ZOLIX OTSB Series Aluminum Optical Breadboard
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Model | OTSB |
| Material | Anodized Aluminum (Black Oxide Finish) |
| Thickness | 13 mm |
| Surface Flatness | ≤ 0.3 mm per 600 mm |
| Hole Pattern | 25 mm × 25 mm (M6 Tapped Holes) |
| Weight | ~3 kg (300 mm × 300 mm variant) |
| Custom Options | Metric/Imperial Hole Spacing (25.4 mm), Increased Thickness (19 mm), 1/4″-20 Threaded Holes |
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer | ZOLIX Optics |
Overview
The ZOLIX OTSB Series Aluminum Optical Breadboard is a precision-engineered platform designed for stable, modular optical system assembly in research laboratories, university teaching labs, and industrial R&D environments. Constructed from solid 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, the breadboard undergoes a uniform black anodizing process that provides enhanced surface hardness, corrosion resistance, and critically—reduced specular reflectivity. This finish minimizes stray light interference during sensitive optical alignment, interferometry, or laser beam path construction. The structural integrity is maintained through full-thickness machining (13 mm standard; optional 19 mm variants available), eliminating honeycomb or laminated compromises common in lower-cost alternatives. Its dimensional stability under thermal and mechanical load ensures long-term repeatability of optical component positioning—essential for setups requiring sub-millimeter alignment fidelity across hours or days of operation.
Key Features
- Solid aluminum construction with no internal voids or bonded layers—ensures consistent rigidity and vibration damping characteristics.
- Black anodized surface (Type II, 15–25 µm thickness) offering >90% diffuse reflectance suppression in visible to near-IR spectrum (400–1100 nm).
- Precision-machined M6 threaded holes on a 25 mm × 25 mm orthogonal grid—compatible with ISO-standard optomechanical components (e.g., kinematic mounts, translation stages, post holders).
- Flatness tolerance of ≤0.3 mm over any 600 mm × 600 mm area, verified via coordinate measuring machine (CMM) calibration per ISO 10360-2.
- Low mass-to-stiffness ratio: 3.0 kg for 300 mm × 300 mm configuration enables manual repositioning without compromising structural resonance frequency (>120 Hz typical for 300×300×13 mm unit).
- Optional configurations include 25.4 mm (1 inch) hole pitch for legacy U.S. instrumentation compatibility, 1/4″-20 tapped holes, and extended thickness (19 mm) for high-load applications such as multi-axis goniometers or heavy-duty mirror mounts.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OTSB breadboard supports direct mounting of all standard optomechanical hardware conforming to DIN 3160, ISO 8015, and ANSI/BHMA A156.1 specifications. Its M6 thread pitch (1.0 mm) and depth (≥8 mm) meet minimum engagement requirements for static loads up to 250 N per fastener under shear. The black oxide finish complies with MIL-A-8625 Type II Class 1 standards for non-reflective surfaces in optical enclosures. While not certified to ISO 14001 or RoHS by default, material traceability documentation (including mill test reports for 6061-T6 billet stock) is available upon request for GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols.
Software & Data Management
As a passive mechanical platform, the OTSB breadboard requires no embedded firmware or driver software. However, its standardized geometry integrates seamlessly with CAD-based optical design workflows (Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED). Dimensional drawings (STEP, IGES, PDF) and GD&T annotations—including true position tolerances for all M6 holes—are provided with each order. For lab asset tracking, ZOLIX supplies serialized QR-coded labels affixed to each unit’s underside, enabling integration into LIMS or CMMS platforms via standard barcode scanning APIs.
Applications
- Laser cavity alignment and mode profiling setups requiring minimal thermal drift.
- Interferometric measurement benches (Michelson, Mach-Zehnder) where surface flatness directly impacts wavefront error.
- Undergraduate and graduate optics teaching labs—durable enough for repeated student handling yet precise enough for quantitative experiments.
- Portable optical test stations for field-deployable spectrometers or fiber coupling rigs.
- Baseplate for automated translation stages used in spectral calibration or photonic integrated circuit probing.
- Foundation for vacuum-compatible optical tables when paired with stainless steel fasteners and outgassing-tested adhesives.
FAQ
Is the black anodized surface resistant to common optical cleaning solvents (e.g., acetone, isopropanol, methanol)?
Yes—the Type II anodized layer is chemically stable in all standard laboratory-grade solvents used for optical surface cleaning. Avoid prolonged immersion or abrasive wiping to preserve surface integrity.
Can OTSB breadboards be mounted vertically or inverted without structural compromise?
Yes—solid aluminum construction and optimized mass distribution support wall-mounting or ceiling suspension using appropriate brackets and load-rated fasteners. Maximum recommended cantilever span is 300 mm for 600 mm-length boards.
Are custom hole patterns or cutouts available for OEM integration?
Yes—ZOLIX offers CNC programming services for non-standard apertures, cable management slots, or kinematic mounting features, subject to minimum order quantities and NDA-compliant engineering review.
Does ZOLIX provide flatness certification reports for individual units?
Yes—CMM-measured flatness data (per ISO 10360-2) is included with every board ≥450 mm in any dimension. Smaller units are batch-certified with statistical process control (SPC) records available upon request.
