Cage Plates for 16 mm Cage Systems


  • Compatible with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Designed for Use with SR Construction Rods
  • Side-Located Setscrews to Secure Plate to Rods

SP14

Internal M12.5 x 0.5 Threads
for Unmounted Optics
(Retaining Rings Included)

SP01

Blank Plate

SCPA1

Alignment Plate

SSP05

Slip Plate Positioner

QRC05A

Quick-Release
Optic Mount (Two
Retaining Rings Included)

SP03

Ø16 mm Clear Aperture

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Alternative Size Options
16 mm Cage Plates
30 mm Cage Plates
60 mm Cage Plates

Cage Assembly Systems provide a convenient way to construct large optomechanical systems using an established line of precision-machined building blocks that are designed for high flexibility and accurate alignment. See the Cage Overview tab for a full definition of this widely adopted construction standard.

The 16 mm cage plates are a family of construction blocks ideally suited for assembling optical systems based upon Ø5 mm to  Ø1/2" optical components. Each cage plate contains four corner-located, Ø4 mm through-holes with a center-to-center spacing of 16 mm. These holes are machined for a precision slip fit with mating cage rods and provide side-accessible locking screws that fasten the plate to their mating assembly rods for positioning. 

Cage System Compatibility: Thorlabs offers 16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm cage systems designed for Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optical components, respectively. The parts on this page are compatible with our 16 mm cage system and utilize Ø4 mm SR cage rods.

Cage System Overview

The Cage Assembly System provides a convenient way to construct large optomechanical systems with an established line of precision-machined building blocks designed for high flexibility and accurate alignment.

16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm Cage System Standards

Thorlabs offers three standards defined by the center-to-center spacing of the cage assembly rods (see image below). The 16 mm cage, 30 mm cage, and 60 mm cage standards are designed to accommodate Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optics, respectively. Specialized cage plates that allow smaller optics to be directly inserted into our larger cage systems are also available.

Standard Threads

The flexibility of our Cage Assembly System stems from well-defined mounting and thread standards designed to directly interface with a wide range of specialized products. The three most prevalent thread standards are our SM05 Series (0.535"-40 thread), SM1 Series (1.035"-40 thread), and SM2 Series (2.035"-40 thread), all of which were defined to house the industry's most common optic sizes. Essential building blocks, such as our popular lens tubes, directly interface to these standards.


An example of the standard cage plate measurements determining cage system compatibility.
Standard Cage System Measurements
Cage System 16 mm 30 mm 60 mm
Thread Series SM05 SM1 SM2
Rod to Rod Spacing 16 mm (0.63") 30 mm (1.18") 60 mm (2.36")
Total Length 25 mm (0.98") 41 mm (1.60") 71.1 mm (2.80")
Cage Components
Cage Rods 16 mm These rods are used to connect cage plates, optic mounts, and other components in the cage system. The SR Series Cage Rods are compatible with our 16 mm cage systems, while the 30 mm and 60 mm cage systems use ER Series Cage Rods.
30 mm
60 mm
Cage Plates 16 mm These serve as the basic building blocks for a cage system. They may have SM-threaded central bores, smooth bores sized for industry standard optics or to accommodate the outer profile of our SM Series Lens Tubes, or specialized bores for other components such as our FiberPorts.
30 mm
60 mm
Optic Mounts 16 mm Thorlabs offers fixed, kinematic, rotation, and translation mounts specifically designed for our Cage Systems.
30 mm
60 mm
Cage Cubes 16 mm These cubes are useful for housing larger optical components, such as prisms or mirrors, or optics that need to sit at an angle to the beam path, such as beamsplitters. Our cage cubes are available empty or with pre-mounted optics.
30 mm
60 mm
Replacement Setscrews Replacement setscrews are offered for our 16 mm (SS4B013, SS4B025, and SS4B038) and 30 mm (SS4MS5 and SS4MS4) cage systems products.
Post and Breadboard Mounts and Adapters Mounting options for cage systems can be found on our Cage System Construction pages. Cage Systems can be mounted either parallel or perpendicular to the table surface.
Size Adapters Cage System Size Adapters can be used to integrate components from different cage system and threading standards.
Specialized Components Thorlabs also produces specialized cage components, such as Filter Wheels, a HeNe Laser Mount, and a FiberPort Cage Plate Adapter, allowing a wide range of our products to be integrated into cage-mounted optical systems. Explore our Cage Systems Visual Navigation Guide to see the full range of Thorlabs' cage components.

