Magnetic Bases

• Ø2.63" (66.8 mm) x 3/8" (9.5 mm)
• Ceramic Magnet in Base Provides Excellent Holding Force: 70 lbs (311 N)
• Precision-Machined for Flat, Stable Mounting
• Counterbored Mounting Hole Accepts 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws

The PMB3 Base is a permanent magnetic version of our IB3 Instrumentation Base. The magnet is sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without clamping to an optical table. This base is only compatible with magnetic optical tables and breadboards. These are ideal for components which will temporarily be in a beam path, such as power meters.

• Holding Force: 175 lbs (778 N)
• 1/4"-20 (M6) Mounting Stud
• Typically Used with our Standard Ø1/2" Posts, Ø1" Posts, or Ø1/2" Post Holders

The MB175 heavy duty magnetic base has a switchable magnet, i.e. a magnet that can be turned on and off, for quick positioning of optical components. This base does not require additional hardware to secure it to the breadboard; however, it is only compatible with magnetic optical tables. The two bottom mounting surfaces have been precision ground for optical bench applications.

Note: The MB175(/M) magnetic base is not intended for overhead use. The holding force is specified for removal of the base perpendicular to a magnetic stainless steel surface with a surface flatness of less than 0.0005" (12.7 µm).

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PHM1 magnetic base used to mount a series of optics in close proximity to each other.

• Compact Design Ideal for High-Density Optical Setups
• ON/OFF Hex Key Switch for Easy Assembly
• Vertical Holding Force: 56 lbs (250 N)
• Horizontal Holding Force: 22 lbs (100 N)
• 1/4"-20 (M6) Post-Mounting Stud
• Typically Used with our Standard Ø1/2" Posts, Ø1" Posts, or Ø1/2" Post Holders

Thorlabs' PHM1(/M) Post Base is a compact, switchable (i.e., the magnet can be turned on and off) magnetic base that allows the user to mount optics and instruments rigidly in a setup. This switchable magnetic design provides placement flexibility within the experiment. The magnet is aligned centrally along the length of the base and recessed to avoid damaging the work surface. Sufficient holding force is provided by the magnet to secure the base in place without clamping to an optical table and the magnet can be switched on by turning the switching screw counterclockwise 90° using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key.

These bases are ideal for applications where semi-permanent hardware placement and close positioning with other components are required. Additionally, the black anodized finish allows for reduced scatter in optical applications.

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MBM0404 magnetic base used to mount a series of optics in an interferometer set up.

• ON/OFF Hex Key Switches for Easy Assembly
• Vertical Holding Force: 33.7 or 67.4 lbs (150 or 300 N)
• Horizontal/Sideways Holding Force: 11.2 or 22.5 lbs (50 or 100 N)
• Array of 25 1/4"-20 (M6) Mounting Holes
• Ideal for Use with No-Holes Breadboards

The MBM series Magnetic Base is a compact, switchable (i.e., the magnet can be turned on and off) magnetic breadboard that allows the user to mount optics and instruments rigidly in a setup. The switchable magnetic design provides placement flexibility within the experiment, and the twin magnets are sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without needing to clamp it to an optical table. The full magnetic force of 67.4 lbs (300 N) can be switched on by turning both of the switching screws counterclockwise 90° using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex key. A reduced force of 33.7 lbs (150 N) can be applied by turning on just one of the switches.

These bases are ideal for applications where semi-permanent hardware placement and close positioning with other components are required. Each base has an array of 25 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and provides the same mounting functionality as an optical breadboard. The footprint measures 112 mm x 112 mm (4.4" x 4.4"), for compatibility with our NanoMax 3-axis stages and is large enough to allow a complete subassembly to be removed from the setup. They are also ideal for providing a fixed mounting surface to a breadboard without holes and for use with our range of kinematic bases. Additionally, the black anodized finish reduces scatter in optical applications.

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• Magnetic Versions of Our Most Popular Bases
• Holds Position of Components During Initial Setup Process
• Relief Cuts in Base Provide Excellent Stability

These anodized aluminum magnetic bases are modeled after our popular standard bases but are enhanced by bottom-mounted rare earth magnets, which provide the ability to temporarily secure components during the setup process. The force from these magnets is strong enough to help prevent accidental movement of components, while still allowing for easy repositioning. The full functionality of these bases can only be achieved when using them on a magnetic table or breadboard; however, they can function as a standard base on non-magnetic surfaces as well.

Each base attaches to a post holder via cap screws that fit within a bottom-located 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole. For final attachment to an optical breadboard, each base features at least one slot for a 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screw. Once positioning is complete, these bases must be screwed down to be permanently secured to the table. The BA1SR provides one 1.10" (27.9 mm) slot and allows for the smallest footprint. For increased stability while maintaining a small footprint, the BA1R provides two 0.81" (20.1 mm) slots. Finally, for the most support, the BA2R features two 1.25" (31.8 mm) slots. In addition, the BA2R comes with four bottom-located M3 counterbored holes for 34 mm rail mounting.

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The BE1R has a magnet in the base for stability in temporary setups.

• BE1R(/M) Adapters Convert Standard Ø1/2" Post Holders and Ø1" Posts into Pedestal-Style Mounts
• Strong Magnet in Base Provides Stability for Temporary Setups
• Clamping Forks or CL8 Table Clamp Secures Base to a Breadboard or Table
• Machined Bottom Relief Cut for Added Stability

The BE1R(/M) is a magnetic version of our BE1(/M) pedestal base adapters. These bases feature a 1/4"-20 (M6)-threaded stud which fit into the bottom of our standard Ø1/2" post holders or Ø1" posts to convert them into pedestal-style mounts. The magnet is sufficiently strong to securely hold the base in place without clamping to an optical table. A clamping fork or the CL8 Table Clamp can be used with these base adapters for additional stability or for making a permanent setup.

• Convert Your Existing Post Holders into Universal Post Holder Style Mounts
• 360° Swiveling Base Fastens to Existing Ø1/2" Post Holders via a 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screw
• Magnets in Base Hold Position of Components on Breadboard During Initial Setup
• Also Available in Packs of Five

Our 360° swivel base adapter fits standard Ø1/2" post holders with 1/4"-20 (M6) mounting holes and minimizes the amount of time it takes to assemble an optical system. In addition, the swivel design is ideal for applications that require a large number of components to be packed into a small area. When our Ø1/2" post holders are used with this adapter, the combination is nearly that of our very popular Universal Post Holders. This anodized aluminum adapter has the benefit of compatibility with any of our existing Ø1/2" post holders but does not offer the same height flexibility of the swiveling post holders, which allow the post to be lowered all the way to the table. For ease of ordering, these base adapters are also available in packs of five.