Aluminum Breadboards: Enhanced Stiffness, 55 mm (2.2") Thick


  • All-Aluminum Construction Minimizes Thermal Instabilities
  • High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
  • Useful for Applications Demanding a
    Totally Nonmagnetic Structure

PBG12118

18" x 24" UltraLight™
Optical Breadboard

Cutaway Showing the Internal Honeycomb Structure

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Key Specificationsa
Construction
Breadboard Thickness 55 mm (2.2")
Top Skin Flatness ±0.15 mm (±0.006") Over Any 0.3 m2
Construction Double-Plate, Single-Honeycomb Core,
Athermalized Aluminum Design
Mounting Holes Imperial Metric
Threads and Spacing 1/4"-20 Tapped Holes
on 1" Centers
M6 Tapped Holes
on 25 mm Centers
Distance from Edge
to First Holes
1.0" from Table Edge
on all Sides
25.0 mm from Table Edge
on all Sides
Maximum Screw Depth 6 mm (0.24") from Top Surface
  • For complete specifications that include specific breadboard dimensions and weights, see the Specs tab.

Features

  • Thickness: 55 mm (2.2")
  • All-Aluminum Construction for Matching CTE to Reduce Thermal Effects
  • Large Range of Sizes (W x L):
    • Imperial: 1' x 2' to 3' x 5'
    • Metric: 300 mm x 600 mm to 900 mm x 1500 mm
  • Higher Rigidity than 0.5" Thick Solid Aluminum Breadboards (See Construction Tab for Details)
  • Black Matte Painted Surface Reduces Reflectivity and Backscatter
  • High-Density Honeycomb Core Provides Static and Dynamic Rigidity
  • Custom Sizes Available; Contact Tech Support for Details

UltraLight™ Honeycomb Breadboards offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and an all-aluminum construction. Using aluminum throughout means that the breadboard will have similar coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), which will minimize thermal instabilities. These breadboards are ideal for optical setups where portability and dynamic rigidity are important. They are typically used as replacements for aluminum, steel, or granite surface plates, as well as for applications demanding a totally nonmagnetic surface.

Vibration Isolation Tutorial
Optical Tables Capabilities

Choosing an Optical Breadboard
When choosing an aluminum optical breadboard, stiffness is a major consideration. For aluminum optical breadboards, Thorlabs offers two levels of stiffness: high and enhanced. Although most people associate deflection under load with thickness, it is actually the stiffness of a board that determines the deflection.

The higher the stiffness, the better the breadboard's ability to resist bending when a load or force is applied to it. Therefore, when a heavy load is placed in the center of a breadboard with high stiffness, the board will deflect more than it would if the same load were placed on an enhanced stiffness breadboard. This deflection can create misalignment between two components on opposite ends of the breadboard. This is especially important, for example, when conducting experiments that require sliding optical setups across the breadboard while maintaining a straight optical axis.

We also offer a broad selection of Nexus® Steel Honeycomb Breadboards, which provide greater stiffness and vibration damping. For a quick comparison of our different breadboard options, please see the BB Selection Guide tab.

Frame and Isolation Options
We offer a number of support options for breadboards. Our standard breadboard frames are available with rigid supports, or with passive or self-leveling active vibration isolation. We also offer passive and electronic isolator feet for mounting a breadboard on top of a table.

Specifications
Construction
Breadboard Thickness 55 mm (2.2")
Top Skin Flatness ±0.15 mm (± 0.006") Over Any 0.3 m2
Construction Double-Plate, Single-Honeycomb Core,
Athermalized Aluminum Design
Top Plate 6 mm Thick Aluminum
Bottom Plate 3 mm Thick Aluminum
Core High-Density Plated Aluminum Honeycomb
Sides Black Laminated Aluminum Sides, Slightly Inset
Finish Matte Black
Mounting Holes Imperial Metric
Threads and Spacing 1/4"-20 Tapped Holes, Not Sealed,
on 1" Centers
M6 Tapped Holes, Not Sealed,
on 25 mm Centers
Distance from Edge to First Holes 1.0" on all Sides 25.0 mm on all Sides
Maximum Screw Depth 6 mm from Top Surface