Posted Comments:
John Bowen  (posted 2023-07-07 14:22:10.34)
It would be nice if you made a thick version of this. A lot of doublets are too thick for this mount.
jdelia  (posted 2023-07-10 03:33:00.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs and for providing this valuable feedback. I could certainly pass this request along to our design engineers through our internal suggestion forum. We have also reached out to you directly to discuss your application and requirements further.
Alan McCartt  (posted 2023-01-18 20:02:39.66)
Could Thorlabs provide a blank slip plate for the SSP05? We would like to machine a M10x0.5 thread for use with some of your aspheres.
jdelia  (posted 2023-01-19 01:45:57.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have reached out to you directly regarding the feasibility of the customized part you have requested.
cdaly  (posted 2013-06-14 09:49:58.523)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. Have you considered using the SRSCA to connect the rods? It can be threaded into the end of one rod, while the other will slide in and be held with a set screw, just as it would with the CP02T. Four of these would allow you to combine two cage systems. They can be found here: http://www.thorlabs.com/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=SRSCA
ar687  (posted 2013-06-13 08:24:37.333)
For the 30-mm cage system the product CP02T is a cage-plate with two retaining screws. This is extremely useful for joining two cages, especially if both are connected to a beamsplitter or mirror mount cube. With the 16-mm system, such an option does not exist, making it very awkward to join two cages. A 16-mm cage plate with two retaining screws per rod would be very useful. Andrew Ramsay,
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SM05-Threaded 16 mm Cage Plate


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SP02 Dimensions
  • Four Through-Holes for Ø4 mm Cage Rods
  • SM05 (0.535"-40) Thread with Retaining Rings for Securing an Optic or SM05 Lens Tubes
  • 4-40 or M3 Tapped Holes Allow Mounting to Mini Series Posts
  • Connects to SC6W via 3-48 Cap Screws (Not Included with SP02)

This SM05-Threaded Cage Plate is designed for use with our compact 16 mm cage assembly system. It features four through-holes that accept Ø4 mm cage rods. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking 4-40 setscrew, which can be secured using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key. Both a 4-40 and an M3 tapped hole are featured on opposite sides. In addition, 3-48 cap screws (included with cube) can be used to bolt the cage plate onto the SC6W six-way cage cube. Two SM05RR retaining rings are included.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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SP02 Support Documentation
SP02Compact Cage Plate with SM05 Thread for a 16 mm Cage System (SM05RR Included)
$18.12
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16 mm Cage Plates for Unmounted Optics from Ø5 mm to Ø12 mm


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The Two Included Retaining Rings Secure the Unmounted Optic (Shown: SP12 Cage Plate and AL108 Aspheric Lens)
  • Mount Ø5 mm to Ø12 mm Optics
  • Two Retaining Rings Included for Mounting an Optic
  • Compatible with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Not Post Mountable

These cage plates have internal threads and are designed for mounting optics that have diameters from 5 mm up to 12 mm, such as our unmounted aspheric and achromatic lenses, into a 16 mm cage system. Two retaining rings of the appropriate size are included with each cage plate and are used to secure the optic. The SPW801 spanner wrench is recommended when threading the retaining rings into place. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking 4-40 setscrew, which can be secured to a cage rod using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key. If replacement setscrews are needed, we offer SS4B013 brass setscrews, which use a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex. In addition, four 3-48 cap screws (not included) can be used to bolt the cage plate onto the SC6W six-way cage cube.

Thorlabs also offers internally threaded, post-mountable fixed mounts, which are not cage compatible, for mounting optics from Ø5 mm to Ø4".

