Optical Table Workstation for 1.2 m x 2 m x 310 mm (4' x 6' x 12.2") Tables

• Active-Air, Anti-Vibration Frame
• 97% Damping of Vibrations @ 10 Hz
• Isolators Require an External Source of Compressed Air
• Easy to Relocate with Integrated Casters
• Under Table Shelf Included: Max Load Capacity 100 kg (220 lbs)
• Welded Steel Isolator Pairs (Minimal Assembly Required)
• Isolator Load Capacity: 5500 lbs (2500 kg) Including Optical Table

This frame provides a compact, portable, and ergonomic workstation solution for optical tables. The active supports deliver our highest level of vibration isolation available, making this frame suitable for applications requiring sub-micron resolution. The isolators require a constant source of pressurized air, such as that provided by our compressor. In addition, this isolation system will adjust the pressure in each isolator to keep the optical table surface level, even when the distribution of weight on the optical tabletop is changed. Casters and a removable under table shelf are included.

Each optical table frame contains active supports in each leg that deliver our highest level of vibration isolation available, making these frames suitable for applications with sub-micron resolution. The isolators require a constant source of pressurized air, such as that provided by our compressor. In addition, this isolation system will adjust the pressure in each isolator to keep the optical table surface level, even when the distribution of weight on the optical tabletop is changed.

Please note that an optical table equipped with earthquake restraints cannot be used with an optical table frame.

• Thickness: 310 mm (12.2")
• Size: 1.2 m x 2 m (Metric), 4' x 6' (Imperial)
• Every Table Individually Optimized, Tested, and Shipped with Test Data Certificate
• 1/4"-20 Holes on 1" Centers (Imperial), M6 Holes on 25 mm Centers (Metric)
• 1/2" (12.5 mm) Hole Border for Maximum Usable Area
• Sealed or Non-Sealed Hole Options
• No Holes Custom Options Available

Thorlabs' extensive Nexus™ optical tables product line features all-steel construction, excellent thermal stability, and damping optimized for each table size. The 5 mm thick stainless steel top and bottom skins have a precision-machined matte finish. These tables have either 1/4"-20 taps on 1" centers (Imperial) or M6 taps on 25 mm centers (Metric), with a 1/2" (12.5 mm) border at the edge of the table for maximum usable area. These tabletops are manufactured from magnetic steel with sealed or non-sealed holes as standard. No holes options are available as a custom order upon request.

Please note that an optical table equipped with earthquake restraints cannot be used with an optical table frame.

• Protect the Work Area from Accidental Knocks
• Allow Post- and Hook-Mounted Accessories to be Used (See Table to the Right)
• Span the Entire Length of the Optical Table
• Fit to the Front or Rear of the Workstation
• Supplied Individually

The TFB20 Lean Bar fits to either the front or rear of the frame to form a barrier that shields the vibration-isolated tabletop and protects it from accidental contact. They also allow shelves and post-mounted accessories to be used (see table above). Individually sold, each lean bar ships as three pieces that need to be assembled by the end user. The lean bar bolts to two supports arms, which in turn are bolted to the table frame, one to each of the facing isolators. All necessary mounting hardware is supplied.

If you are also interested in having your workstation equipped with side lean bars, please see the presentation immediately below this one.

• Protect the Work Area from Accidental Knocks
• Allow Post- and Hook-Mounted Accessories to be Used (See Table to the Right)
• Span the Width of the Optical Table
• Fit to the Overhead Shelf Support Frame
• Supplied in Pairs to Fit One End of the Workstation

The TFB12 Side Lean Bars span the entire width of the optical table on the right or left side. They are sold as a package of two to fit one end of the table. These bars bolt to the support struts of the overhead shelf described below and shield the vibration-isolated tabletop from accidental contact.

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These overhead shelves attach to our Nexus Table Frame via eight M8 bolts (included) which affix the shelves to the frame's crossbars.

• Provides Extra Storage Space
• Strong, Melamine-Faced MDF Construction
• Spans the Entire Length of the Optical Table
• Max Load Capacity: 135.0 kg (297.0 lbs) per Shelf
• Through Holes in Frame Allow for Easy Cable Management
• Accommodates Our 24-Outlet Power Strip, LED Strip Light, or Cable Trays (Sold Below)

If additional shelf space is required, this overhead shelf system, with two shelves, is an ideal solution. The shelves span across the length of the optical table and are a great space saver in the lab. The vertical supports feature a range of mounting points to allow height adjustment, and through holes are included in each corner of the frame for easy cable management. The shelves can be replaced with aluminum breadboards when using the mounting brackets detailed below.

