Products Home / Optomechanical Components / Optomechanical Mounts / Component Mounts / V-Mounts / Post-Mountable V-ClampsPost-Mountable V-Clamps
- V-Clamp Models Accommodate Wide Range of Mounting Applications
- Solid One-Piece V-Clamp Body Provides Excellent Stability
- Vertical Clamping Arm Provides Stable, 3-Point Contact
6-32 (M4)
Tapped Holes
3 Places
PM4
(One Included
with Each Mount)
VC3C
VC1
8-32 (M4)
Nylon-Tipped
Setscrew
PM3
(One Included
with Each Mount)
Application Idea
A PCM Clamp with PCMV
V-Groove Adapter Mounting
a GRIN Collimator
VH1
Please Wait
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VC3C V-Clamp with a
Laser Diode Module Mounted on a
PY003 Pitch/Yaw Stage and Ø1" Pillar Post
Features
- Clamp Cylindrical Objects Ranging from Ø0.02" to Ø2.04"
- V-Clamp Lengths from 0.42" to 6.0"
- Clamping Arm Provides Stable, 3-Point Contact with the V-Clamp
- Ø1/2" Post Mountable
These post-mountable V-Clamps are available in five distinct models, each designed for different cylindrical mounting requirements. Each model offers a solid, one-piece V-clamp body accompanied by a clamping arm which contacts the components directly in-line with the center of the 'V'.
While most are commonly used to hold cylindrical objects such as GRIN Lenses (VH1 and PCM with PCMV), Fiber Collimation Packages (VC1 and PCM with PCMV), Laser Diode Modules (VC3C and PCM with PCMV), and HeNe Lasers (VC6), these mounts are excellent general-purpose mounts capable of holding even unusually shaped objects. The V-shaped body and vertical clamping arm offer three-point contact for stable component mounting. The V-clamps can all be mounted to Ø1/2" posts.
| Posted Comments: | |
purchasing
(posted 2015-07-13 14:03:55.407) DO YOU SELL SEPARATE - VEE BLOCK, PM4, OR ARM (HOLDS THE PM4) jlow
(posted 2015-08-25 03:06:14.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: We can sell the parts separately. To request a quote for this, please contact us at techsupport@thorlabs.com swaldman
(posted 2014-08-14 19:11:57.25) The Auto Cad drawing does not include the information required. The minimum and maximum clamping height does not show the height of the resulting optical axis, and there is no other information on the drawing either. Please update. myanakas
(posted 2014-10-01 08:29:06.0) Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The supporting documentation, which includes the auto cad drawing, has been updated to include the information that you were looking for. The maximum and minimum rod diameters have been included along with the maximum and minimum clamping heights. The height of the resulting optical axis for each configuration can be calculated by subtracting half of the rod diameter from the clamping height. I have contacted you directly to provide the new drawing pdf and dxf. mchen
(posted 2014-05-22 17:14:41.803) Can you make VC3 equipped with two 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbores, so that it can be directly mounted on a translation stage? Thanks, Mike cdaly
(posted 2014-05-29 03:18:00.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. I'll see if we can have this implemented into the current design. In the meantime, if you have room in your setup, the larger VC6 does currently feature 1/4"-20 counter bore holes on a 1" spacing for this purpose. tor
(posted 2011-01-19 17:54:53.0) Response from Tor at Thorlabs to anonymous poster: Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for any inconvenience you’ve had while using the PM1. We are aware of the shortfalls of the current design and are releasing an improved design in the next week. We would love to give you the opportunity to try the new design; please contact us at techsupport@thorlabs.com if you would like us to send you some samples. user
(posted 2011-01-18 15:09:09.0) The brass screws break too easily in this design! |
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VH1 supported along a set of 16 mm Cage Rods, which are attached to the 4-40 taps on the body of the clamp.
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VH1 holding a GRIN collimator, which is held in place by the V-groove and adjustable-height arm.