Item # Optic
Diameter
CAa Optic Thickness (Max)b Internal Threads Retaining Ring Mount Thickness Spanner Wrench
SP07 5 mm Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) 0.09" (2.2 mm) M5.5 x 0.5 SM5RR 0.23" (5.7 mm) SPW801
SP08 6 mm Ø0.19" (Ø4.8 mm) 0.11" (2.8 mm) M6.5 x 0.5 SM6RR 0.25" (6.4 mm)
SP09 7 mm Ø0.23" (Ø5.8 mm) 0.11" (2.8 mm) M7.5 x 0.5 SM7RR 0.25" (6.4 mm)
SP10 8 mm Ø0.27" (Ø6.9 mm) 0.16" (4.0 mm) M8.5 x 0.5 SM8RR 0.30" (7.6 mm)
SP11 9 mm Ø0.31" (Ø7.9 mm) 0.16" (4.0 mm) M9.5 x 0.5 SM9RR 0.30" (7.6 mm)
SP12 10 mm Ø0.35" (Ø8.8 mm) 0.16" (4.0 mm) M10.5 x 0.5 SM10RR 0.30" (7.6 mm)
SP13 11 mm Ø0.36" (Ø9.1 mm) 0.16" (4.0 mm) M11.5 x 0.5 SM11RR 0.30" (7.6 mm)
SP14 12 mm Ø0.40" (Ø10.2 mm) 0.16" (4.0 mm) M12.5 x 0.5 SM12RR 0.30" (7.6 mm)
  • Clear Aperture of Retaining Ring
  • Maximum Optical Thickness: This specification is true for thin lenses. For lenses with small focal lengths, and hence large lens curvatures, please contact Tech Support to ensure a proper fit.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
SP07 Support Documentation
SP0716 mm Cage Plate for Ø5 mm Optic, 2 SM5RR Retaining Rings Included
$41.69
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SP08 Support Documentation
SP0816 mm Cage Plate for Ø6 mm Optic, 2 SM6RR Retaining Rings Included
$41.69
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SP09 Support Documentation
SP0916 mm Cage Plate for Ø7 mm Optic, 2 SM7RR Retaining Rings Included
$41.98
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SP10 Support Documentation
SP1016 mm Cage Plate for Ø8 mm Optic, 2 SM8RR Retaining Rings Included
$41.98
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SP11 Support Documentation
SP1116 mm Cage Plate for Ø9 mm Optic, 2 SM9RR Retaining Rings Included
$42.28
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SP12 Support Documentation
SP1216 mm Cage Plate for Ø10 mm Optic, 2 SM10RR Retaining Rings Included
$42.28
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SP13 Support Documentation
SP1316 mm Cage Plate for Ø11 mm Optic, 2 SM11RR Retaining Rings Included
$45.58
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SP14 Support Documentation
SP1416 mm Cage Plate for Ø12 mm Optic, 2 SM12RR Retaining Rings Included
$45.58
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16 mm Clear Aperture Cage Plate


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SP03 Dimensions
  • Four Through-Holes for Ø4 mm Cage Rods
  • Includes a 4-40 Nylon-Tipped Setscrew at the Side for Clamping Optics
  • 4-40 and M3 Tapped Holes Allow for Mounting to our Mini Series Posts
  • Connects to SC6W via 3-48 Cap Screws (Not Included with SP03)

The SP03 has a 16 mm clear aperture for mounting of optical element into our compact, 16mm cage system. It features four through-holes that accept Ø4 mm cage rods. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking 4-40 setscrew, which can be secured using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key. If replacement setscrews are needed, we offer SS4B013 brass setscrews, which use a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex. Both a 4-40 and an M3 tapped hole are featured on opposite sides. This plate is designed to hold prism mounts and beamsplitter mounts and is compatible with the SPM2 Cage Prism Mount (not included). In addition, 3-48 cap screws (not included) can be used to bolt the cage plate onto the SC6W six-way cage cube.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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SP03 Support Documentation
SP03Compact Cage Plate with 16 mm Aperture for a 16 mm Cage System
$17.63
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Slip Plate Positioner, 16 mm Cage Compatible and Post Mountable

  • ±1.0 mm (±0.04") of Manual Adjustment
  • SM05 (0.535"-40) Internal Thread
  • Holds Ø1/2" Optics Mounted in Ø1/2" Lens Tubes
  • 0.635" (16 mm) Clearance Hole
  • Two 2-56 Adjustment Screws for Lockable Design

Thorlabs' SSP05 16 mm Slip Plate Positioner is designed to provide coarse XY positioning of optical components within our cage assembly system. The component that provides position adjustment is the movable carriage, which moves along the surface of the other plate for small XY adjustment. The movable carriage provides manual adjustment only and is best utilized in conjunction with an alignment laser to monitor centricity.

