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Polaris® Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mounts![]()
POLARIS-K19G4 Ø19 mm Mirror Mount (Mirror Not Included)
POLARIS-K1C4 Ø1" Mirror Mount, 142° Clear Edge
Related Items ![]() Please Wait ![]() Click to Enlarge The POLARIS-K1C4 has a 142° clear edge that allows for low angles of incidence (see the Usage Tips tab). The POLARIS-K05C4 features a 145° clear edge. ![]() Click to Enlarge The POLARIS-K19G4 features two cutouts in the glue plane to increase the transmissive clear aperture. The POLARIS-K05G4 and POLARIS-K1G4 also feature these cutouts. Features
Polaris® Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mounts are the ultimate solution for applications requiring stringent long-term alignment stability. Optic Mounting Design Post Mounting Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
Polaris® Mirror Mounts Test DataThese Polaris Glue-In Kinematic Mirror Mounts have undergone extensive testing to ensure high-quality performance. After mounting a Polaris mount to a Ø1" Post for Polaris Mirror Mounts, the mirror and post assembly was secured to a stainless steel optical table in a temperature-controlled environment. A beam from an independently temperature-stabilized laser diode was reflected by the mirror onto a position sensing detector. Positional Repeatability After Thermal ShockPurpose: This testing was done to determine how reliably our glue-in mounts return the mirror, without hysteresis, to its initial position. These measurements show that the alignment of the optical system is unaffected by the temperature shock. Procedure: The temperature of each mirror mount under test was raised by at least 12.5 °C and maintained for a given soak time. Heat was applied to the front plate of the mount to raise its temperature, which was measured with a thermocouple attached to the bottom of the back plate. Please note that the temperature of the front plate will be slightly higher than what was measured due to the position of the thermocouple on the back plate. After soaking, the temperature of the mirror mount was returned to the starting temperature. The results of these tests are shown below. Results: As can be seen in the plots in the expandable tables below, when the Polaris mounts were returned to their initial temperature, the angular position (both pitch and yaw) of the mirrors returned to within 1 µrad of its initial position. The performance of the Polaris was tested further by subjecting the mount to repeated temperature change cycles. After each cycle, the mirror’s position reliably returned to within 1 µrad of its initial position. For Comparison: To get a 1 µrad change in the mount’s position, the 100 TPI adjuster on the Ø1" Polaris mounts needs to be rotated by only 0.05° (1/7200 of a turn). A highly skilled operator might be able to make an adjustment as small as 0.3° (1/1200 of a turn), which corresponds to 6 µrad. Conclusions: The Polaris Mirror Mounts are high-quality, ultra-stable mounts that will reliably return a mirror to its original position after cycling through a temperature change. As a result, the Polaris mounts are ideal for use in applications that require long-term alignment stability.
Optical Distortion Testing Using a ZYGO Phase-Shifting InterferometerMounting stresses are responsible for the strain that results in optical surface distortion. Minimizing distortion effects is crucial; any distortion of the optic affects the reflected wavefront. Our Ø1" and Ø19 mm glue-in Polaris kinematic mirror mounts feature a cell for gluing an optic to the mount. This mounting feature provides maximum stability while minimizing optic distortion for applications like laser cavity construction. To determine the amount of optic distortion caused by the adhesive mounting process, a ZYGO Phase-Shifting Interferometer was used to measure the wavefront reflected from both unmounted and mounted mirrors. Based on results of the test, we can conclude that our glue-in Polaris mounts introduce a minimum amount of wavefront distortion. Procedure: Results: Loose Optic in POLARIS-K05C4 ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Loose Mirror Placed on a POLARIS-K05C4 Mount Fixed Optic in POLARIS-K05C4 ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-K05C4 Ø1" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Fixed Optic in POLARIS-K19G4 ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-K19G4 Ø19 mm Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Loose Optic in POLARIS-K1C4 ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Loose Mirror Placed on a POLARIS-K1C4 Mount Fixed Optic in POLARIS-K1C4 ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-K1C4 Ø1" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Optic Installation Procedure for a Polaris Glue-In Mirror Mount Using a UV-Curing Adhesive ![]() Click to Enlarge The glue plane is highlighted for each style of glue-in mount above. Installing an Optic into a Polaris® Glue-In Mirror MountEnsure that there is no grease, dirt, or dust on the optic mounting plane or on the optic itself. Polaris mounts are thoroughly cleaned and then sealed inside two vacuum bag layers to ensure the mounts are free of any contaminants when the package is first opened. If the mount has been handled at all prior to installing the optic, remove any particulates with clean, compressed air and/or clean the mount with acetone or methanol. Using a clean stainless steel applicator or a syringe, apply a thin coating of optical adhesive to the entire optic glue plane (see photo to the right) in the area where the back surface of the optic will make contact. