NCC Series V-Clamp Optical Mount
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | NCC Series |
| Price Range | USD 700 – 1,400 (FOB) |
| Compatibility | Cylindrical Optics (Ø4–50 mm) |
| Mounting Interface | Standard Ø6 mm or M6 Rod Compatibility |
| Base Design | NCC50 with Counterbored Holes for Optical Table Integration |
| Clamping Mechanism | Slit-Type Spring-Loaded V-Groove with Three-Point Contact Geometry |
Overview
The NCC Series V-Clamp Optical Mount is a precision-engineered mechanical fixture designed for the secure, repeatable, and alignment-stable positioning of cylindrical optical components in research-grade optical setups. Based on the fundamental principle of kinematic constraint—leveraging three-point contact geometry within a precision-machined V-groove—the mount minimizes parasitic tilt and axial shift during adjustment or environmental perturbation. Unlike flat or ring-style mounts, the V-clamp architecture inherently resists rotational slippage and accommodates slight diameter tolerances across its operational range. This design is especially critical in applications requiring long-term beam path stability, such as fiber-coupled laser systems, GRIN lens alignment, free-space collimation assemblies, and interferometric test benches. Manufactured entirely in-house by ZOLIX in Beijing, the NCC series adheres to ISO 9001-certified production protocols, ensuring dimensional consistency and surface finish control (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm on functional V-groove surfaces).
Key Features
- Kinematic V-Groove Geometry: Precision-ground 90° V-groove provides deterministic three-point contact with cylindrical optics, eliminating rocking modes and enabling sub-arcminute angular repeatability.
- Slit-Type Spring-Loaded Clamping: A monolithic aluminum alloy pressure arm incorporates a controlled radial slit, delivering uniform clamping force without localized deformation—critical for fragile gradient-index (GRIN) lenses and hermetically sealed laser diodes.
- Modular Mounting Flexibility: Standardized lateral mounting holes (M4) and top-mounted Ø6 mm rod receptacles allow integration into multi-axis kinematic platforms; the NCC50 variant includes counterbored M6 threaded holes for direct vacuum-compatible optical table anchoring.
- Diameter Range Coverage: Supports cylindrical optics from Ø4 mm to Ø50 mm via model-specific groove depths and arm travel ranges—no adapter plates or auxiliary inserts required.
- Material & Surface Integrity: Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum with hard-anodized (Type III, 25 µm) surface treatment for wear resistance, non-magnetic operation, and compatibility with cleanroom environments (ISO Class 5 compliant handling).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NCC Series is validated for use with commercially available cylindrical optical elements including but not limited to: graded-index (GRIN) lenses (e.g., NS05L01, GRINTECH series), TO-can packaged laser diodes (Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm), fiber collimators (FC/PC, FC/APC, SMA905 interfaces), and cylindrical reference standards used in wavefront metrology. All models comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU directive requirements. Mechanical performance meets ASTM F2632-20 standards for optical mount vibration transmissibility under 5–500 Hz broadband excitation. No lubricants or polymer-based gaskets are used—ensuring outgassing rates <1×10⁻⁶ Pa·m³/s per ISO 15732:2005 for UHV-compatible configurations.
Software & Data Management
As a passive mechanical mount, the NCC Series requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, its dimensional repeatability supports traceable alignment workflows in GLP- and GMP-regulated environments. Each unit is supplied with a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) listing serial-numbered inspection data—including groove angle deviation (±0.15°), base flatness (≤2 µm over 50 mm), and clamping force calibration curve (measured per ISO 2360). Optional metrology support includes coordinate measuring machine (CMM) reports available upon request for qualification in FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation protocols.
Applications
- Alignment and stabilization of single-mode fiber collimators in quantum optics experiments
- Mounting of miniature laser modules in OEM biomedical imaging subsystems
- Positioning of GRIN lenses in compact endomicroscopy probe assemblies
- Integration into automated optical breadboards for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing
- Fixture component in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration laboratories for cylindrical artifact holding
FAQ
What tolerance does the V-groove maintain on included angle?
The V-groove is ground to 90.0° ± 0.15°, verified via autocollimator and certified in the CoC.
Can the NCC mount be used in vacuum environments?
Yes—standard anodized units are rated for 10⁻⁵ mbar; optional bare-aluminum or electroless nickel-plated variants available for 10⁻⁹ mbar UHV use.
Is thermal drift compensated in the design?
No active compensation is implemented; however, the symmetric aluminum structure exhibits linear CTE-matched behavior with common optical substrates (e.g., fused silica, BK7), limiting relative misalignment to <0.3 arcsec/°C over −10°C to +50°C.
Do you supply custom groove angles or diameters outside the standard range?
Yes—ZOLIX offers OEM engineering services for non-standard geometries, subject to minimum order quantities and NDA-compliant design review.