- Clamps Cylindrical Objects Ranging from Ø1/32" (0.8 mm) to Ø3/8" (9.5 mm)
- Compact Design Ideal for Small Optomechanical and OEM Assemblies
- 4-40 (M3) Mounting Taps on Front and Back for Cage Rods
- VH1 and VH1/M Post Mountable via Bottom-Located 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole
This miniature V-clamp is ideal for applications that require the positioning of short, small diameter cylindrical components, such as our GRIN Lenses, ranging from Ø1/32" (0.8 mm) to Ø3/8" (9.5 mm). The VH1 measures just 0.42" (10.7 mm) from front to back, a compact design that allows close access to both ends of a cylindrically shaped optic fastened within the mount. Cylindrical objects are clamped in place via a nylon-tipped setscrew, using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key, housed in an adjustable-height arm. One bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tapped hole makes this V-clamp directly compatible with our Ø1/2" posts. As an additional feature, the VH1(/M) has one 4-40 (M3) tapped hole on each side of the body that is center-aligned with the V-groove, allowing optics to be mounted along 16 mm Cage Rods with no need for posts (see images to the right). This mounting option conserves space in some small 16 mm Cage System setups.
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PCM Clamp Used with PCMP Prism Base to Mount a Dove Prism Over the 1/4"-20 Tap of a Ø1/2" Post
- Post-Mount Prisms or Cylindrical Objects
- PCM(/M) Ø1/2" Post Clamp Secures Objects Mounted on Base Adapters
- PCMV(/M) V-Groove Adapter Holds Cylindrical Objects
- Minimum Object Diameter: 0.02" (0.6 mm)
- Maximum Object Diameter: 0.52" (13.2 mm)
- PCMP(/M) Flat Adapter Holds Prisms or Beamsplitter Cubes
- Maximum Optic Height: 0.82" (20.8 mm)
- Adapters Mount to 1/4"-20 (M6) End of our Ø1/2" Optical Posts
Thorlabs' Compact Platform Mount is ideal for mounting cylindrical objects from 0.02" (0.6 mm) to 0.52" (13.2 mm) in diameter or prisms up to 0.82" (20.8 mm) tall onto a Ø1/2" Optical Post. Its thin 0.65" (16.5 mm) profile allows the mount to easily fit into a space-constrained setup, where a larger mount could not. Please note that a complete post clamp mount will require a PCM(/M) Ø1/2" Post Clamp and either a PCMP(/M) Flat or PCMV(/M) V-Groove Base Adapter, all of which are sold separately.
The PCMP(/M) and PCMV(/M) Base Adapters thread onto the 1/4"-20 (M6) end of a Ø1/2" post to provide a stable mounting surface for prisms or cylindrical objects, respectively. To secure the mounted component, the PCM(/M) Post Clamp fits over the post and includes a PM3 or PM3/M Clamping Arm with nylon-tipped setscrew that can be adjusted using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. The post clamp is locked in place on the Ø1/2" post using a side-located thumbscrew that can also be secured using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key. See the photo to the right for a mounting example.
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- Clamps Cylindrical Objects Ranging from Ø0.02" (0.5 mm) to Ø0.82" (20.8 mm)
- Post Mountable via Two 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes
- One PM3(/M) Clamping Arm Included with Each Mount
The VC1(/M) Small, 0.75" (19.1 mm) Long V-Clamp is ideally suited for holding small cylindrical objects such as our Fiber Collimation Packages. Cylindrical objects are clamped in place using the nylon-tipped setscrew on the included PM3(/M) Clamping Arm (one included with each mount; additional arms are available below). This setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2 mm) balldriver or hex key. This V-Clamp is equipped with one bottom-located and one side-located 8-32 (M4) tapped hole for post mounting. The side-located hole is opposite the clamping arm.
The PM3(/M) clamping arm is held to a post using a flexure locking mechanism that locks with the same 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. The post of the PM3(/M) includes a Ø0.09" (Ø2.3 mm) through hole that allows for extra torque to be applied when tightening.