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (item # NOA61, available below). Then, slide the optic down the two optic rim contact points until the back surface of the optic makes contact with the glue. The adhesive can then be cured with a UV curing LED system. Optical Adhesives: We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (item # NOA61, available below) because of its ease of use. A 10-second pre-cure and a 10-minute final cure provides 3000 psi tensile strength, and the adhesive will maintain its performance over a wide temperature range of -150 °C to +125 °C. We also recommend EPO-TEK 301-2FL for operating temperatures up to 250 °C, at the cost of a slightly weaker bond than the NOA61. Other adhesives may be suitable depending on your application; contact Tech Support for assistance in choosing the appropriate one. Single Plane Glue Bond: In order to minimize wavefront distortion, the adhesive layer should be confined to a single plane and should not contact the side of the optic. Polaris glue-in mounts offer relief cuts in the glue plane, allowing excess adhesive to flow away from the optic rather than onto the edges. The single plane bond prevents pockets or voids in the glue that reduce the bonding area and weaken the bond. Such pockets or voids are also more susceptible to misalignment due to fluctuations in temperature. In addition, allowing the glue to bond only to the back surface of the optic significantly reduces stress on the optic after the glue is cured. Temperature while Curing: The temperature of the mount during the UV curing process should be controlled. UV ovens that significantly heat the mount should be avoided because the heat will cause thermal expansion of the mount, adhesive, and optic. Upon cooling, some residual stress will then develop in the glue bond and distort the optic. See the Test Data tab for details on the low optic distortion provided by these mounts. ![]() Click to Enlarge Design Features of the Polaris Glue-In Mounts Several common factors typically lead to beam misalignment in an optical setup. These include temperature-induced hysteresis of the mirror's position, crosstalk, drift, and backlash. Polaris mirror mounts are designed specifically to minimize these misalignment factors and thus provide extremely stable performance. Hours of extensive research, multiple design efforts using sophisticated design tools, and months of rigorous testing went into choosing the best components to provide an ideal solution for experiments requiring ultra-stable performance from a kinematic mirror mount. Thermal Hysteresis The method by which the mirror is secured in the mount is another important design factor for the Polaris; this Polaris mount relies on an adhesive to fix the optic in place. Permanent mounting with optical adhesive reduces optical surface distortion and provides superior performance for applications that are sensitive to wavefront distortion. In addition, this glue-in optic design minimizes temperature sensitivity and limits temperature-dependent hysteresis. Crosstalk Drift and Backlash ![]() Click to Enlarge Polaris Mounts are Shipped Inside Two Vacuum Bag Layers Vacuum Compatible and Low Outgassing Each vacuum-compatible Polaris mount is packaged within two vacuum bag layers after assembly in a clean environment, as seen in the image to the right. These vacuum bags do not contain any desiccant materials and tightly wrap the mount preventing friction against the mount during shipping. This packing method protects the mount from corrosion, gas or liquid contamination, and particulates during transport. The first vacuum bag should be opened in a clean environment while the second vacuum bag should only be opened just prior to installation. When operating at pressures below 10-5 Torr, we highly recommend using an appropriate bake out procedure prior to installing the mount in order to minimize contamination caused by outgassing. ![]() Click to Enlarge When two POLARIS-K1C4 (top) and two POLARIS-K1S4 (bottom) mirror mounts are positioned at the same distance, the clear-edge design of the POLARIS-K1C4 allows more reflections to occur before the beam exits the two-mount system. Polaris® kinematic mirror mounts are specifically designed to provide excellent performance under thermal changes and vibrations. Below are some usage tips to ensure that the mount provides optimal performance. To install a lock nut without cross threading, gently place the lock nut against the end of the adjuster. "Unscrew" the nut until the threads of the nut and the adjuster align before threading the nut onto the adjuster. This animation shows the installation of a POLARIS-LN1 lock nut on a POLARIS-K1F1 low distortion mount. Mounting Options ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-K1C4 Ø1" Mount with a Mounted Optic and Optional POLARIS-N5 Knobs Mount Alignment Front Plate’s Position Polish and Clean the Points of Contact Use Polaris-Specific Adjustment Tools Not Recommended Adjuster Lock Nuts Low Incidence Angles Transmissive Clear Aperture
Thorlabs offers several different general varieties of Polaris mounts, including kinematic side optic retention, SM-threaded, low optic distortion, piezo-actuated, and glue-in optic mounts, as well as a fixed monolithic mirror mount and fixed optic mounts. Click to expand the tables below and see our complete line of Polaris mounts, listed by optic bore size, and then arranged by optic retention method and adjuster type. We also offer a line of accessories that have been specifically designed for use with our Polaris mounts; these are listed in the table immediately below. If your application requires a mirror mount design that is not available below, please contact Tech Support.
