Mounting Adapters for CF Vacuum Flanges


  • Mount Optomechanics to a Ø1.33", Ø2.125", Ø2.75", Ø3.375", or Ø4.50" CF Vacuum Flange
  • Interface with 30 mm or 60 mm Cage Systems
  • Array of 8-32 (M4) or 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Mounting Holes

VFA275A

Adapter for Ø2.75" Vacuum Flange, 60 mm Cage System Compatible

Application Idea

An SM2L20 Lens Tube and KCB2C Right-Angle Mirror Mount Attached to a CF Flange Using the VFA275A Mounting Adapter

VFA133

Adapter for Ø1.33" Vacuum Flange, 30 mm Cage System Compatible

Related Items


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View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
VFA275A1Mounting Adapter for Ø2.75" CF Vacuum Flange, 1/4"-20 Taps
LCPM1Horizontal Platform: 30 mm & 60 mm Cage System
PM41Large Adjustable Clamping Arm, 6-32 Threaded Post
ER32Cage Assembly Rod, 3" Long, Ø6 mm
MRAK25-M011Knife-Edge Right-Angle Prism Prot. Gold Mirror, 800 nm-20 µm, L = 25 mm
LMR12Lens Mount with Retaining Ring for Ø1" Optics, 8-32 Tap
TR22Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 2"
TR32Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 3"
RA902Right-Angle Clamp for Ø1/2" Posts, 3/16" Hex
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
VFA275A/M1Mounting Adapter for Ø2.75" CF Vacuum Flange, M6 Taps
LCPM/M1Horizontal Platform: 30 mm & 60 mm Cage System, Metric
PM4/M1Large Adjustable Clamping Arm, M4 x 0.7 Threaded Post
ER32Cage Assembly Rod, 3" Long, Ø6 mm
MRAK25-M011Knife-Edge Right-Angle Prism Prot. Gold Mirror, 800 nm-20 µm, L = 25 mm
LMR1/M2Lens Mount with Retaining Ring for Ø1" Optics, M4 Tap
TR50/M2Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 50 mm
TR75/M2Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 75 mm
RA90/M2Right-Angle Clamp for Ø1/2" Posts, 5 mm Hex
The VFA275A flange adapter supports a knife edge prism used to split a beam coming from inside the vacuum chamber or combine two beams going into the chamber.

Features

  • Mount Optomechanical Components to a Ø1.33", Ø2.125", Ø2.75", Ø3.375", or Ø4.50" CF Vacuum Flange
  • Three Smallest Adapters Compatible with 30 mm or 60 mm Cage System
    • 60 mm Cage System Adapter for VFA338(/M) CF Flange Adapter Available Separately
  • Array of 8-32 (M4) or 1/4"-20 (M6) Taps for Mounting Optomechanical Components
  • Allows 360° of Continuous Rotational Adjustment

These Mounting Adapters provide a way to mount optomechanical components to a standard Ø1.33", Ø2.125", Ø2.75", Ø3.375", or Ø4.50" vacuum flange via an array of 8-32 (M4) or 1/4"-20 (M6) taps. Additionally, the VFA133(/M), VFA213(/M), and VFA275A(/M) flange adapters are compatible with Thorlabs' 30 mm or 60 mm cage systems, as each adapter has four through bores that allow cage rods to be passed through it. The VFA338B(/M) 60 mm cage adapter for the VFA338(/M) flange adapter is also available separately. Please note that the VFA338B(/M) cage adapter only supports a cage system on one side. The VFA450(/M) flange adapter is not directly compatible with 60 mm cage systems. See the table below for a full list of mounting taps and through bores.

Mounting Procedure
To mount a flange adapter onto its compatible CF flange, the adapter is first fitted over the diameter of the flange, and then secured via the 3/16" (5.0 mm) flexure lock actuation setscrew. The animation above demonstrates how to install the previous-generation VFA275(/M) flange adapter to a CF Flange and a cage system. The procedure is similar for the VFA113(/M), VFA213(/M) and VFA275A(/M) flange adapters.


Thorlabs' Mounting Adapter for Ø2.75" CF Vacuum Flanges offers six relief cuts and a clearance channel for versatile mounting. The video above shows the previous-generation VFA275 flange adapter. The procedure is similar for the VFA275A flange adapter.

The VFA213(/M), VFA275A(/M), and VFA338(/M) flange adapters feature either four, six, or eight relief cuts around the inner diameter which, when aligned with the bolts on a compatible CF flange, allow the adapter to slide past the flange hardware and mount onto the vacuum system. If the system uses a zero-length reducer flange or is otherwise space-constrained, the VFA213(/M), VFA275A(/M), and VFA338(/M) flange adapters also feature a clearance channel which fits around the washers, allowing the adapter to rotate without clearing the flange hardware. The VFA450(/M) flange adapter has a large enough inner diameter that internal relief cuts and a clearance channel are not needed to fit around the washers. The adapters can be installed or removed while the vacuum system is in use without disturbing the flange. This is ideal for vacuum systems that require a bake-out process, as the adapter can be removed before heating and easily replaced once the system has returned to ambient temperature.