Imperial Breadboard Dimensions and Weights
Item # Dimensions
(L x W x H)
Unpackaged
Mass
Unpackaged
Weight
Packaged
Shipping
Massa
Packaged
Shipping
Weighta
PBG12102 12" x 24" x 2.2" 6.00 kg 13.00 lbs 12.00 kg 26.40 lbs
PBG12103 12" x 36" x 2.2" 8.00 kg 18.00 lbs 17.00 kg 37.40 lbs
PBG12118 18" x 24" x 2.2" 8.00 kg 17.64 lbs 14.32 kg 31.50 lbs
PBG12105 24"' x 24" x 2.2" 12.00 kg 27.00 lbs 20.96 kg 51.41 lbs
PBG12106 24" x 36" x 2.2" 16.00 kg 35.00 lbs 29.00 kg 63.80 lbs
PBG12108 24" x 60" x 2.2" 26.00 kg 57.00 lbs 43.00 kg 94.60 lbs
PBG12110 30" x 36" x 2.2" 21.00 kg 46.30 lbs 35.00 kg 68.39 lbs
PBG12111 30" x 48" x 2.2" 27.00 kg 60.00 lbs 46.00 kg 96.80 lbs
PBG12113 36" x 48" x 2.2" 32.00 kg 71.00 lbs 54.00 kg 118.80 lbs
PBG12114 36" x 60" x 2.2" 39.00 kg 86.00 lbs 64.00 kg 140.80 lbs
Metric Breadboard Dimensions and Weights
Item # Dimensions
(L x W x H)
Unpackaged
Mass
Unpackaged
Weight
Packaged
Shipping
Massa
Packaged
Shipping
Weighta
PBG52502 300 x 600 x 55 mm 6.00 kg 13.00 lbs 12.00 kg 26.40 lbs
PBG52503 300 x 900 x 55 mm 8.00 kg 18.00 lbs 16.00 kg 35.20 lbs
PBG52522 450 x 600 x 55 mm 8.20 kg 18.00 lbs 15.34 kg 33.75 lbs
PBG52505 600 x 600 x 55 mm 11.00 kg 24.00 lbs 20.00 kg 44.00 lbs
PBG52506 600 x 900 x 55 mm 16.00 kg 35.00 lbs 28.00 kg 60.00 lbs
PBG52508 600 x 1500 x 55 mm 27.00 kg 60.00 lbs 44.00 kg 94.60 lbs
PBG52510 750 x 900 x 55 mm 20.00 kg 44.00 lbs 36.00 kg 79.37 lbs
PBG52511 750 x 1200 x 55 mm 26.50 kg 58.42 lbs 43.00 kg 103.62 lbs
PBG52513 900 x 1200 x 55 mm 27.00 kg 59.00 lbs 51.00 kg 112.20 lbs
PBG52514 900 x 1500 x 55 mm 39.50 kg 87.08 lbs 63.00 kg 140.80 lbs
  • These masses/weights are approximate and are subject to change. The information is only to be used as a guideline.

Thorlabs UltraLight™ optical breadboards offer high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent thermal stability. These breadboards are ideal for optical setups where portability and dynamic rigidity are important.

Ultralight construction diagram
Click to Enlarge

Minimum Relative Breadboard Motion

The UltraLightTM range incorporates a double-plate, single-honeycomb design, providing excellent stiffness and dynamic rigidity. The top layer consists of a 6 mm aluminum top plate. The second layer adds the main aluminum honeycomb structure and the 3 mm aluminum bottom plate. The main honeycomb core is fabricated from strips of precision-formed plated aluminum, which is bonded together with a high-tensile-strength epoxy adhesive.