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge A 145° clear edge allows a pair of mirrors to be mounted in close proximity at low angles of incidence without clipping the beam path (see the Usage Tips tab).
The POLARIS-K05C4 Clear-Edge Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mount features a 145° clear edge and an optic cell that allows optics to be glued in place. The clear-edge design allows for low incidence angles, making these mounts ideal for space-constrained systems. The adhesive optic mounting method ensures minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to this mount. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Two cutouts in the glue plane increase the clear aperture when transmissive optics are used.
The POLARIS-K05G4 Ø1/2" Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mount is designed to provide long-term alignment stability and easy high-resolution adjustments via two 130 TPI adjusters. The mount features a compact footprint, ideal for OEM applications, and a glue-in optic cell to ensure minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. In addition, this mount has two cutouts in the glue channel to increase the clear aperture of the mount when using transmissive optics, such as filters or beamsplitters; these cutouts are shown in the photo to the right. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to this mount. The 2-adjuster design of this mount improves stability by limiting the available degrees of freedom for movement. The 130 TPI adjusters feature three Ø0.07" through holes that allow for actuation from the side using our precision-fit SA1 Side Hole Adjustment Tool (sold below) or a 1/16" (1.5 mm) balldriver or hex key. Each adjuster also has a 2.0 mm (5/64") hex and may be adjusted with the hex on the end of the SA1, our HKTS-5/64 Hex Key Thumbscrews (sold below), or any other 2.0 mm (5/64") hex wrench. The adjusters on this mount can be locked using the POLARIS-LN05 lock nuts (sold separately below). For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 24 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW6 preset torque wrench (sold below). The mount features two #8 (M4) counterbores for post mounting. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on each mounting face for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using this mount with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (click on the red Documents Icon below and download the .pdf or .dxf drawing for details). Due to the shallow design of the counterbores, low-profile 8-32 and M4 cap screws are included for mounting without obstructing the transmissive beam path. The 8-32 cap screw accepts a 5/64" (2 mm) hex wrench, while the M4 cap screw accepts a 2.5 mm hex wrench. For applications that require materials with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, we can provide mounts with face plates made from chemically-cleaned and heat-treated 416 stainless steel or with a clear-edge mounting cell similar to our Ø1" clear-edge mount below. We can also replace the face plates of existing mounts or provide replacement face plates to be installed by the user. Please contact tech support for more information. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge A POLARIS-K19G4 mounted using a Ø1" Post for Polaris Mirror Mounts and a Polaris Clamping Arm.
The POLARIS-K19G4 Ø19 mm Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mount is designed to provide long-term alignment stability and easy high-resolution adjustments via two 130 TPI adjusters. The mount features a compact footprint, ideal for OEM applications, and a glue-in optic cell to ensure minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. In addition, this mount has two cutouts in the glue channel to increase the clear aperture of the mount when using transmissive optics, such as filters or beamsplitters. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to this mount. The 130 TPI adjusters feature three Ø0.07" through holes that allow for actuation from the side using our precision-fit SA1 Side Hole Adjustment Tool (sold below) or a 1/16" (1.5 mm) balldriver or hex key. Each adjuster also has a 2.0 mm (5/64") hex and may be adjusted with the hex on the end of the SA1, our HKTS-5/64 Hex Key Thumbscrews (sold below), or any other 2.0 mm (5/64") hex wrench. The adjusters on this mount can be locked using the POLARIS-LN05 lock nuts (sold separately below). For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 24 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW6 preset torque wrench (sold below). The mount features two #8 (M4) counterbores for post mounting. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on each mounting face for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using this mount with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts, shown to the above right. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (click on the red Documents Icon below and download the .pdf or .dxf drawing for details). For applications that require materials with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, we can provide mounts with face plates made from chemically-cleaned and heat-treated 416 stainless steel or with a clear-edge mounting cell similar to our Ø1" clear-edge mount below. We can also replace the face plates of existing mounts or provide replacement face plates to be installed by the user. Please contact tech support for more information.