Due to the smaller diameter of the VFA133(/M) flange adapter, it cannot slide over a Ø1.33" flange that uses standard-sized washers. These washers must be replaced with custom-sized Ø0.260" washers; ten are included with the VFA133(/M) flange adapter. The vacuum flange will have to be disassembled to replace the washers. After the washers are replaced, the adapter can be installed on the vacuum flange in the same way as the VFA213(/M), VFA275A(/M), and VFA338(/M) flange adapters and can be subsequently installed and removed without disturbing the vacuum.

The VFA113(/M), VFA213(/M) and VFA275A(/M) flange adapters all use four 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex screws to lock the cage rods into place. In order to mount the VFA338(/M) flange adapter to a 60 mm cage system, it must first be attached to the VFA338B(/M) cage adapter via four included 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) socket head screws. Once the VFA338(/M) flange adapter is secured in the VFA338B(/M) cage adapter, the four 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex setscrews can be used to secure cage rods into place. 


Posted Comments:
Alastair MacDowell  (posted 2022-12-06 09:23:33.24)
The VFA275 is very useful. A similar adaptor for 4.5" conflat would help the community (VFA450) . What would one cost ? Thanks Alastair MacDowell Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
jdelia  (posted 2022-12-12 01:36:40.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While this unfortunately not something we currently offer, we do plan on releasing a 4.5" version like you have requested. I have contacted you directly regarding the timeline for this product.
H Kim  (posted 2021-10-22 15:52:11.92)
Dear Thorlabs, can I ask you a custom made VFA133 by 304LN stainless steel?
YLohia  (posted 2021-12-22 02:57:04.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom items can be requested by emailing techsales@thorlabs.com. We will discuss the possibility of offering this customization directly.
Conrad Stansbury  (posted 2021-05-18 17:20:04.153)
It would be great if you could offer flange clamps for other conflat flange sizes, especially 4.5" and 6" flanges.
YLohia  (posted 2021-05-19 01:34:30.0)
Thank you for your feedback. We will consider offering such flange clamps in the future.
John Sinko  (posted 2019-09-05 16:30:41.383)
Would it be possible to modify a version of this component for 8", 6", or 4.5" conflat viewports? Thank you and kind regards, John E. Sinko Associate Professor Department of Physics & Astronomy St. Cloud State University
llamb  (posted 2019-09-09 10:05:57.0)
Hello John, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. For future custom quote requests, you may email techsupport@thorlabs.com directly. I have reached out to you directly to discuss the possibility of a larger custom conflat viewport.
user  (posted 2019-03-14 13:32:14.833)
Dear Sir/Madam, I plan to use several VFA275 as mechanical support of a vacuum chamber with several 2.75" flanges. The vacuum chamber will be baked at 300°C. Does the VFA275 support this high temperature ? Best regards
llamb  (posted 2019-03-14 04:50:24.0)
Thank you for your feedback. The VFA275 is designed to be mounted around vacuum flanges for a way to mount optomechanical components to the vacuum flange. The VFA275 itself is not vacuum compatible. The anodization layer on the aluminum will outgas in a vacuum environment and will typically crack and craze at temperatures beyond 100°C. I saw that you have submitted this anonymously, so please email techsupport@thorlabs.com if you have any additional questions.
graham.stutter  (posted 2017-12-07 19:21:48.38)
Do you have any plans to expand this range to other CF flange/cage mount sizes? eg CF16 and 30mm?
nbayconich  (posted 2017-12-15 09:34:13.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We are currently in the process of designing new conflat flange adapters and expect to release them in 2018.
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Mounting Adapters for CF Vacuum Flanges

  • Available for Five CF Flange Sizes from Ø1.33" - Ø4.50"
  • Array of 8-32 (M4) or 1/4"-20 (M6) Face Mounting Taps for Mounting Optomechanical Components
  • Three 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes on the Edge

Thorlabs' Mounting Adapters for CF Flanges allow optomechanical components to be mounted to a standard Ø1.33", Ø2.125", Ø2.75", Ø3.375", or Ø4.50" vacuum flange. The VFA133(/M), VFA213(/M), and VFA275A(/M) are directly compatible with our 30 mm or 60 mm cage system via four through holes for ER cage rods. For the VFA338(/M) CF flange adapter, 60 mm cage compatibility can be added by attaching the VFA388B(/M) adapter, which has four 0.25" (6.4 mm) deep holes that accept ER cage rods. In all cases, the cage rods can be locked in place by side-located 5/64" (2.0 mm) setscrews.

All adapters have a series of 8-32 (M4) or 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes on their face, separated by 15° or 30°, and three 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes on their perimeters at 90° increments. All adapters except the VFA133(/M) flange adapter have a set of Ø0.27" (Ø6.7 mm) through holes for use with 1/4" (M6) socket head screws. For a full list of mounting features, please refer to the table below. A flexure lock mechanism secures the adapters to a CF flange and can be actuated with a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key or balldriver. 

