ZOLIX BSRB Series Rod Holder with Base

Overview

The ZOLIX BSRB Series Rod Holder with Base is a precision-engineered optical mounting component designed for stable, repeatable, and height-adjustable support of 12.7 mm (½″) optical rods in laboratory-scale optical setups. Built upon fundamental principles of mechanical constraint and elastic preload, the BSRB holder employs a dual-arc grooved bore geometry to establish two distinct line contacts between the rod surface and the internal bore—significantly enhancing lateral rigidity and minimizing angular drift under static load or minor vibration. Its structural integrity derives from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, selected for its high strength-to-density ratio, dimensional stability across ambient temperature fluctuations (20 ± 5 °C), and compatibility with cleanroom-handling protocols. Unlike generic clamping solutions, the BSRB integrates a purpose-built hollow hex-head knurled screw featuring an integrated compression spring and polyoxymethylene (POM) contact tip—delivering consistent clamping force while protecting rod surface finish from marring or galling.

Key Features

• Dual-arc grooved bore design ensures bilateral line contact with 12.7 mm rods, improving torsional resistance and reducing micro-slip during fine alignment.
• Magnetic base with annular NdFeB magnet (grade N42, Br ≈ 1.32 T) provides ≥8 N holding force on ferromagnetic optical tables prior to mechanical clamping—enabling rapid pre-positioning without slippage.
• Hollow knurled hex screw (M6 × 0.75 thread) incorporates a preloaded coil spring and low-friction POM tip, delivering controlled axial engagement and eliminating torque-induced deformation of the rod.
• Height range spans six standardized lengths: 25 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, and 150 mm—each optimized for minimum beam height clearance when used with standard optical breadboards (e.g., 6 mm thick, 25 mm grid).
• Full-through bore allows optical rods to pass completely through the base, enabling inverted mounting configurations and extended vertical adjustment beyond conventional top-mounted holders.
• Compliant with mechanical handling requirements per ISO 10110-7 (optical element mounting interfaces) and supports traceable setup documentation under GLP/GMP-aligned lab practices.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSRB series is exclusively rated for use with solid, straight, cylindrical stainless steel or black-anodized aluminum rods of nominal diameter 12.7 mm ± 0.02 mm. It is not intended for use with threaded rods, composite shafts, or non-circular cross-sections. The magnetic base requires a ferromagnetic mounting surface (e.g., low-carbon steel optical table tops) to achieve specified pre-clamp holding force; performance degrades on non-magnetic surfaces such as granite, aluminum, or composite breadboards. All units are manufactured and inspected per ZOLIX’s internal quality control protocol Q/ZLH-OPM-009, which references dimensional tolerancing per ISO 2768-mK and surface finish requirements per ISO 1302. No regulatory certifications (e.g., CE, RoHS) apply, as the product falls outside directive scope for active instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical mounting component, the BSRB Series does not incorporate electronic sensors, firmware, or data interfaces. However, its geometric repeatability and documented torque limit (3.2 N·m maximum) enable integration into digitally documented optical alignment workflows. Users may log installation parameters—including rod type, holder height, applied torque (measured via calibrated torque screwdriver), and positional coordinates—in LIMS or ELN systems compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in regulated environments (e.g., metrology labs, photonics R&D QA processes). ZOLIX provides downloadable STEP and IGES CAD models (metric units) for mechanical integration verification and optical layout simulation (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or Synopsys LightTools).

Applications

• Stabilized vertical support for kinematic mirror mounts, lens tubes, and fiber launch assemblies on steel-top optical tables.
• Modular construction of multi-axis optomechanical frames requiring sub-5 µrad angular stability over 24-hour thermal cycles.
• Low-height beam path optimization in compact interferometers, cavity ring-down spectrometers, and ultrafast laser beam delivery systems.
• Education lab setups where robust, student-safe rod retention and intuitive magnetic pre-alignment reduce setup time and improve experimental reproducibility.
• Integration into automated optical benches where mechanical repeatability supports robotically assisted alignment sequences.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended torque for the knurled clamping screw?
Do not exceed 3.2 N·m. Use a calibrated L-shaped 5 mm hex key, applying force only at the short arm to prevent over-torque. Exceeding this limit risks permanent deformation of the POM tip or bore geometry.
Can the BSRB holder be used on non-magnetic optical tables?
Yes—but magnetic pre-holding will not function. In such cases, rely solely on mechanical clamping via the M6 clamp screw against the table surface; ensure the table has tapped M6 holes or use appropriate adapter plates.
Is the through-bore design compatible with internally threaded rods?
No. The through-bore is smooth and unthreaded. Internally threaded rods must be mounted using externally threaded adapters or alternative holders with tapped bores.
Are CAD models available for mechanical integration?
Yes. STEP and IGES files for all six height variants are available for download from the ZOLIX technical resources portal without registration.
Does ZOLIX offer custom heights or non-standard rod diameters?
Standard production is limited to the listed heights and 12.7 mm bore. Custom configurations (e.g., 25.4 mm bore, metric-threaded variants) are available under OEM agreement with minimum order quantities and extended lead times.