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge For a two-mirror system designed to provide a single reflection off of each mirror surface, two POLARIS-K1C4 mounts (top) can be positioned in closer proximity than two POLARIS-K1S4 mounts (bottom) while still allowing the beam to enter and exit without clipping. ![]() Click to Enlarge 142° Clear Edge Allows for Low Angles of Incidence
The 2-adjuster POLARIS-K1C4 Clear-Edge Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mount features a 142° clear edge and an optic cell that allows optics to be glued in place. The clear-edge design allows for low incidence angles, making these mounts ideal for space-constrained systems. The adhesive optic mounting method ensures minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to this mount. The 2-adjuster design of this mount improves stability by limiting the available degrees of freedom for movement. The 100 TPI adjusters feature three Ø0.07" through holes that allow for actuation from the side using our precision-fit SA1 Side Hole Adjustment Tool (sold below) or a 1/16" (1.5 mm) balldriver or hex key. Each adjuster also has a 2.0 mm (5/64") hex and may be adjusted with the hex on the end of the SA1, our HKTS-5/64 Hex Key Thumbscrews (sold below), or any other 2.0 mm (5/64") hex wrench. Alternatively, POLARIS-N5 removable, low-profile adjustment knobs (sold below) can be threaded onto the adjusters for improved feel in fine-resolution adjustments; note that the removable knobs will block the adjuster side holes but not the hex. The adjusters on this mount can be locked using the POLARIS-LN1 lock nuts (sold separately below). For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench (sold below). The mount features two #8 (M4) counterbores for post mounting. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on each mounting face for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using this mount with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (click on the red documents icon below and download the .pdf or .dxf drawing for details). For applications that require materials with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, we can provide mounts with face plates made from chemically-cleaned and heat-treated 416 stainless steel. In addition, we can replace the face plates of existing mounts or provide replacement face plates to be installed by the user. Please contact tech support for more information. POLARIS-K1C4 Mounts purchased before September 21, 2016 cannot be used with the POLARIS-N5 Removable Knobs sold below. To order compatible knobs, please contact Tech Support. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Methods of Adjusting a Glue-In Mirror Mount: (A) 5/64" or 2.0 mm Hex Key in End of the Adjuster, (B) SA1 Tool Through Side Holes, (C) POLARIS-N5 Removable 1/4"-100 Adjuster Knobs, and (D) HKTS-5/64 Knobs and 1/16" or 1.5 mm Balldriver Through Side Holes for Fine Adjustment
The POLARIS-K1G4 Ø1" Kinematic Glue-In Mirror Mount is designed to provide long-term alignment stability and easy high-resolution adjustments via two 100 TPI adjusters. The mount features a glue-in optic cell to ensure minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. In addition, this mount has two cutouts in the glue plane to increase the clear aperture of the mount when using transmissive optics, such as filters or beamsplitters. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to this mount. The 2-adjuster design of this mount improves stability by limiting the available degrees of freedom for movement. The 100 TPI adjusters feature three Ø0.07" through holes that allow for actuation from the side using our precision-fit SA1 Side Hole Adjustment Tool (sold below) or a 1/16" (1.5 mm) balldriver or hex key. Each adjuster also has a 2.0 mm (5/64") hex and may be adjusted with the hex on the end of the SA1, our HKTS-5/64 Hex Key Thumbscrews (sold below), or any other 2.0 mm (5/64") hex wrench. Alternatively, POLARIS-N5 removable, low-profile adjustment knobs (sold below) can be threaded onto the adjusters for improved feel in fine-resolution adjustments; note that the removable knobs will block the adjuster side holes but not the hex. The adjusters on this mount can be locked using the POLARIS-LN1 lock nuts (sold separately below). For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench (sold below). The mount features two #8 (M4) counterbores for post mounting. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on each mounting face for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using this mount with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts, shown to the above right. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (click on the red Documents Icon below and download the .pdf or .dxf drawing for details). For applications that require materials with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, we can provide mounts with face plates made from chemically-cleaned and heat-treated 416 stainless steel or with a clear-edge mounting cell similar to our Ø1" clear-edge mount above. We can also replace the face plates of existing mounts or provide replacement face plates to be installed by the user. Please contact tech support for more information. ![]() Polaris Recommended Optical Adhesive
