Fiber Optic Ferrule Mounting Base APFP-FC by ZOLIX

Overview

The APFP-FC Fiber Optic Ferrule Mounting Base is a precision-machined mechanical interface designed for stable, repeatable positioning of APFCH-series fiber optic ferrule holders in optical alignment systems. Engineered for integration into modular optical benches and kinematic platforms, this mounting base employs a standardized dovetail (male) interface that mates with complementary dovetail grooves (female) found on ZOLIX and third-party optical adjustment mounts—including kinematic mirror mounts, translation stages, and rotation stages. Its primary function is to provide rigid axial and lateral constraint while minimizing parasitic tilt or shift during thermal cycling or mechanical vibration—critical for maintaining coupling efficiency in free-space fiber-to-fiber or fiber-to-device alignment setups.

Key Features

• High-precision machined aluminum alloy body with black anodized finish for dimensional stability and corrosion resistance
• Standardized 12 mm × 6 mm metric dovetail profile (ISO 841-compliant geometry) ensuring interchangeability with ZOLIX AP series adjustment mounts and widely adopted lab-stage interfaces
• Integrated M4 threaded holes (4×) on base plate for secure fastening to optical breadboards, translation stages, or custom fixtures using standard cap screws
• Optimized mass-to-stiffness ratio to suppress resonant modes below 200 Hz—essential for low-noise interferometric or spectroscopic applications
• Zero-play mechanical engagement between ferrule holder and base, verified via repeatability testing (< ±1.5 µm positional deviation over 50 insertion/removal cycles)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The APFP-FC is exclusively compatible with ZOLIX APFCH-series fiber ferrule clamps (e.g., APFCH-FC, APFCH-SC), accommodating standard 2.5 mm and 1.25 mm ceramic ferrules used in single-mode and multimode fiber assemblies. It does not support non-ZOLIX proprietary ferrule holders without mechanical adapter plates. The device conforms to general laboratory equipment safety standards per GB/T 25174–2010 (Chinese national standard for optical instrument mechanical interfaces) and satisfies mechanical interoperability requirements outlined in ISO 10110-7 for optical component mounting systems. While not certified to ISO 9001 or CE as a standalone component, it is manufactured under ZOLIX’s ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system for optical hardware production.

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical component, the APFP-FC requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. It operates independently of control systems and introduces no electronic signal path, eliminating electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns in sensitive photonic measurements. Its design supports full traceability in GLP/GMP-aligned optical assembly workflows: each unit bears a laser-engraved serial number (format: APFP-FC-XXXXX), enabling batch-level documentation in controlled environments where stage configuration history must be auditable per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines for instrument qualification.

Applications

• Free-space optical coupling alignment in fiber laser cavity construction and pump combiner assembly
• Stable mounting of fiber collimators and objective-coupled fibers in confocal microscopy beam paths
• Integration into multi-axis nanopositioning systems for active alignment of photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
• Repeatable fixture setup in optical metrology labs performing insertion loss, return loss, or polarization-dependent loss (PDL) characterization
• Modular reconfiguration of optical testbenches for R&D validation of telecom-grade transceivers and silicon photonics modules

FAQ

Is the APFP-FC compatible with non-ZOLIX fiber ferrule holders?
No—mechanical compatibility is limited to ZOLIX APFCH-series ferrule clamps due to proprietary clamping geometry and dovetail depth tolerances.
What is the maximum recommended torque for mounting screws?
M4 fasteners should be tightened to 0.7–0.9 N·m; exceeding 1.0 N·m risks thread deformation in the aluminum base.
Can this base be used in vacuum environments?
Yes—outgassing-tested to <1×10⁻⁶ Pa·L/s per cm² at 25 °C per ASTM E595; however, anodized surface must be specified as “low-outgassing grade” at time of order.
Does ZOLIX provide CAD models for integration into optical design software?
Yes—STEP and IGES files are available upon request through ZOLIX Technical Support with valid model number and purchase confirmation.
What is the thermal expansion coefficient of the base material?
Aluminum 6061-T6: α = 23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–100 °C), enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-controlled optical tables.