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Underside of VC3C(/M) Clamp
- Clamps Cylindrical Objects Ranging from Ø0.26" (6.6 mm) to Ø2.04" (51.8 mm)
- Post Mountable via Three 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes
- Four Ø1/4" (M6) Counterbores for Additional Mounting Options
- One PM4(/M) Clamping Arm Included with Each Mount
These 2.5" (63.5 mm) Long, Large V-Clamps are designed to hold large cylindrical objects, such as our Laser Diode Modules. Cylindrical objects are clamped in place using the nylon-tipped setscrew on the included PM4(/M) Clamping Arm (one included with each mount; additional arms are available below). This setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2 mm) balldriver or hex key. Three bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tapped holes and four Ø1/4" (M6) counterbores are provided for mounting.
The PM4(/M) clamping arm is held to a post using a flexure mechanism that locks with the same 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. The post of the PM4(/M) includes a Ø0.10" (Ø2.5 mm) through hole that enables the use of added torque when tightening. For extra clamping support, these V-clamp have two additional (three total) 6-32 (M4) tapped holes for use with extra PM4(/M) clamping arms.
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Post-Mounted VC6 V-Clamp with an Additional
PM4 Clamping Arm Holding a
Ø1.74" (Ø44.2 mm) HeNe Tube Laser
- Clamps Cylindrical Objects Ranging from Ø0.26" (6.6 mm) to Ø2.04" (Ø51.8 mm)
- Post Mountable via Three 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes
- Six Ø1/4" (M6) Counterbores for Additional Mounting Options
- One PM4(/M) Clamping Arm Included with Each Mount
This 6" (152.4 mm) Long, Large V-Clamp is designed to secure long cylindrical objects, such as our HeNe Tube Lasers. Cylindrical objects are held in place using the nylon-tipped setscrew on the included PM4(/M) Clamping Arm (one included with each mount). This setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2 mm) balldriver or hex key. This mount is equipped with six Ø1/4" (M6) counterbores and three bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tapped holes for directly mounting the V-clamp to an optical breadboard or a post.
The PM4(/M) clamping arm is held to a post using a flexure mechanism that locks with the same 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. The post of the PM4 includes a Ø0.10" (Ø2.5 mm) through hole that enables the use of added torque when tightening. For extra clamping support, seven additional (eight total) 6-32 (M4) tapped holes have been added for extra PM4 clamping arms (available below).
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Clamping Arm Extension Posts with Metric Indicator Groove
Click for Details
Mechanical Drawings
- Provide Clamping Force for Our Platform Mounts
- 6-32 (M4) Threads on Top and Bottom of Post
- PM3(/M): Holds Optics up to 0.97" (24.6 mm) Tall
- PM4(/M): Holds Optics up to 1.61" (40.9 mm) Tall
- Extension Posts Available to Increase Max Optic Height
- PM3SP(/M) with PM3(/M): Hold Optics up to 2.21" (56.1 mm) Tall
- PM4SP(/M) with PM4(/M): Hold Optics up to 3.61" (91.7 mm) Tall
Thorlabs' PM3(/M) and PM4(/M) Clamping Arms use a nylon-tipped setscrew with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex to secure optics to our kinematic platform mounts and V-clamps. The PM3(/M) accommodates optics up to 0.97" (24.6 mm) tall and features a 0.69" (17.5 mm) center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew. In contrast, the PM4(/M) accommodates optics up to 1.61" (40.9 mm) and features a 1.16" (29.3 mm) center-to-center distance between the post and the nylon-tipped setscrew. The maximum optic height of the PM3(/M) or PM4(/M) Clamping Arms can be extended using our PM3SP(/M) or PM4SP(/M) Extension Posts, respectively. These extension posts are identical to the posts included in each complete clamping arm.
The clamping arm for all items is held to the post using a flexure mechanism that locks with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) balldriver or hex key. The post also offers a through hole for added torque when tightening down the post. Please see the diagram above for additional information.
V-Mounts, Ø1/2" Post-Mountable