The NOA61 Optical Adhesive is a clear, one-part adhesive that contains no solvents. When exposed to UV light, it gels in seconds and cures fully in minutes to give a tough resilient bond. It has been optimized to adhere optical glass to metal with very little stress, making it ideal for use with our Polaris Glue-In Mounts. To cure these optical adhesives, they must be exposed to UV light. Thorlabs offers a UV curing system that provides an intensity up to 600 mW/cm2. NOA61 optical adhesive is designed to give the best possible bond to glass surfaces and may be polished after curing. It meets Federal Specification MIL-A-3920 for optical adhesives and is approved for use on all government contracts specifying such adhesives. This adhesive has excellent adhesion to metal, fiberglass and glass-filled plastic. Shelf Life
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-K1C4 Mount with Optic and Optional POLARIS-N5 Removable Knobs
The Polaris® Removable Knobs for 1/4"-100 Adjusters allows the user to adjust a Polaris kinematic mirror mount by hand. The knobs can be used with select Polaris mounts, listed in the table to the right. Note that when the knobs are used with any of these mounts, they will block the side through holes on the adjuster. The adjuster screw's 5/64" (2 mm) hex socket is still usable when the knobs are attached. The knobs are made from chemically cleaned and heat-treated 303 stainless steel that provides vacuum compatibility down to 10-9 Torr at 25 °C with proper bake out (10-5 Torr at 25 °C without bake out). POLARIS-K1C4 and POLARIS-K1S4 Mounts purchased before September 21, 2016 cannot be used with the POLARIS-N5 Removable Knobs sold here. To order compatible knobs, please contact Tech Support. ![]()
These 5/64" Hex Key Adjuster Thumbscrews allow for quick adjustment of many 5/64" and 2 mm hex-driven actuators (or standard actuators with the knobs removed). These temporary knobs can be left in the screw's hex socket between adjustments for convenience (see photo to the right). An 8-32 setscrew (5/64" hex) secures the replaceable hex bit, which can be reversed if the tip is stripped. Contact Tech Support to order replacement hex key bits. We offer hex key thumbscrews in sizes from 0.050" to 3/16" and 2 mm to 5 mm. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The SA1 Adjusting a POLARIS-K1S4 Using the Side Holes and Rear Hex
The Side Hole Adjustment Tool features a Ø0.07" precision-fit tip designed for Polaris mounts with side hole adjusters. The handle features a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex allowing the SA1 to act as a small knob, and the central nut is compatible with a 6.0 mm wrench allowing for a longer lever arm. The precision-fit tip minimizes backlash during adjustments and the depth stop allows the tool to rest securely in a side hole between adjustments. On Ø25 mm mirror mounts and larger, the 1.62" length allows the tool to adjust the actuator 360° without interfering with the other adjuster on the back of the mount. The SA1 is made of chemically cleaned, hardened, super alloy stainless steel for durability and compatibility with clean environments. The tool is also magnetic allowing it to be easily retrieved from tight or sensitive setups using a magnet. ![]() To install a lock nut without cross threading, gently place the lock nut against the end of the adjuster. "Unscrew" the nut until the threads of the nut and the adjuster align before threading the nut onto the adjuster. This animation shows the installation of a POLARIS-LN1 lock nut on a POLARIS-K1F1 low distortion mount. ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nuts on a POLARIS-K19S4 Mount
These lock nuts are designed for use with Polaris kinematic mounts that do not use low-profile adjusters. The POLARIS-LN05 lock nut can be used with 3/16"-130 adjusters, while the POLARIS-LN1 lock nut is for 1/4"-100 adjusters. Designed for long-term adjuster stability or applications that are exposed to shock and vibration, these lock nuts are pre-greased with the same ultra-high-vacuum-compatible, low-outgassing PTFE grease as the Polaris mounts and have been tested for adjuster fit. For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened by hand to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). If long term stability is required, the torque wrenches below can be used to apply the appropriate amount of torque to each lock nut (see the table below for torque values). POLARIS-LN05 lock nuts require a 6 mm hex tool for tightening, while POLARIS-LN1 lock nuts require a 13 mm hex tool. To avoid cross threading the lock nut, place it against the adjuster and "unscrew" the lock nut until you feel a slight drop; then thread the lock nut onto the adjuster. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge TW6 Torque Wrench Used to Secure POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nut on POLARIS-K05T2 Mirror Mount ![]() Click to Enlarge Each wrench is engraved with its preset torque value and item #.
These torque wrenches have a preset torque value to secure the lock nuts on Polaris mounts for long-term locking; see the table below for specifications. When the preset torque value has been achieved, the break-over design will cause the pivoting joint to "break," as shown to the right. The wrench's hex head will move back into place once the force is removed. This design prevents further force from being applied to the lock nut. Engraved guidelines indicate the angle the wrench should pivot in order to apply the specified torque; pivoting the handle past these guidelines will over-torque the lock nut. Each wrench is also engraved with its preset torque value, torque direction, wrench size, and item # for easy identification in the field. Please note that these wrenches are not intended for use in applications where adjusters are frequently tuned, as these applications typically require torque values of 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m).
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