-Duty Passive Frame, 900 x 1500 mm (3' x 5')
$2,303.34
Today
PFH120150-7 Support Documentation
PFH120150-7700 mm (27.6") Heavy-Duty Passive Frame, 1200 x 1500 mm (4' x 5')
$2,394.95
Lead Time
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Casters (for Breadboard Support Frames)

  • 360° Swivel Allows Ease of Movement for Large Systems
  • Highly Durable, Non-Marring Polyurethane Wheels
  • Load Capacity: 200 kg (440 lbs) Each, 800 kg (1760 lbs) for a Set of Four

These casters are designed to permit easy relocation of the breadboard support frames, without removal of equipment or disassembly of the system. They are ideal for positioning the frames within tight spaces. Each caster rides on a non-marring wheel for smooth and quiet operation. Supplied as a set of four.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PWA061 Support Documentation
PWA0614" Caster Kit, Set of 4
$143.73
Today