HTAS100-13-N Precision Fine-Pitch Adjustment Screw (1/4″-100 UNC)

Overview

The HTAS100-13-N is a high-precision fine-pitch adjustment screw engineered for sub-micron positional control in optical alignment systems. Designed to meet the stringent mechanical stability and repeatability requirements of interferometric setups, laser cavity alignment, and precision optomechanical assemblies, this screw implements a 1/4″-100 Unified National Coarse (UNC) thread — equivalent to a nominal pitch of 0.254 mm — delivering 25.4 µm linear displacement per full 360° rotation. Its thread geometry conforms to ANSI/ASME B1.1 standards, ensuring compatibility with internationally specified optical mounts and enabling direct interchangeability with differential micrometer heads used in OEM-grade optical breadboards and kinematic platforms. The screw’s core function is to convert rotational input into highly repeatable axial translation, minimizing backlash and hysteresis through optimized thread engagement and low-friction interface design.

Key Features

• Precision 1/4″-100 UNC thread with certified pitch tolerance ≤ ±0.002 mm over 10 mm length, supporting resolution down to 0.25 µm per 0.01° rotation increment
• Hardened brass nut with anti-galling surface treatment ensures >100,000 cycles of consistent torque response without measurable wear-induced drift
• Integrated locking collar allows secure position retention under static load conditions up to 25 N axial force
• Ball-tipped sliding contact at the drive end reduces stiction and improves motion linearity across the full stroke range (standard stroke: 13 mm)
• Stainless steel shaft (AISI 420) with centerless ground surface finish Ra ≤ 0.2 µm, providing dimensional stability under thermal gradients from 15–35 °C
• Standardized mounting footprint compatible with Newport KM100, Thorlabs PT1, and other ISO 17025-aligned optical mount families

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HTAS100-13-N is designed for integration into vacuum-compatible (≤10⁻⁵ mbar), non-magnetic, and cleanroom-rated optical benches. It complies with mechanical interface specifications defined in ISO 10110-7 (optical element mounting) and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. While not an active measurement device, its dimensional consistency supports traceable alignment workflows compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.10 (equipment suitability for intended use). No electrical or optical calibration certificate is issued; however, dimensional verification reports (per ISO 1101 geometric tolerancing) are available upon request for GMP or GLP-aligned laboratory audits.

Software & Data Management

This is a passive mechanical component requiring no firmware, drivers, or software integration. Position tracking must be achieved externally via calibrated encoders, capacitive sensors, or laser interferometers mounted in the host optical system. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 requirements, documentation of installation, functional testing, and periodic mechanical verification (e.g., backlash measurement per ASTM E2544-20 Annex A3) should be retained as part of instrument qualification records. HT provides a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity (DoC) outlining material composition, thread certification, and dimensional test methodology.

Applications

• Fine alignment of laser diode mounts and fiber collimators in telecom and quantum optics testbenches
• Active stabilization of mirror mounts in Michelson and Mach-Zehnder interferometers
• Positioning of grating holders in monochromators and spectrographs requiring <1 arcsecond angular reproducibility
• Integration into automated optical inspection stages where mechanical hysteresis must remain below 50 nm over repeated cycles
• Replacement component for legacy Newport U100A and Thorlabs NR36 series micrometer-driven adjusters
• Use in cryogenic optical tables (down to 77 K) when paired with low-thermal-expansion mounting hardware

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended axial load for continuous operation?
The HTAS100-13-N is rated for static loads up to 25 N and dynamic loads up to 12 N at ≤1 rpm. Exceeding these limits may accelerate nut wear and degrade positional repeatability.
Is vacuum compatibility verified, and what outgassing data is available?
Yes — the stainless steel shaft and brass nut have been tested per ASTM E595: total mass loss (TML) < 0.5%, collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) < 0.05%. Full outgassing report available under NDA.
Can this screw be used in conjunction with motorized actuators?
It is mechanically compatible with standard 1/4″-100 stepper motor couplers (e.g., Helix Linear Actuator Series), though HT does not supply motorized versions. Integration requires external torque limiting to prevent thread damage.
Does the locking collar maintain position under vibration environments?
Yes — validated per MIL-STD-810G Method 514.6, Category 24 (broadband random vibration, 5–2000 Hz, 11.6 g RMS), with positional drift < 0.5 µm after 30 minutes of exposure.
Are custom stroke lengths or thread materials available?
Yes — HT offers OEM variants with strokes from 5 mm to 25 mm and optional Invar shafts or titanium nuts upon formal engineering review and minimum order quantity agreement.