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PSY121 Monitor Mount Shown Mounted on the TFA4 Adapter

• Compatible with Monitor Mount, Instrument Shelves,
  Breadboard Brackets, or Component Trays
• Strong, Steel Construction
• Attaches Directly to the Overhead Shelf Unit Uprights via
  Included M8 Bolts

The TFA4 Post Adapter allows you to attach post-mounted accessories to the optical table frame overhead shelving unit. As shown in the photo to the right, the adapter is bolted to one of the uprights using two supplied M8 bolts. Once connected, the 75 mm (2.95") long Ø1.5" post can be used to attach various accessories, such as our monitor mount, instrument shelves, breadboard brackets, or component trays.

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An aluminum breadboard fitted to the overhead shelf frame and viewed from the underside.

• Supports Aluminum Breadboards 300 mm to 600 mm
  (12" to 24") Wide
• Fits Over The Overhead Shelf Support Frame
  (Shown in Photo to the Right)
• Strong, All-Steel Construction

These brackets allow any of our aluminum breadboards with a width from 300 mm to 600 mm (12" to 24") to be fixed to the frame of the overhead shelf. Four brackets are supplied that attach to the underside of the breadboard using standard M6 or 1/4"-20 cap screws (not supplied).

• 24-Outlet, Surge-Protected Power Strips
• Three Outlet Types:
  US, EU, or UK
• Electrically Grounded Outlets

These 24-outlet, power strips are available with US-, EU-, or UK-style outlets. Each is designed for indoor use and is housed within an impact-resistant, sturdy metal case with built-in circuit breaker. They can be mounted to the underside of the shelf or to the side edge, as shown below. All power strips are fitted with clearance holes for standard 1/4"-20 or M6 cap screws. The units are turned on and off with a rocker switch.

The HDPS24-UK 24-Outlet Power Strip is shown installed on the front of the overhead shelving unit. It can also be installed to the underside of the shelf.

• Lengths:
  • PSY240 and PSY240E: 850 mm (33.46") Long
  • TFA2: 1828.5 mm (71.99") Long
• ON/OFF Switch
• Sturdy Aluminum Base Resists Warping
• Frosted Plastic Cover Ensures Even Spread of Light
• Shipped with three Spring Clips, three M6 Screws, and a Power Supply
  • The PSY240E Also Ships with 3 T-Nuts and a 4.3 m Extension Cord
• Includes Region-Specific Power Cord 

These rigid LED light strips are available in two lengths: 850 mm (33.46") or 1828.5 mm (71.99"). They are held in place by three spring clips that are easily fitted to the underside of our optical table frame overhead shelves. 

The light strips can also be mounted over a bench for general lab use or to our free-standing overhead shelf. The PSY240E comes with three T-Nuts and a 4.3 m extension cable for use with our Laminar Flow Enclosures. The three M6 screws shipped with the PSY240E are 6 mm long, making it our only light strip compatible with the Laminar Flow Enclosures.

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The 19" Rack Chassis Shown with an RBD201 DC Controller and an RK4101 Rack Shelf Holding an Optomechanics Kit

• Standard 19" EIA Equipment Rack
• Fits to the Front Tie Bar of the Nexus Frame (Shown in Photo to the Right)
• 360 mm (14.17") High, 8U Capacity
• Heavy-Duty, 3" Wide Vertical Channels
• Load Capacity: 60 kg (132 lb)

This heavy-duty instrumentation rack is manufactured from industrial-grade steel U-channels and angle extrusions. It can support up to 60 kg (132 lb) when the weight is distributed evenly throughout the height of the rack. Each side of the rack attaches to the front tie bar of the Nexus™ frame using two M8 bolts (supplied) as shown to the right.

Once the chassis is fitted, the Nexus™ frame can be used with our range of 19" Rack Hardware and other industry-standard 19" lab equipment.

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Open RAU400 Drawer Unit Showing Included RAU001 Divider Kit

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RAU400 Drawer Unit Attached to the Front Tie Bar of the Nexus Table Frame

• Available in 3 Heights: 2U, 3U, and 4U
• Full Extension Ball-Bearing Drawer Slides
• Black-Powder-Coated Finish
• Rubber Lined Bottom to Protect Components and Devices
• Sold Complete with Divider Kit (Item # RAU001)
• Lockable for Added Security

This versatile drawer assembly is ideal for general storage. It fits the TFR19 19" rack chassis detailed above and is available in 3 heights: 2U, 3U, and 4U. The drawer is made from 1.2 mm (0.05") thick steel with a black-powder-coated paint finish. It moves on smooth roller bearing runners and features a coupling on the drawer slide, allowing for removal of the drawer from the housing. Each drawer is lockable and comes with two keys, four 12-24 screws with nuts for securing the drawer to the rack chassis, a rubber base mat, and an RAU001 divider kit. Additional RAU001 divider kits are available separately.