Excellent Surface Flatness

Breadboard flatness is critically important during many experimental setups. Lack of local flatness requires readjustment of components for height variations across the breadboard and can cause component “wobble”. Thorlabs breadboards offer unsurpassed flatness due to the high-precision aluminum plates, which are specially handled to maintain superior flatness throughout the manufacturing process. A unique thermal bonding process ensures that stress is not induced during manufacture, thereby retaining the flatness of the top plate.

Athermalized Design

Thorlabs breadboards have matched aluminum for both the top and bottom plates. This unique athermalized design eliminates thermal bowing effects caused by temperature variations.

Vibration Isolation Tutorial


Posted Comments:
Michael Strotkamp  (posted 2024-01-11 10:22:50.0)
The painting of the plates should be replaced by anodization (at least as an option) to prevent outgassing close the optics. Especially for the customized breadboards that would be a great product enhancement.
do'neill  (posted 2024-01-18 08:35:10.0)
Thank you for your feedback. There is currently an active project on this and we are working on replacing this with anodised version in the near future.
gking  (posted 2017-05-16 14:59:25.343)
Would it be possible to get a custom 1000x1000mm breadboard? Would the price be considerably different from say a 900x1200mm? What would the delivery time be approximately?
bwood  (posted 2017-05-18 09:40:05.0)
Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. We are able to make a wide array of custom breadboards and tables, and we will be in contact shortly with a quote for this custom breadboard.
user  (posted 2015-04-09 15:50:12.95)
Is there a special reason why the aluminum honeycomb breadboards are painted instead of anodized? We would prefer anodized breadboards because of the better surface
axel.wiegmann  (posted 2013-12-11 10:48:55.673)
Is it possible to use the breadboard upside down with the mounting holes to the floor? We want to rest an interferometer (weight about 60kg) on the side without mounting holes and use the side with mounting holes to fix the breadboard on a translation axis.
msoulby  (posted 2013-12-11 11:44:37.0)
Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Yes it is entirely possible to use this breadboard upside down. However if nessary we can also provide you with a customised breadboard which will have no holes at all. I have contacted you directly to see if this might be a more suitable option.
bdada  (posted 2012-03-13 11:57:00.0)
Response from Buki at Thorlabs to makarov: Thank you for using our feedback forum. Yes, the finish is black paint. It is not anodized. Please contact techsupport@thorlabs.com if you have any questions.
makarov  (posted 2012-03-12 17:18:04.0)
What is the surface finish? Is it painted black, not anodized?
Breadboards Aluminum Breadboard
Nexus, Optimized Damping
Steel Breadboard
Intrinsically Damped
Aluminum Breadboard
Aluminum Honeycomb
Stainless Steel Breadboard
Stainless Steel
Solid Aluminum Breadboard
Solid Aluminum
Construction
Breadboard Thickness 60 mm (2.4")
110 mm (4.3")
58 mm (2.28") 25 mm (0.98")
55 mm (2.2")
12.7 mm (0.5") 7.0 mm (0.28")
9.5 mm (0.375")
12.7 mm (0.5")
19.05 mm (0.75")
Working Surface 4003 Grade
Stainless Steel or
304L Grade Nonmagnetic
Steel Top Plate
4003 Grade Stainless Steel Top Plate Aluminum 416 Grade Stainless Steel Solid Aluminum
Anodized or Unanodized
Top Skin 5 mm (0.20") 5 mm (0.20") 6 mm (0.24") N/A N/A
Bottom Skin 5 mm (0.20") 3 mm (0.12") 3 mm (0.12") N/A N/A
Core Design High-Density Plated Steel Honeycomb, 0.26 mm Thick High-Density Plated Aluminum Honeycomb N/A N/A
Side Panels Rigid Steel Box Section Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) Black Laminated
Aluminum Sides
N/A N/A
Ferromagnetism Magnetic or Non-Magnetic Options Magnetic Non-Magnetic Magnetic Non-Magnetic
Sealed Holes Sealed (25 mm Depth) or Non-Sealed Options Non-Sealed N/A N/A
Thread Options 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes 1/4"-20 (M6), 4-40 (M3), or
8-32 (M3) and 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes
Spacing 1" (25 mm) Centers 1" (25 mm) Centers 1" (25 mm) Centers 1" (25 mm) Centers or
0.5" (12.7 mm) Centers
Distance from
Edge to First Holes
0.5" (12.5 mm) on all Sides 0.5" (12.5 mm) or
1.0" (25 mm) on all Sides
0.5" (12.5 mm) on all Sides 0.5" (12.5 mm) on all Sides
Performancea
Damping Nexus Damping Bar Nexus Damping Bar Nexus Damping Bar N/A N/A
Stiffness Nexus Damping Bar 
60 mm (2.4") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar 
58 mm (2.28") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar 
25 mm (0.98") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar
12.7 mm (0.5") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar
7.0 mm (0.28") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar 
110 mm (4.3") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar 
55 mm (2.2") Thick
Nexus Damping Bar
 19.05 mm (0.75") Thick
  • The damping and stiffness performance shown here is qualitative and does not relate to exact specifications of each breadboard.

