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Products HomeDovetail Rail Carriers
- Carriers Mount Components on Dovetail Rails
- Perpendicular Dovetail Carrier Allows Transverse Adjustments
RC3
90° Cross-Coupler
RC1
RC2
Application Idea
8-32 (M4)
Taps
1.00"
(25.4 mm)
2.00"
(51 mm)
A KMS Kinematic Mount is Attached to an RC1 Rail Carrier on an RLA Optical Rail
Please Wait
Features
- "Snap-On" Rail Carriers Mount Components to Dovetail Rails
- Thumbscrew Clamp with Rounded, Stiff Plastic Tip
- Counterbore Adapter Rings Allow the Use of #8 (M4) Cap Screws in 1/4" (M6) Counterbored Holes
Rail Carrier Cross Section with
SD1 Counterbore Adapter Ring
Rail Carriers
Thorlabs' Dovetail Optical Rail Carriers are designed to mount components to our RLA Dovetail Optical Rails. Once attached, these rail carriers enable one- or two-dimensional movement of optomechanics at any position along the length of the rail. They are precision machined on all surfaces in order to maintain good lateral alignment while being translated along the length of the rail, and can be easily snapped into any existing rail system without requiring access to the rail ends.
These convenient rail carriers are provided in three varieties. The RC1 is a basic, 1" (25 mm) long rail carrier platform that features a 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole for mounting simple, lightweight optomechanics. The RC2(/M) is 2" (51 mm) long, accommodating larger components, and provides two 8-32 (M4) tapped holes in addition to a 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole. Finally, the RC3 provides a dovetail perpendicular to that of the RLA rail it is mounted on, allowing an RC1 or RC2 to be attached on top to provide coarse transverse adjustments.
Counterbore Adapter Ring
For additional mounting flexibility, the SD1 adapter ring (shown schematically above and to the right) allows a #8 (M4) cap screw to be used within the 1/4" (M6) counterbored holes of the rail carriers. This allows small optomechanical components, such as the KMS compact kinematic mount shown at the top of the page, to be directly mounted to a rail carrier.
| Posted Comments: | |
tmorgus
(posted 2015-09-08 19:32:35.257) The RC3 isn't specifically designed for the XE25 rail system so it would probably be best if you talked to an application engineer so that they could understand all the elements of your plan. I typically use the XT34 rail system (http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=855) when building 2D or 3D load bearing structures that need rail carriers. Tyler, Optomechanics Business Unit user
(posted 2015-09-08 18:13:03.27) Hi there,
I am wondering what weight can RC3 carry without problem.
Here is what I am going to do, use 4 XE25 rail vertically, and 4 RC3 on each rail, then these 4 RC3 carries two XE25 rails horizontally, then some weight on the two horizontal rails. Can it support 10kg? |
Zoom- 1.00" x 1.00" (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm) Carrier Platform
- 1/4" (M6) Counterbored Hole for Mounting
- SD1 Counterbore Adapter Ring Included
The RC1 Rail Carrier is designed to mount optomechanical components on an RLA dovetail rail. The carrier can be snapped onto the rail anywhere along its length, even without access to the rail ends. The spring-loaded plunger built into the locking thumbscrew provides wobble-free translation as the carrier slides along the rail.
A 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole provides flexible mounting of optomechanical components like our post holders. One SD1 counterbore adapter ring is included, which provides a secure way to mount 8-32 (M4) tapped components in the 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole. Please see the Counterbore Adapter Rings section below for more information.
Zoom- Large 2.00" x 1.00" (51 mm x 25 mm) Carrier Platform
- 1/4" (M6) Counterbored Hole for Mounting
- Two 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes for Mounting Components that Have Clearance Holes
- SD1 Counterbore Adapter Ring Included
The RC2(/M) Rail Carrier is designed to mount optomechanical components on an RLA dovetail rail. The carrier can be snapped onto the rail anywhere along its length, even without access to the rail ends. The spring-loaded plunger built into the locking thumbscrew provides wobble-free translation as the carrier slides along the rail.
A 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole provides flexible mounting options for optomechanical components like our post holders. In addition, the RC2(/M) contains two 8-32 (M4) tapped holes ideal for mounting parts with clearance holes, such as many of our kinematic mirror mounts.
One SD1 counterbore adapter ring is included, which provides a secure way to mount 8-32 (M4) tapped components in the 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole. Please see the Counterbore Adapter Rings section below for more information.
Zoom
- 1.25" (31.8 mm) Long Dovetail Perpendicular to Rail
- Allows Coarse Transverse Adjustments
The RC3 Perpendicular Dovetail Rail Carrier provides a 1.25" (31.8 mm) dovetail surface perpendicular to the RLA dovetail rail on which it is clamped. This allows for transverse translation of an RC1 or RC2 rail carrier (sold above) in the direction perpendicular to the RLA rail.
The image to the right shows an RC1 rail carrier on top of an RC3 rail carrier mounted on an RLA0600 optical rail. The RC3 carrier provides coarse transverse adjustment for additional optomechanical components mounted on the RC1 carrier.
Zoom
- Use an 8-32 or M4 Cap Screw in a 1/4" or M6 Counterbored Hole
- Package of 10 Adapters
The SD1 stainless steel adapter ring allows an 8-32 (M4) cap screw to be used within the 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole of our rail carriers. It enables a wide variety of optomechanical components, such as KMS compact mirror mounts, to be directly mounted to a rail carrier. This adapter is also necessary when building vertical rail structures with the SC1 adapter.
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