The RAU001 drawer divider kit is provided to allow the user to build smaller storage bins. As shown to the right, it is comprised of two plastic pieces that span the depth of the drawer and two that span the width. The dividers can be moved and interlocked to build different arrangements; they can also be cut into smaller lengths to build custom bin sizes.

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UTD001 Drawer Unit Shown with a Nexus Frame

• Drawer Size: 1000 mm x 750 mm x 60 mm (39.37" x 29.53" x 2.36")
• Full Extension Ball-Bearing Drawer Slides
• Black Powder-Coated Finish
• Rubber Lined Bottom to Protect Components and Devices
• One UTD002 Divider Kit Included with Purchase of Drawer

This versatile under table drawer assembly is designed to fit any of our optical table frames and is ideal for general storage. The drawer measures 1000 mm x 750 mm x 60 mm (39.37" x 29.53" x 2.36") and bolts to the upper side of the front and rear tie bars of the Nexus frame as shown to the right. The drawer is made from 1.2 mm (0.05") thick steel with a black powder-coated paint finish. It moves on smooth roller bearing runners and features a coupling on the drawer slide, allowing for removal of the drawer from the housing. The drawer features a central bulkhead which splits the area in half.

The unit is supplied with eight screws for attaching the drawer to the table frame using a 13 mm or adjustible wrench. The drawer unit can be attached directly to our 1 m (3') deep optical table frame and contains adjustable support rails to accomodate larger 1.2 m (4') deep optical tables frames. For more details on installation, please see the manual, which is available by clicking on the red Docs icon () below. The drawer is supplied complete with a rubber base mat for protecting components and devices and a UTD002 divider kit; Additional UTD002 divider kits are available separately.

The UTD002 drawer divider kit is provided to allow the user to build smaller storage bins. As shown to the right, it is comprised of two plastic pieces that span the depth of the drawer and two that span half the width. The dividers can be moved and interlocked to build different arrangements. They can also be cut into smaller lengths to build custom bin sizes.

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TFC100 and TFC200 Shown Fitted to a Nexus Table Frame and Being Used to Redirect Cables from a Power Supply and Oscilloscope

• Attach Underneath or to the Front
  of the Overhead Shelf Frame
  (Shown in Photo to the Right)
• Ideal for Keeping Electrical Cables and Fiber Optic Patch Cables Out of the Way
• Maximum Load Capacity (Evenly Distributed)
  • TFC100 and TFC125: 5 kg (11 lbs)
  • TFC200 and TFC250: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Four Lengths Available:
  • TFC100: 1.0 m (3.29')
  • TFC125: 1.25 m (4.1')
  • TFC200: 2.0 m (6.56')
  • TFC250: 2.5 m (8.2')

These cable trays are designed to be attached either underneath or to the edge of the overhead shelf frame, using the M6 bolts supplied. They are made from 3 mm (1/8") thick steel wire with a powder-coated plastic finish. Measuring 92.0 mm (3.62") high by 109.4 mm (4.31") deep, they are offered in four lengths: 1.0 m (3.29'), 1.25 m (4.1'), 2.0 m (6.56'), and 2.5 m (8.2'). The two shorter trays are supplied with two mounting brackets, while both the longer racks are shipped with three brackets.

Please note that an overhead shelf unit must be fitted to the table frame in order to install these trays.

• Deliver Pressure up to 8 Bar (120 PSI)
• Air Tank Size: 3.5 Liters (0.92 U.S. Gallons)
• Compact Footprint
• Integrated Pressure Regulator and Filter
• Low-Noise Operation: 50 dB(A) at 1 m
• Compatible with Our Active Optical Table Supports, Active Isolation Support Frames, and Active ScienceDesk™ Tables

The PTA52x Air Compressors can generate up to 8 bars of air pressure while providing low noise operation (50 dB(A) at 1 m away). Each unit is self-contained and compact. The low duty cycle of the compressors helps minimize vibrations. They are ideal sources of compressed air for active vibration isolation systems, such as our active optical table supports, active isolation support frames, or our active ScienceDesk™ tables.

The PTA52x air compressors accept standard 6 mm outer diameter tubing and include: an air outlet pressure regulator with gauge, a filter, a pressure tank with gauge, and a safety valve. Furthermore, they are equipped with an automatic drainage system that removes condensate from the unit, reducing the maintenance needed by avoiding the need for regular manual draining. They are shipped with a bottle of compressor oil (Item # PTA1006) and a power cord for the appropriate territory. 

Note
The air compressor is only intended to operate at a duty cycle of less than 50% (or less than 15 minutes of every 30 minute cycle). To prevent exceeding a 50% duty cycle, check air connections for leaks regularly.