    Optical Breadboard Selection Guides

    The selection guides below list every size offered for our honeycomb, solid aluminum, and acrylic breadboards. Simply locate the specific width and length needed and then select the type of breadboard. Expand each table by clicking the More [+] button within the header.

    Thorlabs also offers several unique breadboard solutions. For applications requiring temperature control, we offer anodized aluminum water cooled breadboards in several sizes, in addition to a temperature-controlled mini-series breadboard for small-scale operations. Our anodized aluminum large-area translation stages and rotating breadboards offer hand-operated positioning control, while our manual and motorized translating mounting platforms are ideal for use in microscopy applications.

    Imperial Optical Breadboard Size Options
    Width Length Honeycomb Stainless Steel Solid Aluminuma
    Nexus
    (60 mm Thick)b
    Nexus
    (110 mm Thick)b
    Intrinsically Damped
    (58 mm Thick)
    Aluminum
    (25 mm Thick)
    Aluminum
    (55 mm Thick)
    Standard Double Density High Density
    • Solid aluminum breadboards are offered with four different thicknesses: 0.5" (item # prefix MB), 0.75" (item # prefix MBH), 3/8" (item # prefix MS), or 0.28" (item # prefix MS). Select sizes are also available without an anodized coating (item #s ending with U).
    • Item Number Suffix:
      • F, A, B, or G: Non-Sealed Mounting Holes
      • T, L, U, or N: Sealed Mounting Holes
      • FN or AN: Nonmagnetic Mounting Holes
      • Y or Z: No Mounting Holes
      • S: Stainless Steel
    • Tapped Hole Pattern Aligned at 45°
    • Build-to-Order
    • Includes a T-Slot in Side Panels for Compatibility with 25 mm Rail Accessories
    • This product has an access aperture.