Adjustment is achieved by first loosening the two 2-56 button-head adjustment screws with a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver, manually adjusting the movable carriage in the desired position, and then tightening the screws to lock the carriage in place. The movable carriage is internally SM05 threaded and compatible with our Ø1/2" lens tubes, which can be used to hold Ø1/2" optics. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking 4-40 setscrew, which can be secured using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver. If replacement setscrews are needed, we offer SS4B025 brass setscrews, which use a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex.

For post mounting, the SSP05 features a 4-40 tapped hole on side and an M3 tapped hole on the other. Our Mini-Series posts and Mini-Series pedestal posts can be used to mount the SSP05.

Item # Travel Slip Plate
Thickness
Back Plate
Thickness
Maximum Optic
Thickness
Optics Mounting Post Mountinga SR Cage Rod Attachment
SSP05 ±0.04"
(±1 mm)
0.20" (5.1 mm) 0.25" (6.4 mm) 0.15" (3.8 mm) SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads 4-40 and M3 Tapped Holes 4 Through Holes with
Side-Located Locking Screws
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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SSP05 Support Documentation
SSP0516 mm Cage Plate Positioner
$73.95
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16 mm Blank Cage Plate

Blank Cage Plate Schematic
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SP01 Dimensions
  • Four Through-Holes for Ø4 mm Cage Rods
  • 4-40 and M3 Tapped Holes Allow for Mounting to our Mini Series Posts
  • Connects to SC6W Cubes via 3-48 Cap Screws (Not Included with SP01)
  • Black-Anodized Aluminum

Blank cage plates are ideal when standard threads and hole sizes are insufficient for custom mounting and OEM-level requirements. Custom hole sizes and threads can be machined using any size drill bits and taps. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking 4-40 setscrew, which can be secured using an HK050 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key. If replacement setscrews are needed, we offer SS4B013 brass setscrews, which use a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex. Both a 4-40 and an M3 tapped hole are featured on opposite sides. In addition, 3-48 cap screws (not included) can be used to bolt the cage plate onto the SC6W six-way cage cube.

Thorlabs also offers the CP31(/M) 30 mm and LCP31(/M) 60 mm blank cage plates.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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SP01 Support Documentation
SP01Blank 16 mm Cage Plate, 0.25" Thick, 4-40 and M3 Taps
$18.12
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16 mm Cage Alignment Plate

  • Quick Drop-In Visual Beam Alignment Tool
  • Small Through-Hole Aligned at Center of 16 mm Cage Assembly

The SCPA1 alignment plate provides a convenient tool for aligning 16 mm cage-based optical systems. This drop-in plate locates a Ø1mm through-hole at the exact center of a cage assembly, providing a convenient visual target to assist in beam alignment.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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SCPA1 Support Documentation
SCPA116 mm Cage Alignment Plate with Ø1 mm Hole
$14.62
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SM05-Threaded Quick-Release 16 mm Cage Mount

  • Compatible with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Unique Dovetail Design Provides Smooth Release and Clamping Action
  • One-Handed Operation for Removal and Repositioning of an Optic
  • Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics Up to 0.12" (3 mm) Thick
  • SM05 Internal Thread Directly Compatible With Our SM05-Series Components

The QRC05A cage mount is equipped with a unique spring-loaded dovetail design used to engage cage rods for positioning. By simply squeezing the dovetails together via the cupped actuator levers, the dovetail mechanism disengages the cage rods, allowing the mount to be either quickly repositioned or completely removed from a cage assembly. This convenient one-handed mechanism does not require any additional tools to actuate the clamping mechanism.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
QRC05A Support Documentation
QRC05ASM05-Threaded Quick-Release Cage Mount for the 16 mm Cage System
$72.77
Today