Mounting Adapter Specifications
Item # VFA133 VFA133/M VFA213 VFA213/M VFA275A VFA275A/M VFA338 VFA338/M VFA450 VFA450/M
Flange Compatibility Ø1.33" (CF 16) Ø2.125" (CF 25) Ø2.75" (CF 35)a Ø3.375" (CF 50) Ø4.50" (CF 63)
Face Mounting Taps 12 x 8-32 12 x M4 8 x 1/4"-20 8 x M6 9 x 1/4"-20 9 x M6 13 x 1/4"-20 13 x M6 10 x 1/4"-20 10 x M6
Through Bores - 4 x 0.27"b 4 x 6.7 mmb 4 x 0.27"b 4 x 6.7 mmb 4 x 0.27"b 4 x 6.7 mmb 7 x 0.27"b 7 x 6.7 mmb
Edge Mounting Taps 3 x 1/4"-20 3 x M6 3 x 1/4"-20 3 x M6 3 x 1/4"-20 3 x M6 3 x 1/4"-20 3 x M6 3 x 1/4"-20 3 x M6
Outer Diameter 2.44" 61.9 mm 3.75" 95.3 mm 4.00" 101.6 mm 4.63" 117.5 mm 6.00" 152.4 mm
Cage System Compatibility 30 mm 60 mm Requires Adapterc N/A
Cage Rod Locking Hex 5/64" (2.0 mm)
  • The outer diameter of this flange can vary from 2.72" to 2.75", depending on the manufacturer. The VFA275A(/M) flange adapter has been designed to accommodate all flanges within this size range.
  • For Use with 1/4" (M6) Socket Head Screws
  • The VFA338B(/M) cage adapter provides compatibility with 60 mm cage systems. It has four Ø0.24" (Ø6.0 mm), 0.25" (6.4 mm) deep holes for use with ER cage rods.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
VFA133 Support Documentation
VFA133Customer Inspired! Mounting Adapter for Ø1.33" CF Vacuum Flange, 8-32 and 1/4"-20 Taps
$93.17
Today
VFA213 Support Documentation
VFA213Mounting Adapter for Ø2.125" CF Vacuum Flange, 1/4"-20 Taps
$117.30
Today
VFA275A Support Documentation
VFA275ACustomer Inspired! Mounting Adapter for Ø2.75" CF Vacuum Flange, 1/4"-20 Taps
$122.40
Today
VFA338 Support Documentation
VFA338Mounting Adapter for Ø3.375" CF Vacuum Flange, 1/4"-20 Taps
$132.60
Today
VFA450 Support Documentation
VFA450Mounting Adapter for Ø4.50" CF Vacuum Flange, 1/4"-20 Taps
$204.00
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
VFA133/M Support Documentation
VFA133/MCustomer Inspired! Mounting Adapter for Ø1.33" CF Vacuum Flange, M4 and M6 Taps
$93.17
7-10 Days
VFA213/M Support Documentation
VFA213/MMounting Adapter for Ø2.125" CF Vacuum Flange, M6 Taps
$117.30
Today
VFA275A/M Support Documentation
VFA275A/MCustomer Inspired! Mounting Adapter for Ø2.75" CF Vacuum Flange, M6 Taps
$122.40
Today
VFA338/M Support Documentation
VFA338/MMounting Adapter for Ø3.375" CF Vacuum Flange, M6 Taps
$132.60
Today
VFA450/M Support Documentation
VFA450/MMounting Adapter for Ø4.50" CF Vacuum Flange, M6 Taps
$204.00
Today
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60 mm Cage System Adapter for VFA338(/M) CF Flange Adapter


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The VFA338B cage adapter allows the VFA338 flange adapter to connect to our 60 mm cage systems.

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The VFA338B(/M) cage adapter has a clearance bore in the back for compatibility with the VFA338(/M) flange adapter.
  • Couples the VFA338(/M) CF Flange Adapter to 60 mm Cage Systems
  • Accepts ER Series Cage Rods
  • 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) Mounting Through Holes

The VFA388B(/M) Adapter provides a convenient means for coupling the VFA388(/M) CF flange adapter above to a 60 mm cage system. The four holes for Ø6 mm ER series cage rods are each 0.25" (6.4 mm) deep and accompanied by a side-located 5/64" (2.0 mm) locking setscrew.

It is possible to connect the VFA338B(/M) Cage System Adapter to the VFA338(/M) flange adapter via four included 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) socket head screws.

The adapter also features eight 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) mounting thru holes that are separated by 30° or 60°. Additionally, a Ø3.63" (Ø92.1 mm) clearance bore on the adapter provides compatibility with the CF flange hardware.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
VFA338B Support Documentation
VFA338BVFA338 to 60mm Cage System Adapter
$117.30
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
VFA338B/M Support Documentation
VFA338B/MVFA338/M to 60mm Cage System Adapter
$117.30
Today