    Metric Optical Breadboard Size Options
    Width Length Honeycomb Stainless Steel Solid Aluminuma
    Nexus
    (60 mm
    Thick)b
    Nexus
    (110 mm
    Thick)b
    Intrinsically Damped
    (58 mm Thick)
    Aluminum
    (25 mm Thick)
    Aluminum
    (55 mm Thick)
    Standard Double Density High Density
    50 mm 75 mm - - - - - - - - MSB5075/M
    75 mm 100 mm - - - - - - - - MSB7510/M
    75 mm 150 mm - - - - - - - - MSB7515/M
    100 mm 100 mm - - - - - MB10S/M - - -
    100 mm 150 mm - - - - - MB1015S/M MB1015/M
    MB1015U/M
    M45B1015/Mc MSB1015/M
    100 mm 300 mm - - - - - - MB1030/M - -
    100 mm 600 mm - - - - - - - MB1060/M -
    100 mm 900 mm - - - - - - - MB1090/M -
    Ø149 mm - - - - - - - MBR150U/M -
    Ø150 mm - - - - - - - MBR150/M -
    150 mm 150 mm - - - - - MB15S/M MB1515/M
    MB1515U/M
    M45B1515/Mc MSB15/M
    150 mm 300 mm - - - - - - MB1530F/M MB1530/M
    M45B1530/Mc
    -
    150 mm 450 mm - - - - - - MB1545/M - -
    150 mm 600 mm - - - - - - MB1560/M - -
    150 mm 900 mm - - - - - - MB1590/M - -
    150 mm 1200 mm - - - - - - MB15120/M - -
    180 mm 230 mm - - - - - - - - MSB1823/M
    MSBU1823/M
    200 mm 200 mm - - - - - - MB2020/M
    MB2020U/M
    - -
    200 mm 250 mm - - - - - - MB2025/M - -
    200 mm 600 mm - - - - - - - MB2060/M -
    200 mm 900 mm - - - - - - - MB2090/M -
    250 mm 300 mm - - - - - - MB2530/M
    MB2530U/M
    - -
    Ø300 mm - - - - - - - MBR300/M
    MBR300U/M
    -
    300 mm 300 mm B3030Ad
    B3030Ld
    - - PBG3030Ae - - MB3030/M
    MB3030U/M
    MB3030D/M MS12B/M
    MSB30/M
    300 mm 450 mm B3045Ad
    B3045Ld
    - B3045AX PBG3045Ae - - MB3045/M
    MB3045A/Mf
    MB3045U/M
    - MSB3045/M
    300 mm 600 mm B3060Ad
    B3060L
    - B3060AXd PBG3060A PBG52502d - MB3060/M
    MB3060U/M
    - -
    300 mm 900 mm B3090Ad
    B3090Ld
    - - PBG3090Ae PBG52503d - MB3090/M - -
    300 mm 1200 mm - - - - - - MB30120/M - -
    350 mm 1150 mm - - - - - - MB35115/M - -
    350 mm 1425 mm - - - - - - MB35142/M - -
    450 mm 450 mm B4545Ad
    B4545Ld
    - - PBG4545A - - MB4545/M - -
    450 mm 600 mm B4560Ad
    B4560Ld
    - B4560AXd PBG4560Ae PBG52522d - MB4560/M
    MB4560A/Mf
    MB4560U/M
    - -
    450 mm 750 mm - - - - - - MB4575/M - -
    450 mm 900 mm - - - - - - MB4590/M - -
    600 mm 600 mm B6060Ad
    B6060L
    - B6060AXd PBG6060Ae PBG52505d - MB6060/M -
    600 mm 900 mm B6090A
    B6090L
    B6090ANd
    B6090Z
    B6090Bd
    B6090Nd
    B6090AX PBG6090Ae PBG52506d - MB6090/M - -
    600 mm 1200 mm B60120A
    B60120L
    B60120Bd
    B60120Nd
    B60120AX PBG60120Ae - - MB60120/M - -
    600 mm 1500 mm - B60150Bd
    B60150Nd
    - - PBG52508d - - - -
    750 mm 750 mm B7575A
    B7575L
    - - - - - MB7575/M - -
    750 mm 900 mm B7590A
    B7590L
    B7590ANd
    B7590Z
    B7590Bd
    B7590Nd
    B7590AX PBG7590Ae PBG52510d - - - -
    750 mm 1200 mm B75120A
    B75120L
    B75120ANd
    B75120Z
    B75120B
    B75120Nd
    B75120AX PBG75120Ae PBG52511 - - - -
    750 mm 1500 mm - B75150B
    B75150N
    B75150AX - - - - - -
    900 mm 900 mm B9090A
    B9090L
    B9090Bd
    B9090Nd
    - - - - - - -
    900 mm 1200 mm B90120A
    B90120L
    B90120AN
    B90120Z
    B90120B
    B90120N
    B90120AX PBG90120Ae PBG52513 - - - -
    900 mm 1500 mm - B90150B
    B90150N
    B90150AX - PBG52514 - - - -
    900 mm 1800 mm - B90180B
    B90180N
    B90180AX - - - - - -
    1200 mm 1500 mm - B120150Bd
    B120150Nd
    - - - - - - -
    1200 mm 1800 mm - B120180B
    B120180Nd
    - - - - - - -
    • Solid aluminum breadboards are offered with four different thicknesses: 12.7 mm (item # prefix MB), 19.05 mm (item # prefix MBH), 9.5 mm (item # prefix MS), or 7.0 mm (item # prefix MS). Select sizes are also available without an anodized coating (item #s ending with U).
    • Item Number Suffix:
      • F, A, B, or G: Non-Sealed Mounting Holes
      • T, L, U, or N: Sealed Mounting Holes
      • FN or AN: Nonmagnetic Mounting Holes
      • Y or Z: No Mounting Holes
      • S: Stainless Steel
    • Tapped Hole Pattern Aligned at 45°
    • Build-to-Order
    • Includes a T-Slot in Side Panels for Compatibility with 25 mm Rail Accessories
    • This product has an access aperture.
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    Imperial Breadboards, Stocked in USA

