Channel Screws and T-Nuts

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Low-Profile Screw in RM1G Construction Cube

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Standard Cap Screw in RM1G Construction Cube

Our Low-Profile Channel Screws have a reduced cap head height relative to standard screws, permitting them to be used in tight spaces. In particular, they are recommended when neighboring screws are at a right angle and in close proximity, as in our XE25W3 Corner Cube or RM1G and RM1S Construction Cubes.

Shown to the right are a standard cap screw and a low-profile channel screw installed in an RM1G cube. The low-profile screw's shortened cap height prevents neighboring screws from interfering with each other.

The head of each screw also fits into XE rail channels for alternate construction methods, as outlined here.

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Quick-Release T-Nut in Rail Channel

• Can Be Inserted and Removed from Any Exposed Rail Channel Without Accessing the Ends (See Animation to the Right)
• Drops into Position and Locks by Rotating
• More Surface Engagement than Drop-In and Low-Profile T-Nuts
• 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tapped Hole for Mounting

The XE25T4(/M) Quick-Release T-Nut is our most versatile option for mounting mechanics to rail channels. Its thin width profile allows it to be inserted into an exposed rail channel. After being inserted, a clockwise rotation by 90° prevents it from being removed again. Once rotated, screwing in a mechanical part draws the T-nut towards the part, eventually forcing the T-nut and rail channel to engage. The protruding edge of the 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped hole centers the T-nut within the rail channel, ensuring even engagement on both sides.

To remove the quick-release T-nut, simply remove any attached mechanical parts and rotate the T-nut counterclockwise.

• Can Be Inserted and Removed from Any Exposed Rail Channel Without Accessing the Ends
• Drops into Position and Locks by Rotating
• 1/2" (12.7 mm) Long, 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Threaded Stud for Mounting

These quick-release hammerhead screws are versatile options for mounting mechanics to rail channels. Their thin width profile allows them to be inserted into an exposed rail channel. After being inserted, rotating the screw clockwise by 90° prevents it from being removed again. Once rotated, screwing on a mechanical part draws the hammerhead screw towards the part, eventually forcing the screw and rail channel to engage.

To remove the hammerhead screw, simply remove any attached mechanical parts and rotate the screw counterclockwise.

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Drop-In T-Nut in Rail Channel

• Can Be Dropped into Any Exposed Portion of a Rail Channel Without Accessing the Ends
• Removal Requires Access to the Rail Ends
• 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tapped Hole or 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Tapped Hole for Mounting

Drop-in T-nuts can be dropped in along any point of an exposed rail channel, making them easy to install even if the rail ends are blocked. They are available with either an 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped hole [Item # XE25T2(/M)] or 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped hole [Item # XE25T1(/M)].

Although these T-nuts can be easily inserted anywhere along the rail, access to the end of the rail is necessary for removal. This procedure is shown in the animation to the right. In contrast, our quick-release T-nuts, shown above, offer the added flexibility of being able to be removed when the rail ends are obstructed.

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Low-Profile T-Nut in Rail Channel

• Can Only Be Inserted and Removed from the End of a Rail
• 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Tapped Hole for Mounting
• Economical Alternative to Drop-In and Quick-Release T-Nuts

The XE25T3(/M) Low-Profile T-Nut can be used when there is access to an XE Series rail end, which allows the T-nut to slip into place. Since installation (and removal) requires the rail end to be unobstructed, as shown in the animation to the right, this T-nut usually needs to be positioned before a mechanical construction is completed. Our quick-release and drop-in T-nuts, shown above, can be inserted even if the rail ends are blocked; the former can also be removed without access to the ends.

This T-nut is also compatible with our XT66 Series rail system mounting platforms.

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View Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
KM200	1	Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø2" Optics
PF20-03-G01	1	Ø2" Protected Aluminum Mirror
LMR2/M	1	Lens Mount with Retaining Ring for Ø2" Optics, M4 Tap
LA1401-A	1	N-BK7 Plano-Convex Lens, Ø2", f = 60 mm, AR Coating: 350 - 700 nm
TR50/M	2	Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 50 mm
KMCP/M	2	Kinematic Mount Centering Plate, Metric
XT95SP-500	1	95 mm One-Sided Construction Rail, Clear Anodized, L = 500 mm
XT95N6	1	Low-Profile T-Nut for 95 mm Rails, M6 x 1.0 Tapped Hole, Qty: 10
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Post-Mounted Optomechanics on a Rail Side

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Low-Profile T-Nut in T-Slot

• Can Only be Inserted and Removed from the End of a Rail
• M6 x 1.0 Tapped Hole for Mounting

The XT95N6 Low-Profile T-Nut slips into the T-slots along the rail side. Since installation (and removal) requires the rail end to be unobstructed, this T-nut usually needs to be positioned before a 95 mm rail assembly is completed. In contrast, the drop-in T-nut shown below can be installed and removed even if the rail ends are blocked.

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Rotating the drop-in T-nut clockwise keeps it in place.

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To insert a drop-in T-nut, turn the long side parallel to the T-slot and drop it in.

• Can be Inserted and Removed from Any Exposed Portion of a T-Slot Without Access to the Rail Ends
• M4 x 0.7 Tapped Hole for Mounting

The XT95N4 Drop-In T-Nut has a thin width profile that allows it to be inserted into an exposed T-slot. After being inserted, a clockwise rotation by 90° prevents it from being removed again. The protruding edge of the M4 x 0.7 tapped hole helps to center the T-nut within the T-slot.