Universal ZOLIX APFP-UM Optical Mounting Slide Base
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Origin | Domestic (PRC) |
| Model | APFP-UM |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The ZOLIX APFP-UM Universal Mounting Slide Base is a precision-machined mechanical interface component engineered for modular optical alignment systems in research and industrial laboratories. Designed according to standardized dovetail (T-slot) geometry, it conforms to widely adopted optical rail and kinematic mounting conventions—specifically compatible with 12 mm and 25 mm pitch dovetail rails commonly found on optical breadboards, translation stages, and adjustment mounts from major manufacturers including Thorlabs, Newport, and ZOLIX’s own stage series. Its function is purely mechanical: to serve as an intermediary adapter that enables rapid, repeatable, and orthogonal positioning of optical components—such as mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, or detector mounts—onto larger motion platforms without requiring custom machining or permanent fastening. The device operates on passive mechanical registration; no actuation, sensing, or electronic integration is involved. It is not a motorized or automated stage, but rather a foundational element supporting deterministic optical path construction under static or quasi-static alignment conditions.
Key Features
- Precision-ground aluminum alloy body (6061-T6) with black anodized finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and dimensional stability across thermal gradients.
- Standardized dual-dovetail profile: top surface features a symmetric 12 mm pitch dovetail groove for secure attachment of optical carriers or accessory plates; bottom surface integrates a complementary 25 mm pitch dovetail ridge for robust engagement with translation stages and optical rails.
- Four M4 threaded mounting holes (depth 8 mm) distributed at corners for rigid fixation to secondary adapters, kinematic bases, or custom interface plates.
- Flatness tolerance ≤ ±3 µm over the entire mounting surface, verified via coordinate measuring machine (CMM) calibration traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China).
- Interchangeable compatibility with ZOLIX’s AP-series adjustment mounts, UM-series manual translation stages, and third-party dovetail-compatible hardware meeting ISO 10110-7 surface form specifications.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The APFP-UM is intended exclusively for use with passive optical components weighing ≤ 2.5 kg and possessing standard mounting footprints (e.g., Ø1″, Ø2″, or rectangular bases with ≤ 80 mm × 80 mm footprint). It does not support dynamic loads exceeding 5 N·m torque or axial vibrations above 50 Hz without supplemental damping. While not certified to a specific international standard as a standalone item, its dimensional conformity aligns with ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing processes implemented by ZOLIX’s Beijing production facility. All materials comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. No CE marking is applied, as the product falls outside the scope of EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) due to its non-actuated, non-electrical nature.
Software & Data Management
The APFP-UM is a fully passive mechanical component and contains no embedded electronics, firmware, sensors, or communication interfaces. Consequently, it requires no driver installation, configuration software, or data logging capability. Integration into experimental workflows relies entirely on physical assembly protocols and documented mechanical tolerances. Users are advised to record mounting orientation, tightening torque (recommended: 0.7–0.9 N·m for M4 screws), and positional offset values in lab notebooks or ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook) systems to ensure traceability during GLP-compliant optical setup reconstruction.
Applications
- Building reconfigurable optical paths on vibration-isolated breadboards in laser spectroscopy setups (e.g., cavity ring-down, pump-probe, or Raman configurations).
- Mounting collimators and fiber couplers onto multi-axis translation stages for free-space-to-fiber coupling optimization.
- Serving as a stable platform for interferometric reference arms in Michelson or Mach-Zehnder architectures.
- Enabling modular replacement of optical elements during system commissioning or maintenance without disturbing adjacent alignment-sensitive components.
- Supporting educational laboratory kits where students assemble and realign optical trains using standardized mechanical interfaces.
FAQ
Is the APFP-UM compatible with Thorlabs’ KM100 kinematic mount?
Yes—its 12 mm top dovetail groove matches the mating ridge on Thorlabs’ KM100 and similar kinematic baseplates.
Does this part include mounting screws?
No—M4 socket head cap screws must be sourced separately per application-specific torque and material requirements.
Can it be used in vacuum environments?
It is suitable for low-vacuum applications (<10⁻² mbar) with proper outgassing preconditioning; however, anodized aluminum surfaces are not recommended for UHV (≤10⁻⁹ mbar) without additional surface treatment.
What is the maximum recommended clamping force for the dovetail interface?
Static retention force exceeds 80 N when engaged with a properly tensioned dovetail clamp; avoid lateral impact loading or repeated sliding under load to preserve surface integrity.
Is technical drawing documentation available?
Yes—dimensional drawings (PDF and STEP formats) are provided upon request through ZOLIX’s technical support portal, including GD&T annotations per ISO 1101.