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
    PBG12118 Support Documentation
    PBG12118UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 18" x 24" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $817.20
    Lead Time
    PBG12105 Support Documentation
    PBG12105UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 24" x 24" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $989.56
    Today
    PBG12106 Support Documentation
    PBG12106UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 24" x 36" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $1,270.39
    Today
    PBG12110 Support Documentation
    PBG12110UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 30" x 36" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $1,466.86
    Today
    PBG12111 Support Documentation
    PBG12111UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 30" x 48" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $1,799.52
    Today
    PBG12113 Support Documentation
    PBG12113UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 36" x 48" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $2,058.66
    Today
    PBG12114 Support Documentation
    PBG12114UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 36" x 60" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $2,440.75
    Today
    Back to Top

    Imperial Breadboards, Custom Order

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
    PBG12102 Support Documentation
    PBG12102UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 12" x 24" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $685.82
    Lead Time
    PBG12103 Support Documentation
    PBG12103UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 12" x 36" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $817.20
    Lead Time
    PBG12108 Support Documentation
    PBG12108UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 24" x 60" x 2.2", 1/4"-20 Taps
    $1,799.52
    Lead Time
    Back to Top

    Metric Breadboards, Stocked in UK

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
    PBG52522 Support Documentation
    PBG52522UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 450 x 600 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $817.20
    Lead Time
    PBG52505 Support Documentation
    PBG52505UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 600 x 600 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $989.56
    Lead Time
    PBG52506 Support Documentation
    PBG52506UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 600 x 900 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $1,270.39
    Today
    PBG52508 Support Documentation
    PBG52508UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 600 x 1500 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $1,799.52
    Lead Time
    PBG52510 Support Documentation
    PBG52510UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 750 x 900 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $1,466.86
    Lead Time
    PBG52511 Support Documentation
    PBG52511UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 750 x 1200 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $1,799.52
    Lead Time
    PBG52513 Support Documentation
    PBG52513UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 900 x 1200 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $2,058.66
    Lead Time
    PBG52514 Support Documentation
    PBG52514UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 900 x 1500 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $2,440.75
    3-4 Weeks
    Back to Top

    Metric Breadboards, Custom Order

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
    PBG52502 Support Documentation
    PBG52502UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 300 x 600 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $685.82
    Lead Time
    PBG52503 Support Documentation
    PBG52503UltraLight Series II Breadboard, 300 x 900 x 55 mm, M6 Taps
    $817.20
    Lead Time